Road Test
Alfa Romeo 147
Test date 02 July 2003
Price as tested £23,205
For Looks, engine note, performance, classy interior
AgainstSloppy gearchange, poor residuals, poor body control
This is the hairy-chested version of the 147; a competent, stylish hatchback that replaced the somewhat boxy 145 and 146 models. The 147, along with the 156 saloon, gave Alfa a good shot in the arm. Both looked good and they offered realistic alternatives for those wanting something "a bit different".
The 147 delivered what die hard Alfa owners want – style and passion – and it also appealed to those exasperated by boring, uninspiring family hatchbacks. The 2.0-litre petrol engine was the pick of the 147 bunch, but it was not enough – the Italians needed a headline act and that’s exactly what the GTA is. With its 3197cc V6 powerplant, it’s a monster with headline-grabbing performance figures.
The Ford Focus RS is the major rival. Put these two in a back-to-back test and you are looking at a battle of style over substance. The GTA has the looks, but dynamically it can’t match the RS. It all depends whether the heart can rule the head. Throw the VW Golf R32 into the mix and the hot hatch buyer will be scratching his or her head.
The GTA wins the beauty contest though. For some, the aggressively bulging curves, air intakes and gorgeous five-hole alloys that have been added to what was already the world’s sexiest affordable car, will be enough to smother the 147’s dynamic deficiencies, others will not be able to forgive its sloppy handling and as a result they’ll be heading right for the nearest VW or Ford dealership.
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