IT is pretty much accepted that Alfa Romeo’s 159, in both saloon and SportWagon estate form, is a good car worthy of comparison with many of the best in the sector.

But the big problem still, it appears, is not the quality of the metal in front of you, but the perception of the brand.

The Audi A4 Avant is a very high quality vehicle with well-controlled running costs and solid residual values. The 159 just cannot match it, and its predicted secondhand values are poor, affecting leasing rates and meaning that without big discounts from Alfa, it will struggle to compete.

AUDI A4 2.7 TDI AVANT: Price new £25,567

Mileage		Age (months)		Predicted value		Money lost
20,000		12		£15,275/60%		£10,292
30,000		18		£13,350/52%		£12,217
40,000		24		£11,800/46%		£13,767
50,000		30		£10,250/40%		£15,317
60,000		36		£9,025/35%		£16,452

Source: CAP Motor Research

ALFA ROMEO 159 2.4 JTDM LUSSO SPORTWAGON: Price new £25,297

Mileage		Age (months)		Predicted value		Money lost
20,000		12		£13,800/55%		£11,497
30,000		18		£11,975/47%		£13,322
40,000		24		£10,425/41%		£14,872
50,000		30		£9.050/36%		£16,247
60,000		36		£7,900/31%		£17,397

Source: CAP Motor Research