147 BREAK

But somehow it hasn't broken through into the main stream market and its sales are well below the figure you might expect for this characterful and nimble three and five door.

In an attempt to make up some of the lost ground, Alfa Romeo has given the 147 a mid-life make-over, featuring new Giugiaro styling, 150bhp M-Jet diesel engines, uprated interiors and revised chassis dynamics, although you might not spot it at first.

Visually the bulk of the changes are at the front with a larger shield-type grille positioned lower and further forward, which is combined with elongated headlights (borrowed from the GT) that sweep back to follow the lines of the V-shaped bonnet.

The mesh covering to the lower air intakes on the slightly larger bumper adds extra dynamic appeal and bulks up the appearance.

The new face is complemented by subtle design changes at the rear, where the designers have reworked the tailgate and extended the tail-lights in towards the centre line of the car.

Inside Alfa Romeo has maintained and improved the driver oriented finish with fresh new instrument graphics, an upgraded soft-touch dashboard, additional Alfatex fabrics and, in most models, new rear headrests which allow better visibility.

The curved dashboard now houses a single retro binnacle display containing the main instruments - with the exception of the entry level model, the 147 features a multifunctional display that gives access to a clock, the date, a programmable speed warning buzzer, displays for the radio, phone, check control and so on.

The snug luggage compartment continues to take 292 litres with the rear seats in place.

Overall the cabin is going to be a place that you are either going to love for its chunky controls and Italian brio - or its going to put you off as being just too different.

One of the strengths of the 147 range has been the breadth of its engine choice and for 2005 power output has been extended with a modified injection strategy which also benefits noise and vibration levels.

The petrol choice is between two versions of the 1.6 litre petrol; standard (105bhp) and Twin Spark (120bhp) with a 2 litre Twin Spark with optional Selespeed robotised manual transmission heading the selection.

Already available in the Alfa Romeo GT, this twin overhead cam, 16-valve unit, with variable geometry Garrett turbocharger, now delivers 150bhp at 4,000 rpm, while maximum torque is 226 lb.ft at 2,000 rpm.

Both the 1.6 litre TS and 2.0 litre TS engines feature variable valve timing, while the 2.0 litre also uses a variable geometry intake system for strong performance.

As a result zero to 60 mph is reached from standstill in 10.6 and 9.3 seconds respectively, while combined cycle consumption figures are 34.4 mpg and 31.7 mpg respectively.

Two versions of Alfa Romeo's 1.9 JTD diesel are also on offer with 115bhp from the fuel frugal standard version and 150bhp (10bhp more than before) in the case of the MultiJet which is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, while other versions in the range are equipped with a five-speed box.

A good basic runaround, the 115 bhp JTD common rail diesel engine returns 48.7 mpg (combined cycle) yet still offers customers a top speed of 119 mph and a 60 mph acceleration time of 9.9 seconds.

Pick of the line-up however is the more powerful 1.9 JTD MultiJet which will breeze along to 60mph in 8.8 seconds and top out at 129mph while still returning close on 48mpg.

All models now also have an RDS radio/CD player with eight speakers (1.6 TS 105bhp six speakers).

Turismo models add a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, multi-function instrument display and cup holder, while the Lusso specification comes with dual zone air conditioning, steering wheel mounted audio controls, cruise control, alloy wheels, front foglamps and an adjustable front armrest with recess.

Optional equipment items include parking sensors housed in the rear bumper and a six-position sliding and reclining electrically operated sunroof.

Finally, the 147 is now available with the advanced telematics system, CONNECT Nav, which includes an RDS radio with CD-ROM reader; trip computer; dual band GSM phone with hands-free operation; GPS module and either a pictogram navigation system (CONNECT Nav) or an active matrix 5" colour display (CONNECT Nav+).

Trying to make a pitch in the toughest sector in the market is always going to be difficult for a fringe brand like Alfa Romeo, but the 147 should be doing better with its great diesel engine and flair for design - the problem is that the current round of changes probably don't go far enough.

Prices start at £13,660 (1.6 T Spark TS 43 door) rising to £18,890 for the five door 1.9 JTD M-JET Lusso.