PRICED from £13,660-£19,040 on-the-road, Alfa Romeo's sporty mid-size hatchback continues to offer a distinctive alternative within the 'Elite' sub-C segment of the market, and with three and five-door versions, three petrol engines, two diesel engines, and Turismo and Lusso equipment options, the new model line-up suits a wide range of tastes and pockets.

Launched in the UK in February 2001, the original Alfa Romeo 147 has gone on to record nearly 360,000 sales worldwide. Its special blend of Italian design flair and advanced engineering, which translates into great handling and sparkling performance, has won Alfa's prestige compact sports hatch no fewer than 27 awards, including European Car of the Year 2001.

The latest restyled 147 retains the original's well-proportioned, muscular lines, but the bonnet, front wings and front bumper are all-new to give a cleaner, more dynamic front end. In particular, the distinctive shield-type grille is now larger and positioned lower and further forward, which, together with restyled headlights that sweep back to follow the lines of the V-shaped bonnet, conveys a greater sense of the car's sporting prowess. The mesh covering to the lower air intakes adds extra dynamic appeal.

One of the strengths of the Alfa Romeo 147 range has been the breadth of its engine choice. Petrol engines in 105 and 120 bhp 1.6 litre, and 150 bhp 2.0 litre Twin Spark guise, and the 115 bhp 1.9 litre JTD common rail turbodiesel engine were joined in 2003 by the groundbreaking, 140 bhp 1.9 litre JTD MultiJet engine, marking the first appearance in the UK of second generation common rail technology. Its adoption of higher injection pressures and multiple, but smaller, injections delivers even greater performance and fuel efficiency, together with reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

Interior: The new 147 offers a welcoming, airy environment, providing great comfort in terms of space available to driver and passengers. The passenger compartment is roomy, seats are multi-adjustable, and the steering wheel, pedals and gearbox are arranged to allow an instinctive drive. Numerous secondary controls are rationally grouped on the central console. A steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake, together with a height-adjustable driver's seat, enable drivers of all sizes to find their optimum seating position.

Among the revisions to the latest models is an addition to the range of two tone dashboard finishes - grey on grey - which joins the existing classic combinations of black on black, black on grey and black on beige, the latter enhanced with a more sophisticated embossed pattern. Customers can select from an extensive array of upholstery: the entry level 1.6 TS model features a black fabric trim, Turismo models a flocked cloth in a variety of colours, and Lusso models receive Alfatex as standard.

Lusso models may also be specified with optional black sports cloth or leather upholstery. The roomy luggage compartment measures 292 litres with the rear seats in place, extending to 1042 litres (VDA) with the rear seat backs lowered. It is also extremely practical and can be equipped with a luggage retaining net adjustable to different positions, while its base can be reversed to form a waterproof, washable tray for wet clothes, ski boots etc.

Car alarm: In addition to an Alfa CODE II immobiliser, the car is also fitted with a volumetric and anti-lift car alarm to deter the theft of objects from inside the passenger luggage compartments and prevent the theft of wheels, or the car itself, by lifting. The system includes an electronic control unit with an alarm siren located in the engine bay. It is activated by a radio-operated remote control unit housed in the ignition key.

Chassis: The proven and successful arrangement of double wishbones at the front and MacPherson struts at the rear continues, but a series of revisions mean the new Alfa 147's ride comfort has been enhanced without any adverse effects on its renowned handling characteristics. The front shock absorber pistons are now longer and housed in Teflon guides, and this has been introduced in conjunction with subtle changes to suspension design, both front and rear.

As far as customers are concerned, the result is a forgiving and drivable chassis that offers safety and control together with the precision and response that one would expect from an Alfa Romeo; yet great comfort is assured under all conditions. The 147 offers exceptional lateral grip, swift cornering, great efficiency and crisp steering response, making it a real driver's car.