The 147 GTA.

Over the years I have driven many Alfa Romeos. From the delightful, boxy Giulia models of the '60s to the latest upgraded 156 sedans with bolder styling, improved engine-management systems and suspension tweaks.

They all have their individual charm and invariable quirks. But let me throw my cards on the table for Alfa's latest "hyper-hatch". For pure, sensual driving pleasure under 60K, the 147 GTA is unbeatable.

Shoe-horn a 3.2 litre V6 into one of motoring's sexiest bodies, add a slick six-speed gear box to transmit the power to the very fat, low-profile Bridgestone tyres and voila.

At 6200 revs the 147's V6 is thumping out an impressive 184 kw. And the fabulous sounds emanating from the 3.2 V6 are such that it is amazing the Government hasn't thumped a tax on it.

The six-speed gear box is superb and rewards the enthusiastic driver. To complete the stats, acceleration from 0-100 km/h is an impressive 6.3 seconds.

The GTA is heavy on premium unleaded. Alfa quote 18.1 litres/100km on the city cycle and 8.6 litres/100km on the open road.

The latter figure could only be achieved with a light throttle. But the little Alfa is such an enjoyable car to drive I didn't mind shelling out the dollars for fuel.

For the test I drove from Canberra to Tathra (near Bega) in pouring rain. On the return through Myrtle Mountain in very wet and slippery conditions, the 147 behaved with impeccable manners (helped through modern electronic wizardry) and not once gave me cause for concern.

With so much power on tap it was quite an achievement and when required, the massive Brembo brakes did their job most effectively.

The front seats are superb and very supportive.

Being a hatch it is a bit squeezy in the back.

As expected, the suspension components are heavily modified for performance from the standard 147. On smooth surfaces the ride is excellent and even on rough surfaces the taut ride is quite acceptable.

The 147 has all the latest goodies like dual-zone climate control, remote locking, an excellent sound system that includes a single CD player, cruise control and rear wiper. Front, side and window airbags are fitted.

As with all Alfas, it is not perfect. Torque steer is evident when you plant the foot from a standing start.

Make sure you give yourself plenty of space at shopping centres - the steering circle is worse than some trucks.

I'm not sure why Alfa persist in equipping their cars with fiddly and difficult-to-use controls on the sound system and the cruise control is placed awkwardly on the control column.

You can get a Holden V8 Monaro for about the same price or a Mazda RX8 for a few thousand less. The Nissan 350Z is the same price as the GTA, but, in my opinion, the Alfa is a more involving drive.

With cloth seats, the price is $59,990. For high-backed and heated leather seats add another $3500/ metallic paint $950 and Xenon headlights a further $1500.

The 147 GTA is a true driver's car. A highly developed sports hatch and a superb drive.

I think the importers will have trouble keeping up with demand.

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