Alfa 159 2.2 and diesel: here on June 1

ALFA Romeo has confirmed its new 159 prestige sedan will be launched in Australia on June 1.

The 156 replacement will spearhead a model rush of three other new vehicles this year based on the same platform: the 159 Sportswagon, Brera sports coupe and Spider convertible.

The 159 range will launch with two engines: a 136kW 2.2-litre four-cylinder petrol and 147kW 2.4-litre turbo-diesel - the second diesel Alfa to arrive Down Under following this year's 147 JTD. These will be joined soon after by a 191kW 3.2-litre V6, mated to Alfa’s Q4 AWD system.

Pricing is expected to start in the low $50,000s.

"The 159 is a vitally significant car for Alfa Romeo and it represents the beginning of a rush of new models for Alfa Romeo over the next six months," said general manager for Alfa Romeo in Australia David Stone.

"The significance of the Alfa 159 only starts with the fact that it will replace the Alfa 156, one of the most important cars in history of Alfa Romeo.

"The 156 revitalized Alfa Romeo worldwide, collected a cupboard full of awards and drove Alfa Romeo back into the Australian car market. The arrival of the Alfa Romeo 159 is truly the start of the next generation of Alfa Romeo cars," he said.

The 159 sedan, 159 Sportswagon, Brera coupe and Spider convertible are expected to bring significant sales growth to the Italian brand in Australia and, accordingly, Alfa Romeo's dealer network has been extended via three new retail outlets this year in Orange, Albury and, most recently, Campbelltown in western Sydney.

"This year is the year of renewal and growth for Alfa Romeo in Australia," said Mr Stone. "These new models and our new dealers clearly and amply illustrate that Alfa Romeo is moving to the next level in the Australian market."The expanded Alfa Romeo dealer network will also handle sales of the new Punto light hatch, which is due to relaunch the Fiat passenger car brand in Australia during July.