Alfa Romeo 147 Hatchback

ON THE ROAD

Performance
Even the base 1.6 has a lot going for it, but the 2.0-litre is more eager. Both have traditional Alfa sparkle, but switch comfortably from town to cruising speeds. The 2.0-litre is available with an optional paddle-shift manual gearbox. For the best driveability, go for one of the 1.9-litre turbodiesels.

Ride & handling
The 147 tries to be sporty, with fast-acting steering, but comparatively poor body control on uneven roads dulls the car’s reactions. The ride is sometimes unruly, too. Road scars can send shudders into the cabin, but things improve on main roads. The Q2 version’s limited-slip differential improves front-end grip and traction.

Refinement
The big wheels and tyres of the 2.0-litre models stir up some road noise, but that aside the 147 has few refinement flaws. It’s as quiet as imme<\h>diate rivals at cruising speeds and any engine noise is pleasingly sporty rather than intrusive.

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
Alfa Romeo sees itself as a premium brand, and there's little argument over the 147's desirability. However, it still loses value faster than its main German rivals, and servicing and insurance comparatively steep, too. The 147 isn't up with the class leaders on emissions, either, making it less attractive to company car buyers.

Quality & reliability
The big revelation for Alfa buyers is the 147’s cabin. Plastics have a classy, rubberised feel to them and anything that opens, turns or switches feels up to VW standards. However, JD Power customer satisfaction surveys show that mechanical reliability doesn’t run deep enough. Reliability and dealer service both need to improve significantly.

Safety & security
The 147 performed poorly in Euro NCAP frontal crash tests. All models come with six airbags and traction control, but only the most powerful versions have the more sophisticated anti-skid system. It’s disappointing that deadlocks aren’t fitted to improve security

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel
The Alfa 147 is a mixed bag. Two-way steering-wheel adjustment makes things easy and there’s a simple ratchet to raise your perch up and down. But the backrest is short of support and the control layout is not so clever. Items such as the climate control are fiddly to operate on the move.

Space & practicality
Here’s where the Alfa really falls down next to the Audi A3 or VW Golf. Space in the back is fine for two adults but it’s not as accommodating as some hatches. You’ll be struggling to fit three abreast. Luggage space can’t match that of the class front-runners, either, although all models get a split-fold rear bench.

Equipment
Alfas are cheap against prestige German rivals, and you get a lot for your money. All models come with air-con, electric windows and mirrors, and a CD player. Higher-spec models add alloy wheels, cruise control and wheel-mounted stereo controls to the list. Options include leather upholstery and sports seats, and an integrated multimedia, climate, stereo and sat-nav system