Jumping on the diesel bandwagon, Alfa Romeo has introduced 1.9-litre engines to its 147 and 156 models. MALCOLM BAYLIS reports

DIESEL-engined versions of the Alfa Romeo 147, 156 and 156 Sportwagon, which are selling strongly in European markets, go on sale here next week.

Although UK versions of the 156 and 156 Sportwagon already offer the option of Alfa direct injection common rail turbodiesel technology - via the 150bhp five cylinder 2.4-litre JTD - the availability of the 115bhp 1.9-litre version, in both Alfa 156 and 147 ranges, marks a significant model range expansion.

While European sales of petrol-engined cars in the lower-medium and medium sectors actually fell last year, diesel sales have grown rapidly from about 15 per cent to nearly 25 per cent in the past three years, with a projected rise to 28 per cent for 2003. In Europe, one-in-three cars sold in 2002 was a diesel, a figure expected to rise to 50 per cent of this market by 2007.

Here the picture is even more marked. The market here grew by just 4.3 per cent last year. But within this, petrol demand declined by some three per cent, while diesel growth amounted to a massive 37.8 per cent.

Although the 1.9-litre chalks up an impressive 48.7mpg at the combined rate, it loses little in power developing its 115bhp at 4,000rpm, together with an impressive 202lb.ft of torque at 2,000rpm. It can also accelerate to 62mph in 9.9-seconds. The 156 version fitted with the 1.9-litre engine accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds, and shares the 147's maximum speed, fuel economy and exhaust emissions of 155g/km. The 1.9-litre 156 Sportwagon accelerates to 62mph in 10.7 seconds, and returns 47.1mpg and 160g/km CO2.

The 1.9-litre JTD 115bhp unit will power versions of the Turismo and Lusso 147 range, and also be fitted into the Turismo and Veloce 156 saloon model range, and also into the Sportwagon Turismo.

On-the-road prices range from £14,500 for the Alfa 147 three-door Turismo, to £16,100 for the five-door Lusso. The Alfa 156 Turismo and Veloce cost £15,590 and £16,400 respectively, and the Sportwagon Turismo is priced at £16,710.

Updated: 10:47 Friday, March 14, 2003