Alfa Romeo is offering five years' warranty to any retail customer who first registers a new Alfa 147 or 156 between 1 January and the end of March 2004.

The offer guarantees all major mechanical parts for the five-year period, or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. The move is part of a new trend for temporary five-year warranty extensions to feature in marketing promotions, begun when Hyundai broke ranks with competitors to provide a five-year warranty as standard. Free five-year AA Roadside Assistance is also part of the Alfa Romeo package.