The number 1750 is a notable one in the history of Alfa Romeo. Berlina sedans, GTV coupes and Spider convertibles carried used a beautiful 1.75 litre, four-cylinder powerplant that brings back memories of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

Now the 1750 is back in Australia, this time in a model in the Alfa Romeo 159 range. The 1750 TBi engine is an all-new turbocharged unit and replaces the long-standing 2.2-litre JTS.

With 200 horsepower, 147 kW, and 320 Nm of torque at a mere 1400 rpm, the new Alfa Romeo engine can take the alfa 159 from zero to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. It has a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.1 litres per 100 km.
 
This new Alfa Romeo 1750 TBi engine uses the latest in technology, including direct fuel injection, a turbocharger, two continuously variable valve timing units, and a new design of scavenging control.

The only transmission being imported at this stage is a six-speed manual. Automatics are anticipated later.
 
The new Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi is available in Australia in two versions, the Alfa Romeo 159 and the 159 Ti .
 
The standard 159 equipment package includes a handcrafted Italian leather interior, cruise control, fog lights, automatic wipers and lights, remote central locking and dual-zone climate control. Alfa’s Blue&me telematics system and its voice activated Bluetooth are also installed.
 
Safety items include seven airbags, ABS with brake assist, and ESP.

Alfa Romeo 1750 Ti is very much a sports sedan, with sports suspension that lowers the 159 by 20 mm and which provides it with a sharper turn-in response from the steering and less body roll, but without the harsh ride that afflicts some sports suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 x 19 low profile tyres and Brembo brakes with the housings painted in Alfa Romeo red.
 
The appearance of the Alfa Romeo 1750 Ti is changed by the use of a body kit, not to mention burnished aluminium finished door mirrors.
 

Inside, the 159 1750 Ti has sports seats finished in black leather with red stitching. The front seats are power operated and heated. The same leather and red stitching is used on the steering wheel and the gear lever.
 
The dashboard is trimmed in a burnished aluminum and there are red-ringed instruments. Aluminium is used for the drilled sports pedals
 
The Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi has a recommended retail price of $49,990 for the standard model, with the 159 Ti 1750 TBi priced at $54,480. Government charges and dealer costs have to be factored in, so contact your local dealer for a driveaway price.