2009 New Alfa Romeo 147 Review
The Alfa Romeo 147, European car of the year in 2001 has recently undergone a facelift to bring it up to date with the rest of the Alfa range, a new broad front grille and a revamp of the head and taillights are the most obvious changes, but by no means are all the changes just skin deep. Under the bonnet the 1.6 Twin Spark offers 105 bhp whilst the same engine in its 2.0 litre guise develops 150 bhp . The diesel engines, both 1.9 litre four cylinder units develop 115bhp and 150 bhp respectively. The 2.0 twin Spark can also be combined with the sequential Selepeed gearbox to give an enhanced, sportier driving experience.
Safety has also been reviewed on the 147 and a combination of six airbags, collapsible steering column, side impact beams and seatbelt pre tensioners combine to give an overall feeling of security to both driver and passengers
There are two levels of specification on the 147, the Turismo and the Lusso, beginning with the Turismo standard equipment on this trim level includes anti lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD), a fire prevention system, driver and passenger front side and window airbags, Alfa code alarm system with immobiliser, central locking with remote control, power assisted steering, electric front windows, manual climate control, stereo radio CD player with eight speakers, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, leather steering wheel and gear knob multifunction display trip computer, "follow me home" headlights, 15" steel wheels with 185/65 R15 tyres, driver seat height adjustment with adaptive lumbar support, rear wash wipe and tinted windows.
The Lusso 1.6 T.Spark and 1.9 JTDm all have electric rear windows (5 door only), dual zone automatic climate control, cruise control, remote audio controls on the steering wheel, adjustable front armrest, Alfatex cloth upholstery, 15" elegant alloy wheels with 195/60 R15 tyres and fog lights fitted as standard all in addition or replacement to their respective Turismo models.
The 2.0 T.Spark Lusso and the 1.9 JTDm 16v Lusso both have the same specification as their lower powered sisters but also have vehicle dynamic control (VDC) and 16" spoked alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres in addition and replacement.
A sporty and more enchanting alternative to the Focus, the Alfa Romeo 147 has the Italian flair and styling to compete with its German rivals the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and BMW 3 Series and offers a viable alternative in both three and five door versions.
Like the looks of the Alfa Romeo 147, why not check out, the BMW 1 Series, the VW Golf, the Citroen C4, the Peugeot 307, the Toyota Corolla, the Renault Megane or the new Ford Focus.
Finance your new Alfa Romeo 147 on a PCP car loan work out your monthly payments using our Car Finance Payment Calculator.
