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Despite the price, Alfa Romeo's new starter hatchback is
aimed at younger drivers. Alfa reckons it's been
missing out on potential business from the likes
of lifebyte users for years. So if you all hate
this car it may well be consigned to the scrapyard
instead of the showroom.
Thing is though, if hatchbacks are sex, the 147 is hardcore titillation – a plump three-door dollop of suggestion and understated power, all topped off by a good-sized swanky grille. Accusations of Honda Civic similarities are dispelled on closer inspection.
Our 147 held onto the bends well and, despite the fact that it reached 62mph in a less-than-staggering 9.3 seconds, the 2.0 litre car felt and behaved like a hot hatch should. The cheaper 1.6, however, is the wiser choice. It has enough horsepower to make it adept at picking up speed with little need to hunt for lower gears.
For comfort, Alfa has made great advances: the steering adjusts in and out, up and down, and the seat base has height adjustment too. The instruments are buried deep in the dash, so you have private access to the reality of your reckless speeds!
There's plenty of room all round, though the rear seats are really only designed for two; anyone who rides in the middle will have to put up with an aircraft-style lap belt. Additional options include a Bose stereo and a separate, backseat air con control. Next spring, a five-door will follow that will be visually identical to the hatchback 147, thanks to the same cunningly disguised door handles seen on the 156.
When you walk away from this, you can't fail to feel a buzz. Truth is, Alfa's
past legacy of iffy build quality and a thinly
spread dealer network means the 147 will have
its work cut out. Which is a pity, because it's
a dashed fine motor.
Lifebyte verdict: better than sex (with
an Audi A3).
— Simon Hacker 02.11.00
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