To The Power of Minus Three
by Malcolm Baylis (04 Feb 01)

Whether it is a true indicator of the power of the new Alfa Romeo 147 or not, the Italian manufacturer has seen three of its test cars written off in as many weeks.

Certainly the car, new from the tyres up, provides a lively experience. It was tested in Sicily where the roads can be narrow, twisting, undulating and in serious need of repair. Such roads can catch out even the most cautious.

Possibly the unfortunate drivers involved in the accidents were trying to emulate the characters appearing in the latest Fiat film and television advertisement, with the vehicle being chased by a rolling cloud of volcanic dust and molten lava.

Whatever, it rather casts a shadow over Alfa Romeo's delight on seeing the 147 voted Europe's Car of the Year. Nonetheless, the 147 does deserve its crown.

It comes with great Italian styling, punchy Twin Spark engines and cabin comfort that really ought to please everyone.

Although the 147 is a new car through and through, compared with its 145/146 predecessors, that is, it does share some design links with the ever-so popular 156, which has been responsible for giving the name Alfa Romeo a world-wide boost.

United Kingdom customers will have three versions to dither over . . . should it be the 1.6-litre in Turismo trim, or the upmarket Lusso trim, or go for the two-litre Selespeed (also in Lusso trim) with its F1 steering wheel-mounted gear change? Decisions, decisions.

Well, I reckon the 1.6-litre in whatever trim is the one to go for. Its 120bhp is ample power for the three-door hatchback. Dip the throttle and the sound of immediate urgency throbs from under the bonnet. With the short throw gear-shift, this is a very easy car to drive and enjoy.

The suspension system has been uprated, and consequently the level of ride comfort has been greatly improved.

The 150bhp 2.0-litre is interesting, especially with its Selespeed gear arrangement. There is a floor shift which can be used, and, although the steering wheel controls are finger-tipping easy to operate, the message they send to the engine seems to be with some hesitation. It can be a bit disconcerting, especially when instant power is demanded.

Having to compete against the Audi A3, Mercedes C-class and Volkswagen Golf means the new Alfa has to be perfect.

The prices are probably right: £12,985 for the 1.6-litre Turismo, £14,090 for the Lusso and £17,340 for the Selespeed in Lusso trim, all on-the-road figures.

More interesting is its target audience, with most of the advertising campaign aimed at women. At the moment the male-female buyer ratio for Alfa Romeos is around 80-20, but the young-at-heart 147 designers and marketing gurus expect to see women between 25 and 45 years changing that ratio to 60-40.

Certainly the elegant styling inside and out should prove an attraction. With its full kit of safety equipment and driver and passenger comforts, including air conditioning controls for both, and plenty of storage compartments and roomy boot for bulkier luggage (as well as a boot floor which can be turned over and used as a waterproof and washable tray) there is little more needed for the 147 be a real winner in the United Kingdom, too.