Alfa Romeo 147

Alfa Romeo 147
Manufacturer:	Alfa Romeo
Production:	2000–present
Body Styles:	FF compact 3-door & 5-door hatchback
Predecessors:	Alfa Romeo 145/156
Successors:	Still in production Alfa Romeo 149
Competitors:	Audi A3 BMW 1-Series

The Alfa Romeo 147 is a compact automobile produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 2000.

Thr 147 was launched at the 2000 Turin Motorshow as a replacement for the aging 145 & 146 hatchbacks, and is based on the running gear of the larger 156 saloon. It is available with 1.6- and 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engines and a 1.9-liter diesel engine. The 147 received considerable praise for its styling on launch, and is still considered to be one of the best-looking cars in its class. Its handling was also praised, in spite of criticism regarding the light (sensitive) steering, which makes some drivers feel less involved. However, light steering does help during parking manuevers. Other criticisms of the 147 included a cumbersome gearshift, unsupportive seats and the lack of interior space compared to its rivals. The car became well-known for its engine note, which is unusually mellifluous for a car of its class. ^{[1] [2][3]} The 147 was also voted European Car of the Year for 2001.

The 147 suffers from poor resale value. One of the main reasons for this is the bad reputation Alfa Romeo and Italian marques in general have for reliability and durability, though the 147 has so far proven itself to be considerably more reliable than previous generations of Italian cars. However, this is mostly because customers usually opt for manual transmissions and avoid the V-6 powered GTA. Nevertheless, even though major breakdowns are not a serious problem for the 147, smaller, mostly electronic faults are (e.g., warning lights unnecessarily coming on and engine oil being burned even in brand-new engines).^[4]

The high-performance 147 GTA model was launched in 2002. The GTA used a 3.2 V6 engine, produced 250bhp and could exceed 150mph; the use of the V6 engine being quite unique in a car of its size. Its competitors in Europe include the Audi A3 3.2 and the Renault Sport Clio V-6 (a car that pioneered the concept of the powerful V6 hot hatch in 2001). The GTA is lighter than both of these rivals, despite producing around the same level of power.

The entire 147 range was revamped in 2004, with the exterior styling changed considerably to be more reminiscent of the new 159 and Brera models.

Alfa 147 Ducati Corse

Alfa 147 Ducati Corse

Produced in a limited edition run, the Alfa 147 Ducati Corse is from the Serie Speciale, born of a strong collaboration between two great Italian brands who have written memorable pages in the history book of international competitions.

The vehicle is fitted with the new 1.9 JTDM 170 CV engine, which has a 8 second 0 to 100 Km/h acceleration. The top-speed is 215 Km/h. Combined to this powerful propulsion is the “Q2“ system (Front self-locking differential) which noticeably increases road handling, traction, stability and at the same time, attenuates the understeering and the intervention of electronic controls. The “Q2” system, with the Torsen type mechanism has the function of distributing engine torque between the rear wheels in a dynamic and constant manner depending on driving and road conditions, in order to insure maximum movement and traction in any context. The self-locking differential, combined with the high wishbone front suspension, allows the Alfa 147 to reach the top handling performance in it's range.

Placed on the dashboard tunnel inside the vehicle, the sport button varies the mapping of the pedal on the accelerator. You can chose between between a more touristy or sporty mapping: the latter, renders even more immediate the car's response and driving experience. The exterior of the Alfa 147 Ducati Corse is marked by the lowered trim and a particular “plucky aesthetic” that unites the Alfa Romeo and Ducati Corse style. The car colours are three - Rosso Giulietta, Nero micalizzato and Ice White – all accentuate the stylish dynamism of the car. Under the indicator lights and the rear door, the “Ducati Corse” logo is framed in chrome and embossed as serigraph.

The new Alfa 147 Ducati Corse is different also due to the studied personal details, such as the chromed exhaust, the brake calipers painted red (optional), the radiator grill and the silky “whiskers”. Also available exclusively in this version are the 18” alloy wheels, which have been specially treated with a red border, an allusion to the world of motorbike racing. Other clear markers of the collusion with the sporting world can be found in the interior: which shows off the darkened roof, the dash, the black uprights and the black leather seats which are woven with red threads and the Ducati Corse logo stitched on the front headrests. Even the steering-wheel, the gear knob and hand-brake flaunt the red/black contrast. In the interior we can also find the aluminium pedal-block, the gear knob with aluminium styling, the kick-panel and red speed-dial emblazoned with the Ducati Corse logo, all of which serve to highlight the sporty spirit of the car.

The Alfa 147 Ducati Corse, synthesis of the best of “Made in Italy”, proposes a rich range of accessories: from the dual zone automatic climate-control, the radio with CD player with controls on the driving-wheel, to the Cruise Control and rear spoiler with VDC.