Performance

There's a choice of two petrol engines and two diesels with the Alfa Romeo 147. The smallest, a 1.6-litre petrol with just 120bhp, can run out of puff fairly quickly. By comparison the two-litre with 150bhp is extremely eager with lots of flexibility and torque. However, the 1.9-litre diesels are even better. Even the 115bhp has huge amounts of torque, and its overtaking power in second and third is outstanding. The 150bhp version is a proper hot hatch, reaching 60mph in just under nine seconds..

Driving

As you would expect from an Alfa Romeo, the 147 has a very sporty feel to its handling. It reacts cleanly and smoothly, taking every twist and turn easily. However the ride can be too harsh at times and the interior can judder as the car passes over even small road imperfections.

Space

The interior space isn't as big as many of its more mainstream contemporaries. While headroom is adequate, legroom in the rear is poor and it's almost impossible to squeeze three in side by side. The boot is also quite small for this class at just 280 litres.

Build quality

Despite Alfa Romeo's reputation for building cars that'll break the moment you leave the forecourt in it, the 147's interior is excellent. The materials are of good quality and the gaps between each panel are tight. However, although all the engines feel strong, the fact the Italian car finished 82nd and the firm itself finished very low in Top Gear's last reader survey says otherwise.

Equipment

The 147 range is very well equipped since every model has air-conditioning, a CD player and front electric windows as standard equipment, although the base TS spec doesn't have alloys. Leather is standard on the Veloce and Lusso and an option on all models except the most basic TS. Satellite navigation isn't standard on any model but it is an option. An automatic 'box is standard on one 147, the 2.0 JTS Lusso, although it's an option on the GTS too.

Safety

Six airbags come as standard throughout the 147 range, while traction control is a common fitment. However, despite this it performed very poorly in EuroNCAP's crash tests, scoring just three stars when most of its rivals have two more.

Owning

When compared to a Golf or A3, the 147 is rather expensive to run. Insurance groups for the Alfa are high but thankfully the fuel economy is low. Worse than any of that though, is the crippling depreciation.

Value

Looking for a bargain? Then look no further than the 147. Despite its wonderfully exotic image, the 147 still starts for much less than its premium rivals from Germany, especially considering it's high level of standard equipment. Buy a 1.6 TS and save over £1,000 over an Audi A3 1.6 Sportback.

Verdict

A great drive that will also turn your Focus owning neighbour's heads with its Italian charm. Unfortunately, poor interior space lets it down while no matter how much Alfa improves, there's always a question mark over reliability.

Alfa Romeo 147 rivals
Audi A3
BMW 1-Series
Volkswagen Golf

Other Alfa Romeo Models
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo 147
Alfa Romeo 159
Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider
Alfa Romeo GT

Top Alfa Romeo 147 road tests
Alfa Romeo 147 1.6 Turismo
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