A decade ago the thought of sticking a diesel engine under the bonnet of a sports coupé would have seemed like a crazy idea, but that is just what Alfa Romeo decided to do when it launched the GT coupé in April 2004.

Of course the manufacturer hedged its bets a little with the option of a couple of petrol engines as well, but it need not have worried. Alfa Romeo proved that stunning looks and diesel power were no longer strange bedfellows.

Even setting aside the advantages of a diesel engine, the Alfa Romeo GT coupé makes a strong case for itself as a used buy. A reasonable price tag when new has been helped by the ravages of depreciation and, despite holding their value better than many models, second-hand examples offer attractive savings.

Under the skin the GT coupé shares many of its mechanicals with the 147 hatchback and 156 saloon. The GT’s floor pan (the same as the 156) is stiffened by 15% and the climate control, transmission and engine sourced from the 147 hatchback are well proven.

Topping the GT coupé range is the 240bhp 3.2 litre V6, badged the GTA. Putting that kind of power through the front wheels creates some challenges for the designers but the car copes well thanks to the stability control system, which is among the best in the business. The standard 18in rims hang on to the tarmac nicely, although somewhere along the way the feel you would expect in the steering has been lost.

If 22mpg dents your desire then the 2 litre petrol version may be a better bet. With 165bhp it may lack the ultimate grunt but the unit is free revving and eager, with a soundtrack to boot. Fuel economy improves to about 30mpg.

But the real revelation has to be that 1.9 JTD diesel engine. The 150bhp it produces may sound mediocre when compared with the latest offerings from BMW and Audi but thanks to 225 lb ft of torque, 4 lb ft more than the V6 GTA, it never feels wanting. Mid-range acceleration is impressive and you need to make sparing use of the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Fuel economy of about 45mpg is the icing on the cake.

Coupés may have a reputation for good looks but practicality rarely features highly in the designers’ considerations. In the

case of the Alfa Romeo GT coupé there are no such compromises. Unlike many coupés, which are strictly 2+2 seaters, the Alfa Romeo GT boasts a rear bench seat that will happily accommodate full-grown adults. And despite its curvaceous exterior, rear-passenger headroom is good.

Getting a quart into a pint pot does not stop with the seats. Behind the rear passengers is a 320-litre boot, not far off the size you would find in a regular family hatchback.

Unlike a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf the Alfa Romeo GT never lets you forget you are travelling in something a bit special. The driver’s instrument binnacle looks great and works well while the trim and switchgear look and feel reassuringly high quality. Splashes of silver insert around the cabin complete the effect, so if you fall in love with the Alfa Romeo GT coupé from the outside then you are unlikely to be disappointed with the inside.

The GT coupé was never destined to be a big seller in the UK and in some regards it has failed to achieve even the modest targets Alfa Romeo set for it. But one thing is for sure, it has proved a point. Buying a used Alfa Romeo GT confirms that beautiful cars do not have to be expensive or require a large petrol engine under the bonnet to put a smile on your face.

Upholstery
Leather upholstery looks great and is a popular and desirable option on the diesel models. Pay around £300 extra for a car fitted with it

Safety
No Euro NCAP test results have yet been completed, but all models come with six airbags, antilock braking, a superb traction control system and disc brakes all round

Gearbox
Six-speed manual comes as standard on the 1.9 diesel and 3.2 V6 petrol. The 2 litre petrol comes with a five-speed manual and there was the option of Selespeed auto until December 2005

Fuel consumption
Standard six-speed manual achieves virtually identical economy as the optional five-speed auto, with both returning around 23mpg in mixed motoring


Climate control
Climate control is standard on all models and can be set separately for the driver’s and passenger’s sides

Boot
320-litre boot is large and practical and split-fold seats enhance the versatility

Servicing
Variable servicing intervals on all models, so check the service history carefully and ask for copies of original invoices to authenticate work done

Underbody
Check the underside of GTA models carefully for signs of damage caused by inadvertent grounding on speed humps and kerbstones

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Alfa Romeo GT 1.9 JTD coupé
Engine 1910cc, four cylinders
Power 150bhp
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel 45.6mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.6sec
Top speed 30mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Alfa Romeo 1.9JTD coupé 2004 04-plate with 30,000 miles. Pay £14,495 at a dealer or £13,500 privately 2006 06 Vauxhall Astra Sport hatch 2.0T

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY

2005 05 BMW Compact 320td Sport

2004 04 Audi TT 1.8T (180bhp)

2002 02 Mercedes-Benz 320 CLK Elegance

2000 V Porsche Boxster 2.7

VALUES

Mileage 10,000

2004 04
Trade £13,200
Retail £15,750

2005 05
Trade £14,700
Retail £17,195

2006 06
Trade £16,350
Retail £18,850

Mileage 20,000

2004 04
Trade £12,550
Retail £15,095

2005 05
Trade £14,000
Retail £16,495

2006 06
Trade £15,550
Retail £18,095

Mileage 30,000

2004 04
Trade £12,000
Retail £14,495

2005 05
Trade £13,300
Retail £15,795

2006 06
Trade £14,750
Retail £17,250