Alfa Romeo 147 (01-09) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Last Updated: 06 May 2009
Voted Car of the Year in 2001 before it even went on sale here, Alfa's sleek, sporting 147 hatchback has appealing Italian styling, advanced engines, fine handling and competitive pricing against premium offerings from Audi and BMW. What Alfa has lacked is a reputation for longevity, although the 147 has proven to be one of the firms more reliable models. Facelifted in 2005 with the new-look Alfa face and a light interior makeover, even in its later years there remains much to like about this stylish hatchback.
3 out of 5

Other Alfa Romeo reviews

3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£13,350 - £19,700

Used price range:

£536 - £11,598

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Strong diesel engine, good six-speed gearbox, Italian styling, neat handling

Limited rear passenger space, firm ride, cabin quality issues

Voted Car of the Year in 2001 before it even went on sale here, Alfa's sleek, sporting 147 hatchback has appealing Italian styling, advanced engines, fine handling and competitive pricing against premium offerings from Audi and BMW. What Alfa has lacked is a reputation for longevity, although the 147 has proven to be one of the firms more reliable models. Facelifted in 2005 with the new-look Alfa face and a light interior makeover, even in its later years there remains much to like about this stylish hatchback.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "There are four engines available - two petrol and two diesel, and you won't be disappointed by any..."

  • Handling

    3.5 out of 5

    "Alfa usually produces cars that handle well and a 147 is no exception. It's as sporty as it looks,..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    2.5 out of 5

    "The 147 is not great compared to rivals. There shouldn't be too many complaints from those in the..."

  • Practicality

    2.5 out of 5

    "Despite being attractive, the interior feels a little claustrophobic in the rear of the three-door..."

  • Equipment

    2.5 out of 5

    "You're paying for the performance and that Italian pedigree chassis, so don't expect too much extra..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3 out of 5

    "The steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake, and the seat's range of movement includes height..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    2.5 out of 5

    "Fuel and insurance costs are above average for the class (but not necessarily for the performance),..."

  • Green credentials

    3.5 out of 5

    "The 147 scores well on the eco front and with an average of 175g/km CO2 across the line-up, its..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3 out of 5

    "The Alfa was only awarded three stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, but you do get ABS, traction control..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "The new breed of Alfa's are much better than the manufacturers older cars when it comes to..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3.5 out of 5

    "Alfa dealers are usually willing to haggle and there are sometimes some good manufacturer..."

  • Buying used

    3.5 out of 5

    "The 147 is better value for money than an Audi A3 or BMW 1-Series, but potentially a bigger..."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "There are plenty of Alfa enthusiasts willing to buy one. The right one that is. Full service history..."

Gallery

  • Interior Alfa Romeo 147 (01-09)
  • Exterior Alfa Romeo 147 (01-09)
  • Exterior Alfa Romeo 147 (01-09)
  • Exterior Alfa Romeo 147 (01-09)

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