Alfa Romeo 147 Hatchback 2000 - Present

The Alfa Romeo 147 was car of the year in 2001. Despite this accolade it's never really troubled the top sellers in it's class, in the UK; the Golf, Focus and the A3. This is a shame as it's a well built car that offers a rewarding drive.

Step in to the Alfa 147 and you can't help feeling a little short changed. If you're lucky enough to be sitting in the front you'll have to move your seat forward for any back passengers but if you're sitting in the back legroom is a premium and the journey is cramped. Head room is limited too so all round you won't want to be in there too long.

The engines make some sense of the purchase as they're all a delight. From the entry level 1.6 which definitely punches above it's weight to the 2.0 Petrol engine and 1.9 JTD unit which are probably the pick of the bunch, offering power right through the rev range and a top speed pushing 130 mph. At the top of the list is the chassis bending 3.2 V6 which generates 250 bhp. All of the engines perform with an assured confidence and are fun to drive.

Alfa builds cars that handle well and the 147 certainly in no exception. It's looks sporty and it drives like a sports car, offering a lot keener handling than the price tag would suggest. On the road the 147 is beautifully weighted and composed in corners. The slick steering inspires real confidence when behind the wheel and transmits a feel for the road that draws the driver in for an engaging driving experience. The slightly stiff suspension can be jarring on poor surfaces but offers such a lithe ride for the rest of the time that you won't be bothered.

The Alfa 147 is a driver's car that offers a great deal of quality for the money that it costs, but shouldn't really be confused with a family car. It's really little more than an occasional four seater but if you're driving you won't be thinking about how comfortable it is in the back seats.

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