DIESEL versions of the Alfa Romeo 147, 156 and 156 Sportwagon, are now on sale in the UK.

Although UK versions of the 156 and 156 Sportwagon already offer the option of Alfa turbodiesel technology - via the much vaunted 150 bhp fivecylinder 2.4 litre JTD - the availability of the 115 bhp 1.9 JTD engine in both Alfa 156 and Alfa 147 ranges, marks a significant range expansion.

Alfa Romeo was first with a JTD diesel when the Alfa 156 was launched. Renowned for smooth, progressive power delivery, the l910cc Unijet turbodiesel develops 115 bhp at 4,000 rpm. The Alfa 147 1.9 JTD posts a maximum speed of 119 mph and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 9.9 seconds, while returning 48.7 mpg. The Alfa 156 1.9 JTD accelerates from 0-62 mph in 10.3 seconds. 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.