Beauty is more than skin deep when you drive the Alfa Romeo 147.
It comes under the hot hatch banner, but that's not the full story when it comes to describing this car.
For a start you can forget about flared wheel arches and giant spoilers as there's nothing in-your-face about Alfa's baby. The car is as sleek as an otter with stunning good looks and an emphasis on charisma.
From the shark-nosed front to the cute rear end it demands attention - which it got in spades from the many pedestrians who walked into lampposts instead of looking where they were going.
But it's more than just style as the performance once behind the wheel doesn't disappoint.
For a diesel it is cheetah quick, although not as sharp as its petrol-driven GTA cousin, which perhaps is just the wrong side of insanity when it comes to driving safely on British roads.
The 140bhp turbo diesel engine will power you from 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds on its way to 129mph, but it won't scare you to death on the way.
The steering is also far less torquey than the 3.2 V6 GTA as the power is more evenly paced through the front wheels. And you get a chance to look at your surroundings, which would result in almost certain death in the GTA.
Key components of the engine and exhaust systems are new, improving fuel consumption to more than 40mpg while ensuring low carbon dioxide emissions.
Climb into the Alfa and you discover extremely comfortable figure-hugging seats.
The car is no giant but the driving position is excellent and passengers have a reasonable amount of room.
The downside is the boot is quite small, but still big enough to house a suitcase and a couple of bags or the supermarket shopping.
The dials on the dashboard glow red with a myriad of information that is easily consumed while the switchgear is logically placed.
The Lusso version I drove comes with cruise control which is far more suited to the JTD than the GTA.
Whereas the GTA is constantly demanding more - like a demented Oliver Twist - the diesel is just as happy poodling around as it is at light speed.
I keep harping on about how stylish Alfas are, but I've chanced upon one more example before you enjoy your spaghetti carbonara.
The 147 JTD comes in two trim levels - Turismo and, as already mentioned, Lusso. How cool is that? Not for the Italians boring SE or LX, oh no. They have names that sound like Italian resorts or opera singers.
And the features associated with these names don't disappoint either. The Turismo has electric windows, 'follow me home' headlights (which I always think sounds like something from Stephen King's Christine), front fog lights, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, six airbags, power steering, and remote central locking with immobiliser.
The Lusso adds automatic climate control, steering wheel audio controls, CD player plus 16" alloy wheels - all for under £18,000.
If you want large dollops of fun driving, coupled with the coolest car this side of £20,000, then look no further.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo 147 JTD Lusso
Price: £17,470
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,910cc, 4cyl turbo diesel driving front wheels via 6-spd manual transmission
Max speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 9.1secs
Combined mpg: 44mpg
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 157g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000miles; 8yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint