Alfa Romeo 147 belongs to the class of junior luxury compact hatchbacks in three- and five-door versions. In 2001, the model was awarded the title “Car of the Year”. It was produced by the Italian company Alfa Romeo from 2000 to 2010 at a plant in the city of Pomigliano d'Arco. The concept was to the liking of both critics and customers. In total, about 650,000 units were sold.
History reference
In the late 1990s, the automaker Alfa Romeo began developing the successor to the 145/146 model series. The main goal was to restore competitive position in the most popular segment of the C-class. The basis was taken platform mid-size budget car Alfa 156.
The designer Andreas Zapatinas, led by designer Walter Maria de Silva, was tasked with developing the overall concept. Specialists did an excellent job: the 147th repeatedly became the winner and winner of various specialized competitions.
Debut
The presentation of the final version of Alfa Romeo 147 was held in Italy at the Turin Motor Show in 2000 and soon went on sale. At first, a three-door version was available, equipped with a 1.6-liter 105-horsepower four-valve Twin Spark engine. A little later, the range of gasoline engines replenished with 2- and 3.2-liter modifications with a capacity of 120 and 150 liters. from. Economical customers were looking for a 1.9-liter JTD direct injection turbodiesel with a capacity of 116 liters. from.
In May 2001, a five-door version of the Alfa Romeo 147 was introduced. Technical specifications for diesel engines improved. They got a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. At the end of 2002, more advanced Multijet diesels with four-valve technology and a capacity of 140 liters were introduced. with., in the middle of 2003 - with two-valve technology for 100 liters. from.
Design
The car immediately attracted attention thanks to an interesting design. The centerpiece is the original radiator grill, reminiscent of a coat of arms and referring to racing cars of the early XX century. As with the larger Alfa 156, the rear door handles are hidden in racks at the glass level.
Salon Alfa Romeo 147 as if tailored to the patterns of Milanese fashion. Armchairs with developed lateral support can be upholstered in leather or non-slip fabric impregnated with Alfa-tex in dark or pastel colors. Deep low landing resembles that in sports cars. A small leather-wrapped steering wheel fits comfortably in your hand. Over the black dashboard proudly rises three deep wells of measuring instruments, which stand out thanks to the silver edging. Most of the center console is occupied by the control unit and audio system, made "under the metal."
Equipment
Alfa Romeo 147 in the maximum price range pleases the owner:
- multi-function on-board computer screen and GPS navigator;
- excellent audio system developed by BOSE;
- automatic speed control system;
- xenon headlights;
- devices for using mobile phones, including Bluetooth technology.
In order to reduce emergency situations and preserve the health of the driver and passengers, the design provides six airbags, traction control, a stability control system, ABS and MCP, a limited slip differential of the Torsen series.
147 gta
In the period from 2002 to 2004, the most powerful version of Alfa Romeo 3.2 L V6 GTA with a capacity of 250 liters was produced. from. (184 kW). The mini-sports car has a top speed of 246 km / h.
The exterior design has been slightly modified. Among other things, wheel arches have been increased to equip the model with higher and wider wheels. The first modifications were equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, later a Selespeed semiautomatic device was installed.
The production of "hot hatchback" was engaged in the British company Autodelta. In addition to the version with the 3.2 L V6 engine, an improved version of the 147 GTA was made. It was equipped with 3.7 L V6 328CV and 3.7 L V6 400CV Turbo engines.
Restyling
In 2004 (by that time 360,000 units had already been sold), the Italians presented the updated Alfa Romeo 147 at the Paris Motor Show. The appearance became more brutal thanks to the new dynamic drop-shaped optics and an expanded radiator grille. The rear cockpit and lights were restyled. The dimensions of the exterior and interior have grown slightly. The length was 4.22 m, the width was 1.73 m, the height was 1.44 m. The changes also affected the dashboard and interior decoration options. A set of engines replenished with a more powerful 1.9 L JTD 16V Multijet diesel engine with a capacity of 150 liters. from.
In October 2005, a limited edition version of Limited TI was released. The car is equipped with a 1.6-liter 120-liter Twin-Spark gasoline engine. from. This model includes a Bose sound system with an amplifier and subwoofer and a car radio with a CD changer from Blaupunkt with MP3 playback. The dominant inside and out is black. Standard equipment also includes:
- leather steering wheel and gear knob;
- aluminum sills with a company logo;
- 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 tires;
- sports suspension;
- roof spoiler;
- fog lights.
Reviews
Alfa Romeo 147 has deservedly become a universal favorite. Deficiencies, if any, fade against the backdrop of great design and high-spirited character. The car definitely attracts the attention of passers-by, especially in the deep ruby color that is traditional for an Italian company. It's nice that this work of art is the most affordable in the Alpha lineup.
The designers tried to give the motors a distinctive rumbling, provoking an aggressive ride. And even if the car has a robotic mechanical gearbox with shift paddles "Selespid", I do not want to stop. The car demonstrates excellent cornering stability and is controlled with one hand.
Of course, there are also negative points. Someone is uncomfortable with a low landing, someone lacks additional functions, the trunk is small. Headache is delivered by very small uninformative side mirrors. The 147th is not intended for travel on "killed" roads. The model's pendant is delicate and vulnerable. But you forget about these little things right away, you just have to sit behind the wheel of an Alfa Romeo.