Even prettier in the flesh than on the page, the Alfa Romeo 147 makes Audis look bland, BMWs sound dull and Golfs feel portly. If you enjoy driving then the Alfa Romeo 147 should definitely be on your used-car shopping list.

Voted European Car of the Year in 2001 the Alfa beat the Ford Mondeo into second place, although this promising start did not lead to huge sales success. Alfa’s previous reputation for dodgy electrics and poor build quality haunted it, and while most drivers will admire an Alfa Romeo from afar, few are prepared to invest their own money in one.

But sit inside the cabin of a 147 and on touch alone you would swear that you were in a German-built car. The quality of materials and the ergonomics are both superb. Only the wonderful three-binnacle dash declares the car’s Italian origin, the recessed dials being designed to inform the driver rather than the passenger of what speed the 147 is doing.

Another pleasant surprise is the driving position: gone is the straight-arm, short-leg style that troubles so many Italian cars. With a range of adjustment to both steering column and driver’s seat, you can sit in a 147 as you want to instead of as you’re told to. Rear accommodation is also on par with the competitors, and the boot is usefully large.

When launched in February 2001 the 147 was available only with a 120bhp 1.6 litre petrol engine, the 2 litre 150bhp unit being delayed until June. Both units rev freely and return over 30mpg, but the pick of the pair is definitely the 2 litre, whose extra torque at lower revs is most welcome. Earlier this year Alfa Romeo added the stonking 3.2 litre 250bhp GTA to the range, and the frugal, refined 115bhp JTD diesel.

The 147 comes in two trim levels: Tourismo and Lusso — those names alone evoking more passion than the GLS and SE badges of some of its competitors. The base model Tourismo has air-conditioning, alarm, trip computer and traction control, but lacks the standard alloy wheels so essential to complete the car’s aesthetic appeal. The higher-spec Lusso adds 15in alloys to the equipment list as well as dual-zone climate control and cruise control.

But the Alfa Romeo 147’s greatest virtue is the way it drives: steering is accurate with great feel and the car handles beautifully, providing excellent quality of ride. The 150bhp 2 litre feels as quick on the road as the more powerful Ford Focus ST170, and comprehensively beats it in terms of ride comfort.

The 147 is available with a five-speed sequential gearbox — the Selespeed — with the 2 litre petrol engine. Despite a £1,600 premium when new, second-hand examples fetch similar money to manual cars, as many drivers prefer manual.

So my advice is that you don’t buy a used VW Golf, Audi A3, Ford Focus or BMW Compact until you have driven an Alfa Romeo 147, or you may regret it.

As one owner said to me recently: “If you don’t understand Alfa Romeo then it’s clear that you simply don’t understand driving.”

USED CAR: ALFA ROMEO 147: CHECK IT OUT

Upholstery Leather seats a desirable option
Audio system Updated Bose sound system on 2 litre cars
3 or 5-door? Both available but 3dr wins the beauty contest
Alloy wheels Essential equipment; avoid base models with steel rims
Colours Red cars are particularly popular
Warranty Three years on all new cars
Front tyres Prone to wear on inside edge due to incorrect wheel alignment
Dashboard Well built and should be rattle-free
Trip computer Comes as standard
Airbags Front and side bags are standard
Bonnet Prone to stone chips
Security Remote central locking and immobiliser standard
Brakes ABS and disc brakes standard

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Alfa Romeo 2.0TS Lusso
Engine Four cylinder, 1970cc
Power 150bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 31.7mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0 to 62mph: 9.3sec
Top speed 127mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Alfa Romeo 147 2.0TS Lusso 3-door, 2001 Y-reg with 20,000 miles and full Alfa Romeo service history. Pay £10,095 at a dealer or £9,295 privately


OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

2003 52-reg Honda Civic 1.6i VTEC SE
2002 51-reg Ford Focus ST170
2001 Y-reg VW Golf 2.0 GTi (150bhp)
2000 W-reg BMW compact 318ti Sport
2000 W-reg Audi A3 1.8T Sport

VALUES: Alfa Romeo 147 2.0TS Lusso 3-door

Mileage 10,000
2001 Y Trade £9,225; Retail £10,595
2002 51 Trade £9,825; Retail £11,195
2003 52 Trade £10,850; Retail £12,250

Mileage 20,000
2001 Y Trade £8,700; Retail £10,095
2002 51 Trade £9,225; Retail £10,595
2003 52 Trade £10,200; Retail £11,595

Mileage 40,000
2001 Y Trade £7,675; Retail £9,095
2002 51 Trade £8,325; Retail £9,725
2003 52 Trade £9,300; Retail £10,695

Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer