Car design seems to go in trends so we get rounded shapes and then boxy ones. They have to appeal to a wide audience so can't look too wacky. If you took the grille off the 164 it could a Ford or anything. I actually prefer the more minimal rear. The lights ought to be just functional. Some newer cars have them even smaller with LEDs.

Some companies try quirky designs, but those tend to do less well. I still like to see something different. They have to work around the practical aspects of fitting things in, aerodynamics and safety.

I know Alfa have their fans though. A friend had the 166 V6 and he loved it. He ended up spending a lot fixing the engine after a cam chain failure.