Alfa Romeo 147
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Recommended. Great to look at, great to drive and solidly constructed. Keen pricing and excellent performance makes the baby Alfa a very strong contender in the premium hatchback sector.
Review
Getting old, but gracefully - the 147 is one of the best-looking hatchbacks out there. It still drives well, too, although Alfa's claims that it's a rival for cars like the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series are wide of the mark. Based on the same chassis as the recently replaced 156, the 147 cruises well at speed and puts in a spirited performance on country roads. The cost of this is a very firm ride, which can get crashy over rougher urban surfaces.
The well-designed cabin is one of the 147's best features - featuring a sporty seating position and deeply-cowled 'sixties style instruments. On the downside it's not particularly spacious, and rear seat passengers will struggle to see out of the high windows.
All engines offer spirited performance, although the basic 1.6 litre Twin Spark needs to be revved relatively hard for overtaking punch. Fortunately it sounds brilliant, so you won't really mind. The larger 2.0 litre petrol engine gives brisk performance at the cost of poor fuel economy - higher-mileage buyers will prefer to opt for the 1.9 litre diesel option in either 120 bhp or 150 bhp states of tune. The clunky semi-automatic "Selespeed" transmission is worth avoiding.
The range-topping V6-powered GTA looks good, sounds brilliant and goes like stink thanks to its 250 bhp 3.2 litre engine. Sadly, it's case fades when corners approach - the big engine making it feel front-heavy and unwieldy.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
5 star
Strong design helps the 147 to stand out against bland rivals. We still think the offset front numberplate is a brilliant idea.
Handling
4 star
The smaller engined versions offer an amusing driving experience, but the range-topping GTA struggles for front-end grip.
Comfort
3 star
The ride feels over-firm in town and high-speed refinement is relatively poor.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
Better built than previous Alfas, but still a way off the standards of premium rivals. Frequently indifferent Alfa dealers don't improve the ownership experience.
Performance
4 star
All engines provide decent motivation, although the 2.0 litre petrol and 150 bhp 1.9 litre diesel stand out as the pick of the range.
Roominess
3 star
Tight-fitting cabin and a small, awkwardly accessed boot limit the 147's practicality.
Running Costs
3 star
Petrol-powered versions are relatively thirsty and servicing costs are high. Biggest expense is depreciation - the 147 sheds value very quickly.
Value for money
2 star
Alfa's optimistic pricing structure means that you should seek out a sizeable discount before considering a new 147. Makes far more sense nearly new, thanks to generous standard equipment.
