Alfa 147 diesel torques the talk

DIESELS have long been accepted mainstream models across Europe, but Australia is only now realising their benefits.

In Alfa Romeo’s case, diesels account for more than 75 per cent of its sales in Europe, and now it is our turn.

The Italian car-maker, through importers Ateco Automotive Group, has launched a turbo-diesel version of the stylish 147 hatch.

The six-speed manual common-rail 1.9-litre 147 JTD benefits from the recent mechanical, styling and equipment upgrades extended to the facelifted 147.

It is priced at $39,990 for the five-door only model.

According to Alfa Romeo Australia general manager David Stone, the JTD useslittle more than half the fuel of the already frugal 2.0-litre 147 Twin Spark petrol hatch but is quicker.

Developing 110kW at 4000rpm and 305Nm from 2000rpm, the JTD has 5Nm more torquethan the 3.2-litre 147 GTA.

At 1310kg, the modestly heavier diesel powerplant adds 60kg to the car’s weight, but Alfa claims that compared to the petrol engine the JTD is quicker to 100km/h by 0.5 of a second – at 8.8 seconds –and has a top speed of 208km/h.

Because of the huge amount of torque available quite low in the rev range, the 147 JTD offers strong in-gear performance.



Economy, as expected, is a strong point. The JTD sips fuel at a rate of just 4.7L/100km on the highway while around town economy is 8.0L/100km and it has a combined city and highway cycle of 5.9L/100km.

At the core of the JTD’s second-generation turbo-diesel is its Multijet system, which has sixhole injectors in each cylinder for more efficient and effective fuel burn.

The advantages include greater efficiency, lower noise, reduced emissions and an increase in performance of between 6 per cent and 7 per cent.

The turbocharger is also a variable displacement unit that offers lag-free, low-speed operation.

Standard equipment is similar to the petrol-engined 147 and includes 17-inch "Elegant" alloys, central locking, twin-zone climate control, eight-speaker CD stereo, cruise control, electric windows, leather steering wheel and gear knob, steering wheel mounted audio controls, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trim computer, Momo leather upholstery, dual front, side andcurtain airbags, front and rear foglights, and ABS and vehicle dynamic control.