Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £14,950 to £17,850
Handsome, individual styling now tidier after facelift, engines sound and feel sporty, fun to drive, good value.
Past reliability questionable especially with Selespeed transmission, ride fidgety without Comfort option, average safety performance, poor rear vision.
One of the most characterful cars in the class, but a purchase more of the heart than the head.
Servicing costs are significantly higher than for the Ford Focus and slightly higher than for its Audi and BMW rivals, with which its insurance premiums are on a par. Fuel consumption isn't bad, considering the performance, and the JTD 150 averages 47.9mpg on the official 'combined' test cycle, while the JTD 115 turns in 48.7mpg. The 147's CO2 emissions are no better than average.
It is very well-equipped, especially with safety kit, and is competitively priced. All models come with six airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, a leather-covered wheel, a trip computer, air conditioning, alloy wheels, as well as electric windows and mirrors. The Lusso trim adds bigger alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a CD player 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. Check out car supermarket prices too - they can be very attractive.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Alfa Romeo 147
wrote on 11 09 2007
wrote on 24 01 2007
wrote on 29 11 2006
wrote on 10 07 2006
wrote on 10 07 2006