Category: Hot Hatchbacks 
Price Range: £14,950 to £17,850
Fabulous engine when worked hard, great grip, muscular yet subtle looks, neat gearchange.
Steering less keen than expected, doesn't cope with sharp bumps, poor turning circle, restricted rear view.
Most powerful hot hatch is a lot of fun, but somehow you're left wanting more.
Demand for second-hand GTA models among the Alfisti keeps residual (resale) values stronger than for mainstream 147s, though not quite on a par with the Golf R32 or Audi S3's. Service costs are as you'd expect for a technically-complex six-cylinder car (extortionate), and insurance is expensive. Fuel consumption is heavy, too: the official figure is just 23.3mpg, so you'd be lucky to see 20mpg in everyday driving.
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