WHEN Alfa Romeo unveiled the JTD engine in the compact executive car the 156, it was heralded as a major breakthrough in diesel technology.
That was back in 1997, when the swing towards oil-burners had yet to reach the momentum of today.
It was a magnificent unit, and one that collected even more rave reviews when the smaller 147 model was launched.
Now the Italian producer has upped the ante again with a ground-breaking second generation unit that extends the reach of diesels in the 147 range.
Sounds a mouthful, but it's a 1.9 litre twin overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder multijet engine and is the first of its type in full production.
The important bit though is that with 140bhp available at 4,000rpm it has a torque - or pulling power - figure greater than that generated by the awesome 3.2 litre V6 of the 147 GTA.
Huge advances in turbocharging, noise reduction and refinement, allied to recent changes in company car tax assessment, have seen a re-evaluation of diesel power among both business users and private buyers.
So much so that while European sales of petrol-engine cars in the medium sector actually fell last year, diesel sales have risen rapidly from around 15 per cent to nearly 25 per cent in the last three years.
And while it may sound rather cliched, this multijet is so good you wouldn't know it was a diesel. There's none of that farm vehicle rattle and when you hit the throttle, response is instant to the point of 0-60mph in nine seconds.
Add the Italian style of an Alfa along with average fuel economy of almost 48mpg and you have a near irresistible package.
The 147's interior is as Italian as Internazionale or Juventus, right down to the Benzina and Acqua signs on the dials, the chrome highlights, badged steering wheel and the body-hugging sports seats.
It offers a refined yet involving ride, along with the feeling of being a beautifully built, comfortable and well presented car.
Lack of space in the back, a common fault in cars of this size, marks the Alfa down slightly, but the boot is a decent size and the rear seats split and fold.
Safety features include six airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, ESP, collapsible steering column and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, while equipment includes a Bose sound system, climate control, electric windows, leather steering wheel, remote central locking with immobiliser and alarm, and 'Follow Me Home' headlights.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo 147 1.9JTD 16v Turismo 3-door
Price: £16,170
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,910cc direct injection turbodiesel engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 9.1 secs
Combined mpg: 47.9
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 157g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 8yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint