Alfa 147

June 2001

A pedigreed hatch to challenge the icons

When the 147, Alfa-Alfa Romeo's sporty replacement of the sexy 145, made its South African debut, it came with an already enviable pedigree, having been crowned as the 2001 European Car of the Year and winning Germany's prestigious Golden Steering Wheel Award, amongst numerous other highly acclaimed awards. The 147 has also been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2002 South African Car of the Year competition.

According to Fiat Auto South Africa (FASA), local importers and distributors of Alfa-Romeo, the 147 is an enthusiast's machine in the finest Alfa tradition, with passionate Italian styling and featuring some of the most advanced and sophisticated automotive engineering available today. The 147 will compete in the C segment of the market, which makes up an approximate 55% of the total passenger car market (with retail figures of around 110 000 units per annum). Currently, the major players in the élite C sub-segment are the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Golf 4, together with newer models like the Peugeot 307.  

Initially, only two models have been introduced, with more variants to follow during the first half of 2002. The two models that were available immediately – both in two-door form only - are the Alfa 147 1.6 Twin Spark (with manual five-speed gearbox) and the Alfa 147 2.0 Twin Spark Selespeed, the latter featuring Alfa-Romeo's state-of-the-art clutchless transmission system. The models to be introduced during 2002 include a manual transmission version (perhaps with 6-speed gearbox) of the 2-litre model and four-door versions for all engine sizes and transmission choices.

The 147 was designed by the Director of Centro Stile Alfa Romeo in Arese, Milan, Andreas Zapatinas, who gave the car a distinctive style and character, yet in true Alfa tradition. At the front, a prominent Alfa grille combines with air intakes at either side to form the Alfa three-part “moustache” motif reminiscent of classic Alfas such as the 6C 2500 Villa d'Este of 1949.

The side windows and glossy black B-pillars create an overall impression reminiscent of a coupé, while the rear window traces out a V-shape, a trait now familiar to Alfa-Romeo styling.

The interior and instrument configuration is dominated by sporty overtones. The curved dashboard shape features three round dials containing the main instruments with analogue dials overlapping slightly.

To aid in the roadholding department, a rigid body combines with a sophisticated chassis employing a double wishbone front suspension and a MacPherson strut system with asymmetrical arms at the rear.  The end result is a stable, agile car that offers remarkable lateral grip, high cornering speeds and effective, precise steering responses. 

Both the 1.6- and 2.0-litre engines come with Twin Spark technology. The 1600’s figures are a maximum power output of 88 kW at 6 200 rpm, 146 Nm of torque at 4 200 rpm, a top speed of 195 km/h, a 0 - 100 km/h acceleration time of 10,6 seconds and a kilometre sprint time of 31,8 seconds. The 2.0’s figures are a maximum power output of 110 kW at 6300 rpm, 181 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm, a top speed of 208 km/h, and a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 9,3 seconds. The Selespeed gearbox system is F1-type technology applied to the road. Since it governs the clutch operation, it does away with the clutch pedal to engage and release gears. The driver can leave the gearbox in  'City' mode, activated by depressing the button on the centre console, which allows Selespeed to convert to a relaxing automatic transmission ideal for town traffic. Alternatively, for quicker gear changes, the driver can simply push a paddle switch next to the steering wheel to change gears up or down, without the need of engaging a clutch.

The 147 brims with technology. Included on all models as standard equipment are an advanced ABS anti-lock braking system complemented by an electronic brake force distributor (EBD), while a sophisticated automatic traction control system (ASR) prevents the front wheels from spinning. Selespeed models also have VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), an innovative system that ensures vehicle stability when cornering.  When the driver changes down suddenly under conditions of poor grip, MSR (Motor Schlepp Regulung, or Engine Braking Control) increases revs to prevent driving wheels from locking up due to engine compression. 

Luxury appointments fitted as standard include a trip computer, climate control, high-grade sound system, central locking, slow-dimming courtesy lights, "follow-me-home" headlights, electrically operated windows and side mirrors, and a trip computer. Being a sporty car, safety features received the highest priority, and included in the pack are six airbags as standard (two at the front,  two at the side and two window bags that run the entire length of the side windows to offer effective protection to the heads of front and rear seat passengers in case of impact), side impact beams in the doors, a collapsible steering column, anti-submarining seats, head-restraints, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, and a Fire Prevention System (FPS) which has as one of its main system components an inertia switch that immediately cuts off the electric fuel pump in the event of a serious impact.

 Theft protection comes from an Alfa CODE II electronic immobiliser that alters its access code every time the car is started.  It prevents the engine from being started if the car's original key is not used.

 Local Alfa 147s are available in a range of 8 colours - traditional Alfa Red and Luxor Black, and 6 metallics: Maple Green, Gem Green, Sterling Grey, Platinum Grey, Seagull Blue and Casual Blue. However, South African customers also have the option to order their 147 from the full range of body colours available in Europe.  Additional colours include Proteo Red, Africa Grey, Inca Blue and Fire Black from the metallic shades and a pastel Polar White.  Customised orders will require a waiting period of approximately three months.

 The standard warranty is 36-month/100 000 km on the mechanical bits, three years on paintwork and five years on anti-perforation. The 147 is also covered by the ‘Alfa Cares’ policy in conjunction with the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance.  The service, which is active 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, is available by calling the dedicated toll-free number 0800 223 727.

 Services intervals are every 20 000 km.