IAN LAMMING is seriously impressed by the Alfa 156 JTD

THINK of getting a diesel and inevitably the Volkswagen Audi Group springs to mind. Whether it's under the bonnet of a VW, an Audi, a Seat or a Skoda matters little as long as it carries the all important Pump Duse tag.

The German oil burners are as efficient as they are powerful to the detriment of many other manufacturers - but not all.

There is a rival, an engine which matches the VAG motor in all respects and betters it in others. Alfa Romeo's JTD motor is simply superb.

It is powerful and frugal and a joy to drive.

The power floods in from next to no revs and the 53mpg on the trip computer tells you no fuel is being wasted.

But where the motor scores, really scores, is with its sound. Like all Alfas, the diesel sounds fantastic, to the extent it is easy to forget it is a diesel motor at all.

It has a wonderful off-beat note, a charismatic charm that many petrols, let alone other diesels, would struggle to match.

Most diesels provide staggering amounts of power from around 1,800rpm and the JTD is no exception. But the Alfa unit differs from most in that it is also willing to rev, quite happily, towards the redline. Generally there is no point with diesels as the power dies long before 4,000rpm is on the clock. But the Alfa thrives at the top end of the scale as well.

This proves invaluable when overtaking slow moving cars down a country road as there is no longer any reason to change up a gear in search of more power and speed.

Couple all of this to a 156 chassis and it is a package that can't fail to delight. The steering is sharp, the body control near perfect and the car is happy to hunt for bends. Only the brakes let the side down, feeling wooden the harder they are pressed.

From the outside the 156 remains a classic design, losing nothing of its appeal after years of sterling service. Inside has been spruced up with the introduction of alloy-look materials and the clocks are as gorgeous as ever.

But it's the motor that sets it apart. It's a sheer joy to use and drive hard. For that it will provide reward aplenty and without causing any damage to your wallet.

Updated: 10:40 Friday, January 17, 2003