IN line with all Alfas, the 147 has always cut a distinctive figure with its sporty Italian lines and attitude and the new revised version has sharpened that up still further.
But it's not just looks - a redeveloped suspension system has improved the ride comfort without compromising the sporty characteristics, while the test car featured a more powerful and more subtle version of the 1.9 JTD Multijet engine.
Style first, and it's a brand new face that the mid-sized hatch, in three or five-door form, presents. The V-shaped bonnet points to a bolder grille which, with the new wide lights, redesigned wings and meshed intakes, delivers a very eager look.
The rest of the exterior undergoes minimal changes, understandably because the rising flanks with their bold lines and the rear end, featuring wrap-around lights, still look fresh.
The promise of performance given by the styling is duly met by the revised 16-valve turbodiesel unit. Power has been stepped up to 150bhp, to go with the substantial 226lb/ft of pull, and responses are crisp - standstill to 62mph takes well under nine seconds.
Power delivery from this advanced diesel is smooth and easy, but it's the economics that are the most attractive feature.
Over a long run, much of which involved thirsty motorway pace, I was rewarded with 52mpg, the engine turning over at a leisurely 2,300 revs in sixth gear. Oh yes, and low emissions make their financial contribution.
The lengthy away day also thoroughly tested the car's comfort and handling. The revised suspension is nicely balanced, providing grip and stability without being jarring. Admirable sports seating chips in to make it a tireless journey.
Progressive steering provides an excellent light touch in crawl situations, although I would have liked it to have been a notch more positive at pace.
There are a couple of minor irritants in an otherwise pleasurable driving experience. The pedals are offset left so that you have to swivel slightly, while the speedo is not as clear as it might be.
That's a hiccup in the revamped layout which includes dials and information in a single binnacle, white dialled with red night backlighting.
The centre console is generally well-designed and sensible, although the audio system controls are fiddly. Thankfully, in the Lusso-trim test car there were remote steering wheel buttons to turn to.
A reach and height-adjustable steering wheel and seat-height variation are among the welcome standard features, which also include front, side and window airbags, climate control, stability control, electric front windows and heated door mirrors, follow-me-home headlights and eight-speaker radio/CD player.
This particular version of the 147 comes in Turismo or Lusso trim, the latter including all-round electric windows, cruise control, alloys, fogs, leather grips and very nice upgraded upholstery.
The new plastics are quite good and little touches such as the bright metal scuff plates and door handles and red-piped mats give a pleasant kick to the decor.
In practical terms, in-car storage is a little limited, although the glovebox is a good one and in the Lusso there is a small container in an armrest.
But the car scores well on roominess, with fine height and legroom for passengers in the back, and two adults and a child fitted in quite well there.
The rear seats are split 60:40 and fold flat if you remove the adjusting headrests, thus giving pretty good luggage capacity. In normal seating configuration, however, it's a bit limited, while loading is complicated by an extremely-high boot lip.
So, little weaknesses here and there, but you have to admire the style and grace of this latest 147, while the Multijet diesel engine is an undoubted winner.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD Multijet Lusso 5dr
Price: £18,890
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,910cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 8.8 secs
Combined mpg: 47.9
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 157g/km
BiK rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 8yrs anti-rust