IF ever there was a country that has a monopoly on style, it must be Italy. Whether you're talking fashion, architecture or food, the Latins are right up there with the best.
The same goes for car design. While Ferrari is the Versace of the motoring world and nearby neighbour Lamborghini possibly represents the Gucci version, there are some incredibly exciting designs that are more within reach of lesser mortals.
Sure, the Germans and Japanese have Turin beaten for longevity and toughness but the gap is closing and here we are addressing pure, raw sex appeal among cars.
Without doubt, one of the most visually attractive small hatchbacks is the Alfa 147 which scooped the European Car of the Year award some four years ago. It has just been treated to a mid-life facelift and revamp - and thank goodness the rejuvenation has left the smooth flowing lines penned by Giugiaro still very much intact.
A new bonnet, front bumper and wings simply accentuate the lithe appearance and the shield-like grille becomes more the focus of attention. The latest headlights follow the pattern of the GT and the tailgate gets new lights that extend towards the centre line of the car.
The overall effect is to freshen and update rather than to transform. The range extends from the £13,660 1.6-litre with 105bhp to the mighty V6 3.2-litre that thumps out 250bhp. There are also two diesel versions with 115bhp or 150bhp 1.9-litre engines. The more powerful version is borrowed from the dazzling GT and provides real hot-hatch performance.
But it was the high value 1.6 Twin Spark with 120bhp engine that I drove. At £14,285, the nifty three-door offers a useful blend of exciting styling alongside more than adequate performance. With a top speed of just over 120mph and a dash to sixty in around 10 seconds, the refined 1.6 is no slouch.
Expect fuel consumption to be in the mid-thirties - the official combined figure is 34.4mpg. A number of revisions to the suspension system have subtly improved both the cornering ability of the 147 and made the ride comfort better, particularly over undulating roads.
The 147 cabin might not be the roomiest but it is one of the most welcoming and the new model is made still more appealing by the two tone grey dash in heavy duty, high quality plastic. The fascia is deeply scalloped which improves passenger space and gives it an airy feel.
At night the instruments are lit by a red glow - a nice sporty touch. A trip computer is standard and the rear head-restraints have been redesigned to allow a clear view when reversing.
Space in the rear is a bit tight for four adults but the boot can cope with almost 300 litres of luggage and up to 1,042 litres when the rear seats are lowered. As in most hatches, the back seats split and fold 60-40.
There's no shortage of equipment thrown in - tinted windows. immobiliser/alarm, height/reach adjustable steering wheel, heated, electric door mirrors, electric windows and climate control are all standard.
The new 147 has flair by the bucketload and stands out from the crowd yet loses nothing on practicality to more mundane small hatches. Good effort Alfa.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo 147 1.6 Twin Spark Turismo 3dr
Price: £14,285
Mechanical: 120bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 121mph
0-62mph: 10.6 secs
Combined mpg: 34.4
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 194g/km
BiK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 8yrs anti-rust