Alfa Romeo 147

Alfa Romeo 147 at a glance

The 147 replaced the 145 and 146 and sat below the 156 in the Alfa Romeo range. It shares the front-wheel-drive Type Two platform with the 156, and the 147 name continued Alfa Romeo's three-digit numbering of the period.

Generations and model history

The 147 was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in June 2000, and the first cars reached left-hand-drive markets in October 2000. It was voted European Car of the Year 2001. There was one generation. The main update came in 2004, when the 147 received a new grille, headlights and rear lights that brought it in line with the 159 and Brera, plus interior changes, more powerful diesels and revised suspension. ADAC lists the facelift for Germany from 2005 and a further update in late 2006.

147 GTA

From 2002 to 2005 Alfa Romeo sold the 147 GTA, with a 3.2-litre 24-valve V6 producing 184 kW (250 PS) and 300 Nm, the most powerful engine ever fitted to the car. The interior update of 2004 was applied to all versions except the GTA, and ADAC lists the GTA as a separate model line.

147 Q2

In 2007 Alfa Romeo added the 1.9 JTD Q2, with a Torsen limited-slip differential on the front axle. ADAC lists it in Germany with 110 kW (150 PS) and, from 2009, as the Veloce Q2 with 125 kW (170 PS).

The 147 ended production in May 2010 and was replaced by the Giulietta.

Engines, transmissions and performance

Data from Wikipedia and ADAC (German market); "n/a" means not in our sources, and years are approximate. A five-speed manual was standard with most engines; ADAC lists a six-speed manual for the 1.9 JTDM 16V 170. The Selespeed automated manual with steering-wheel paddles was available from launch with the 2.0 Twin Spark.

ADAC lists 11.3 seconds to 100 km/h and 185 km/h for the 77 kW 1.6, and 8.0 seconds and 215 km/h for the 125 kW 1.9 JTDM Veloce Q2.

Dimensions, space and boot

Dimensions are ADAC data; the facelift added about 50 mm of length through the new bumpers. The boot is small for the class: 280-292 litres against 350 litres or more in many rivals. To see whether one fits your space, use our garage fit tool.

Fuel economy and running costs

Official NEDC figures from ADAC show the gap between petrol and diesel versions:

The Twin Spark petrol engines are thirsty by modern standards, and the 1.9 diesels are the economical choice. Note that later diesels have a particulate filter (DPF), which ADAC lists in the version names from 2006.

Trims and prices

When new in Germany, the 147 started at EUR 17,150 for a three-door 1.6 Twin Spark Progression (2001). The trim names changed often: Impression, Progression, Distinctive, later Sportiva, Collezione, Black Line, Corse, Quadrifoglio Verde and Veloce. In 2009 the 1.9 JTDM Veloce Q2 five-door cost EUR 25,950 (ADAC).

Safety: Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP tested the 147 in 2001 and awarded three stars for occupant protection and two stars for pedestrian protection. Euro NCAP said the car did very poorly in the frontal impact, but it gained the maximum score in the side impact test. That rating is weak compared with what cars of the next decade achieved, so it is worth keeping in mind when buying an older 147. Current ratings for newer cars are in our safety section.

Reliability and known issues

Our sources contain no reliability statistics for the 147, so we make no claims here. As with any car of this age, the service history matters more than the badge: ask for proof of timing belt changes and check the condition of the suspension, which on a 15 to 25-year-old car is likely to need work.

Rivals

Rival figures are general manufacturer data; prices for used cars depend on condition, so check our comparison tool.

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