1. Five of the Best Diesel Hot Hatches
2. SEAT Leon FR
3. Peugeot 207 GT HDi
4. Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch
5. Skoda Fabia vRS
6. Alfa Romeo 147 JTD

I know that we see the Italians as mad, frenetic drivers, all wanting to be the next Ferrari Formula One driver; and there may be a lot of truth in that, but go to Italy and you'll notice that there are very few petrol hot hatches on the road. Driving a diesel doesn't mean you drive slow...

The Fiat Group actually pioneered the high-pressure diesel technology used in its MultiJet engines and it is now fitted to Alfa Romeos as well, such as the range-topping 147 JTDM. The five-door 147, equipped with the 150bhp MultiJet engine, costs more than the Leon FR, though the three-door version undercuts that car slightly, so it depends what your priorities are. The Alfa has a style all its own, which extends to the interior too. As with most Alfas, the drive is distinctly sporting; with a gruff rumble from the engine leaving you in no doubt that this is a diesel that likes to be driven.

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