With its roots in punchy petrol engines, Fiat doesn’t have a great reputation for its diesels – but it should. The firm devised the common-rail technology that is used in all of the best oil-burners, and it has an excellent range of engines to choose from. The latest addition to the Bravo line-up is further proof of its know-how, because the new 2.0-litre Multijet produces an impressive 165bhp.

Given its racy power output, we can’t help but feel disappointed by this Bravo’s styling – the only outward sign of this top-of-the-range Sport model’s potential is the set of smart two-tone alloy wheels.

Fortunately, the pretty Bravo doesn’t need gimmicks to look good. Its projector-style lights and egg-crate grille are reminiscent of Italian cars of the past, while its distinctive rear end and neat details give it a more contemporary appearance than the Ford.

Climb inside and that theme continues, because the Fiat’s cabin is much more attractive. With its neat instruments and textured plastics, it feels more up-to-date than the Focus. Equipment is good too, with air-conditioning, cruise and stability control all fitted as standard. Sport trim also includes Fiat’s clever Blue&Me interface, which provides a USB port, Bluetooth phone connection and voice-activated controls.

Rear seat space is comparable with the Ford, while the Fiat’s boot is marginally bigger. Disappointingly, though, electric rear windows are an optional extra, just as they are on the Focus. So how does the Bravo rate as a sporty diesel?

On paper, it’s full of promise. Not only does it have more power than the Ford, but its torque output of 360Nm is 40Nm higher and arrives lower in the rev range. At the test track it raced from 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds – that’s 1.1 seconds faster than its rival. This advantage continued in-gear, too.

Only when our test route got more challenging did the Bravo become less convincing. Power delivery is not as linear as it is in the Ford, so there’s a rush of acceleration as the torque arrives. In a straight line this poses no problem, but the Bravo can easily break traction and spin its front wheels on the exit of a tight bend. Elsewhere, the Fiat simply doesn’t feel as polished as its rival. The gearbox has a longer, slightly notchy throw, while the suspension crashes over the worst bumps and ruts. The Bravo is most at home on the motorway, where its torquey engine and high-speed refinement make for effortless cruising. Impressive fuel returns of 44.1mpg also mean it’s kinder to your wallet than the Zetec S.

With a lower price and generous kit, the Bravo is more convincing as a family car – but does it provide the sporty thrills to double as a cut-price Focus RS alternative?

In detail:

* Fiat Bravo Sport

* Price: £17,350

* Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 165bhp

* 0-60mph: 8.6 seconds

* Economy: 44.1mpg

* Annual road tax: £120

* Euro NCAP rating: Five stars