Fiat isn’t traditionally known for good diesels, but its new Bravo Sport model featuring a 2.0-litre Multijet engine with 165bhp doesn’t disappoint.

Its only exterior display of sportiness is two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels. But the inside continues the theme with a black and red colour scheme and a quality feel.

Equipment is good with air conditioning, cruise and stability control as standard.

Sport also includes Fiat’s Blue&Me interface which provides a USB port, Bluetooth phone connection and voice-activated control.

Despite being racy, it’s sub 140g/km CO2 and has good fuel economy with 53.3mpg on a combined cycle.

The carmaker said it will account for 10% of sales, around 350 units. “C-segment buyers looking for great performance and Italian styling” will be its core audience added Fiat.

Upsell options include climate control (£275), leather seats (£900) and metallic paint (£375).

Rivals: Ford Focus 1.8TDCi, Vauxhall Astra 2.0 CDTi