Diesel power for Spider?

Here’s an Italian sports car with a serious pedigree that’s now available with a thoroughbred diesel.

The Alfa Romeo Spider 2.4 JTD pumps out 200bhp, can sprint from 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 141mph. Yet despite this impressive performance, the drop-top still returns 41.5mpg. And because the engine is fitted with a special particulate filter, it meets forthcoming Euro V regulations, too.

The newcomer is available now from £28,995, and buyers can also specify a Q-Tronic clutchless manual gearbox. This is available on 1.9-litre diesel and 3.2 V6 petrol versions of the Spider, Brera and 159 as well. In other updates, Alfa Romeo has increased the power output of the 2.4-litre diesel in its Brera and 159 by 10bhp to 210bhp, while 1.9-litre 16-valve oil-burning versions of the 147 and GT are now available with an optional limited-slip differential.