ALFA Romeo’s stylish and luxuriously appointed 166 large car has offered Australians a distinctive choice within the luxury sedan segment since late 1999. A worthy successor to Alfa’s popular 164, its recent mid-life facelift comprises a striking new face including a revised bonnet, bumpers, headlights and a prominent new interpretation of the Italian brand’s shield grille. But the visual updates have done little to increase 166’s competitiveness in a market dominated by seriously accomplished Germans. Despite plenty of character and interior ambience, features like a four-speed auto, a tight turning circle and less lively handling than its 156 medium sedan sibling continue to stamp the front-drive 166 as a seriously handicapped contender in a class that’s since moved well ahead of this luxurious Latin.