The Verdict: Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD M-JET Lusso

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: £18,390
Engine: 1.9 litre turbo diesel
Performance: 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds, 47.9mpg
CO2: 157g/km
Worth considering: Citroen C4 2.0HDi VTS Coupe, VW Golf 2.0GT TDi, Audi A3 2.0 TDi

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: £18,390
Engine: 1.9 litre turbo diesel
Performance: 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds, 47.9mpg
CO2: 157g/km
Worth considering: Citroen C4 2.0HDi VTS Coupe, VW Golf 2.0GT TDi, Audi A3 2.0 TDi

The updated Alfa 147 which our readers sampled for this Verdict makes an interesting comparison with the Citroen C4 Coupe tested here last week.

There are, of course, obvious similarities in terms of the cars' sizing and pricing, their three door bodywork, and their strong diesel engines. But there is something else as well. In the past, Citroen and Alfa each produced deeply distinctive cars that could not be mistaken for anything else; Citroens, typically French, were famous for their technology and their grace, Alfas for their sporty Italian style. Later, both brands were diluted when Citroen combined with Peugeot, and Alfa with Fiat. These days, though, Citroen and Alfa are attempting to recapture something of the old magic; the C4 and the 147 provide good examples of their respective efforts, but I think that Alfa has probably done the more convincing job of tapping into the positive aspects of its history.

I first had the chance to drive this face-lifted 147 in Naples a few months ago. That day, my passenger was Wolfgang Egger, the head of Alfa's Centro Stile design studio. He spoke with passion about past Alfas and how the company was not simply copying a few retro features from these older cars, but drawing more deeply on its design heritage. He explained, too, the effort that went into selecting the materials for the car's cabin. If I remember correctly, the 147's interesting crinkly dashboard plastic was modelled on a carefully chosen piece of buffalo hide that had precisely the required texture.

I came away impressed, but wondered whether the 147 would have the same charm when I drove it under gloomy British skies in early spring. Broadly speaking, it did. Right-hand drive cars retain the Italian script on their instruments ('giri' on the rev counter, for example), while the needles on the dials all point in precisely the same direction when the engine is switched off. Even the wiper arms are distinctive, one having a convex, the other a concave curve; each is embossed with the words 'Alfa Romeo'.

The powerful multijet diesel engine doesn't sound much like Alfa units of old, but its performance brings no shame upon the famous Italian marque - in fact, quite the opposite. Handling and ride are up to scratch, although the 147 is a touch crashy over potholes and level crossings.

Our test car, with its heavy doors and careful detailing, was at odds with the picture of flimsiness and unreliability that puts some people off buying Italian cars. But then again, when you plonk your money down for an Alfa, you're not really investing in some dull mobility device - you're buying into a motoring legend.

John Munro, 32, buyer from Nottingham
USUAL CAR: 1968 LOTUS ELAN & 1969 MINI CLUBMAN

I think the Alfa is the best looking of the compact class competition, but I failed to notice the "facelift". Fixtures and fittings are of a decent standard with a rather confusing stereo the only point to nit-pick. But I was unprepared for the fabulous torque that this new turbo diesel had on offer, this is not the breathless short-geared diesels of yore, great stuff. The power delivery is wonderful. This combined with the well-matched six speed box made for effortless cruising. This Alfa lives up to the sporting pretensions of the brand especially when compared to the anaemic Mark V Golf hire car I drove the day before.

Simon Hull, 35, management information analyst from Peterborough
USUAL CAR: FORD FOCUS 1.8 GHIA

I was impressed with the car - inside it's full of sporty bits - a small thick steering wheel, aluminium gear knob and grippy bucket seats. Outside it is very pretty with striking alloys and a grill from a bygone racing Alfa era. The car was good to drive - it came into its own on the smaller, twisty country roads. The power from the new engine hits you immediately with bags of torque low down. The only slight disappointment was the lack of Alfa sound from the engine. It was the epitome of a modern front wheel drive European hatchback - quick, direct and fun to drive with plenty of character as you would expect.

Christian Bates, 30, IT specialist from Leicester
USUAL CAR: ALFA ROMEO 156

Being a lover of Alfa cars I was really looking forward to this drive and I wasn't disappointed. The performance from the engine and the six speed gearbox is outstanding for a diesel car. Handling is second to none, it was very positive which made you feel confident in its abilities to handle any situation. The body styling in my opinion is one of the best of its class, nothing comes near its stylish lines and assertive looks. Personally, I felt the only thing that let this car down for the average buyer was the styling inside, everything looks borrowed from a variety of cars, nothing fits together seamlessly, even the electronic display colours don't match.

THE VERDICT

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