Featuring new Giugiaro styling, 150bhp M-Jet diesel engines, uprated interiors and revised chassis dynamics.
A revised 3 and 5-door Alfa Romeo 147 range has just gone on sale in the UK, featuring new Giugiaro styling, 150bhp M-Jet diesel engines, uprated interiors and revised chassis dynamics.
Priced from £13,660-£19,040 on-the-road, Alfa Romeo's sporty mid-size hatchback continues to offer a distinctive alternative within the 'Elite' sub-C segment of the market, and with three and five-door versions, three petrol engines, two diesel engines, and Turismo and Lusso equipment options, the new model line-up suits a wide range of tastes and pockets.
Launched in the UK in February 2001, the original Alfa Romeo147 has gone on to record nearly 360,000 sales worldwide. Its special blend of Italian design flair and advanced engineering, which translates into great handling and sparkling performance, has won Alfa's prestige compact sports hatch no fewer than 27 awards, including European Car of the Year 2001.
The latest restyled 147 retains the original's well-proportioned, muscular lines, but the bonnet, front wings and front bumper are all-new to give a cleaner, more dynamic front end. In particular, the distinctive shield-type grille is now larger and positioned lower and further forward, which, together with restyled headlights that sweep back to follow the lines of the V-shaped bonnet, conveys a greater sense of the car's sporting prowess. The mesh covering to the lower air intakes adds extra dynamic appeal.
One of the strengths of the Alfa Romeo 147 range has been the breadth of its engine choice. Petrol engines in 105 and 120 bhp 1.6 litre, and 150 bhp 2.0 litre Twin Spark guise, and the 115 bhp 1.9 litre JTD common rail turbodiesel engine were joined in 2003 by the groundbreaking, 140 bhp 1.9 litre JTD MultiJet engine, marking the first appearance in the UK of second generation common rail technology. Its adoption of higher injection pressures and multiple, but smaller, injections delivers even greater performance and fuel efficiency, together with reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
Now, with the launch of the revised Alfa 147 range, this engine's power output has been extended still further, thanks to a modified injection strategy which also benefits noise and vibration levels. Already available in the Alfa Romeo GT, the twin overhead cam, 16-valve unit, with variable geometry Garrett turbocharger, now delivers 150 bhp at 4000 rpm, while the remarkable maximum torque figure remains at 305 Nm (226 lb.ft) at 2000 rpm. The result is a smooth, reliable and quiet delivery of power, with remarkably low fuel consumption allied to sparkling performance and impressive flexibility.
The maximum torque figure is actually greater than that generated by the 250 bhp 3.2 litre petrol V6 of the 147 GTA, and the result is exceptional flexibility: 90% of maximum torque is available between 1750 and 3250 rpm. The 0-60 mph acceleration time drops from 9.1 to 8.8 seconds, while combined cycle fuel consumption remains at a frugal 47.9 mpg.
The MultiJet engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, while other versions in the 147 range are equipped with a five-speed manual 'box. Customers choosing the 2.0 litre TS engine can also opt for the innovative Selespeed robotised manual transmission, which dispenses with the clutch pedal to combine the convenience of an automatic with the operating speed and entertainment of a conventional manual. Gear changes are made using either a sequential lever, or paddle controls behind the steering wheel. The electrohydraulic system instantly disengages the clutch, reduces torque, and smoothly selects and engages the required gear. Selecting 'City' mode switches Selespeed to a relaxing automatic transmission that is ideal in town traffic.
Precision handling and great roadholding make the Alfa 147 a real driver's car, one that enhances everyday driving satisfaction. Now, subtle changes to the damper characteristics and suspension design have brought higher standards of ride comfort to complement its dynamic ability. The proven and successful arrangement of double wishbones at the front and MacPherson struts at the rear continues to deliver exceptional lateral grip, swift cornering, great efficiency and crisp steering response.
The 147 range remains comprehensively equipped and a standard fitment on all models are six airbags - front, side and window bags, climate control, load limiters and pretensioners for the front seatbelts, a steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, a height adjustable driver's seat, electric front windows and door mirrors, tinted windows, remote control central locking, 'follow me home' headlamps, 60:40 split folding rear seat and an Alfa code immobiliser and alarm system.
All models now also have an RDS radio/CD player with eight speakers (1.6 TS 105 bhp six speakers).
Turismo models add a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, while the Lusso specification comes with steering wheel mounted audio controls, cruise control, alloy wheels, front foglamps and an adjustable front armrest with recess. The five-door model also has electric rear windows.
The sense of security provided by the 147's acclaimed chassis is backed up by some sophisticated driver-aid systems. All models are equipped with anti-lock braking (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), while 1.6 TS Turismo and Lusso and 1.9 JTD Turismo and Lusso models are equipped with anti-slip regulation (ASR) and the engine torque control system known as Motor Schleppmoment Regelung (MSR). The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) stability system - optional on 1.6 TS Lusso and 1.9 JTD Lusso - comes as standard on Alfa 147 2.0 TS, 2.0 Selespeed Lusso and 1.9 JTD 16V MultiJet Turismo and Lusso.
The 147's cabin receives fresh new instrument graphics, further two-tone dashboard combinations, additional Alfatex fabrics and, in most models, new rear headrests which allow better visibility.
Additional optional equipment items include parking sensors housed in the rear bumper and a six-position sliding and reclining electrically operated sunroof.
Available as an option on Turismo and Lusso versions is an audio system incorporating an MP3 player for perfect reproduction of digitised sound, while Lusso models can alternatively be equipped with a Bose sound system that has been custom-designed for the 147's interior to provide concert-quality audio for all occupants.
Finally, the 147 is now available with the advanced telematics system, CONNECT Nav, which includes an RDS radio with CD-ROM reader; trip computer; dual band GSM phone with hands-free operation; GPS module and either a pictogram navigation system (CONNECT Nav) or an active matrix 5 colour display (CONNECT Nav+).
Its unique green CONNECT key will instantly link the driver to one of the 750 operators at the Arese contact centre, which is operational 365 days a year. Motorists will be connected to an operator who speaks their language and can help find the correct route, give traffic and weather information, and even reserve hotels and restaurants, or purchase plane tickets.
The 147 range offers a choice of 13 colours, five of them new: Radicofani Red, Pergusa Orange, Giannutri Green, Dijon Blue and Navona Grey metallics.
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