Alfa Romeo 147

Our verdict

The Alfa Romeo 147 is a decent enough thing to drive and still conspires to look better than most more modern rivals, but there’s better metal out there. Still, the safest way to earn your Alfa stripes and become a certified Sergeant in Clarkson’s petrolhead army.

Comfort

Oops. If you're tall the 147 will be a jail cell. Typical Italian long-arms-short-legs driving position can be an issue, as can headroom as the seats themselves sit quite high. There's also a fair amount of road noise and a decidedly wonky judder from some of the earlier cars over rough surfaces. Short people like them.

7 out of 20

Performance

There's no GTA anymore, so if you want fast go for a diesel, seriously. The JTDM 1.9 16v Lusso is a lovely torquey engine with bags of flexibility that pips even the 2.0-litre petrol to 62mph. The 1.6-litre petrol is noticeably slower, but as with all Alfas, pretty willing. Happily, there's no dog here and the 147 feels perky rather than manic.

14 out of 20

Cool

Used to be very funky, less so now that the Brera has appeared. OK, so the 147 is more practical, but it's also been around for a lot longer, so interest has waned.

12 out of 20

Quality

It shouldn't break by breathing on it, but be aware this isn't a Lexus.

7 out of 20

Handling

Sporty for a hatch, the 147 has decent steering and a playful attitude but the diesels have a nasty torque-steer habit, especially pulling out of junctions in anything resembling damp conditions. A bit off the pace next to latest-generation Ford Focus.

9 out of 20

Practicality

Not very big, with limited rear legroom. The boot's pretty tiny (280litres) compared to others in the sector too, so go and have a good poke around before you commit.

8 out of 20

Running costs

Insurance for the sporty 147 is on the high side and depreciation is bloody awful. Economy is pretty good, but you're best off buying secondhand and avoiding the initial hit.

10 out of 20