There is something about driving an Alfa that is almost unique. Such is their popularity among owners, you can expect to be greeted by fellow Alfa drivers with a flash of headlights or a friendly nod at the lights. It’s all very similar to the response of those VW Beetle drivers who wave frantically as another Herbie approaches, but more refined.
The 147 supplied for the test drive certainly lived up to expectations – it boasted great looks, nippy performance and top specifications to make the drive an ease and a pleasure.
That said, however, two factors had really started getting on my nerves by the end of the week. Firstly the very small wing mirrors make visibility on a wet morning less than great, and secondly, the arm rest has to be raised in order to put the handbrake on or off. Small issues maybe, but irritating all the same.
Those aside, the 147 has some truly excellent qualities including a race-styled instrument binacle with three circular dials, a road ice alert, cruise control settings, trip computer and a seemingly endless list of high tech specifications.
For such a compact vehicle to boast such a powerful engine – 1.9 16-valve diesel – safety measures are quite a priority and Alfa does not disappoint. The company is renowned for producing vehicles with limpet-like road-holding qualities and the 147 lives up to expectations – no speed or bend proved too much of a challenge.
And with an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and additional cornering stability features, it’s clear safety is very high on the Alfa romeo priority list.
Although the 147 straddles many car segment categories, the three-door version may prove a bit tight for young mothers who have to strap baby seats in the back. And the boot, although big enough for a good weekly shop, would struggle to hold larger luggage.
But for me, the main attraction about the 147 was its drive. It handled superbly well and was up to any challenge.
FAST FACTS
Alfa romeo 147 1.9 JTD
Price: £17,650
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,910cc 4 cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 128mph
0-62mph: 9.1secs
Combined mpg: 47.9
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 157g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 8yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint
]]>The newcomers feature a number of enhancements to the Alfa’s exterior styling. There are new 17-inch five-spoke wheels, satin-effect wing mirrors, a roof spoiler and chrome exhaust.
The sporting theme continues inside with Q2-type cloth for the seats, aluminium pedals, sports dials, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and darkened roof lining.
The top-of-the-range Sport Q2 version gets a limited-slip differential, lowered sports suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside are black leather sports seats, dual-zone climate control and stainless steel kick plates all of which come over and above the standard Sport specification.
All 147 Sport models are available in red, grey or black and they will be very exclusive with just 450 Sport and 350 Sport Q2s will be produced.
The Sport comes in three or five door body styles and costs from £13,450 whilst the Q2 costs from £16,950 for the three door hatch and £17,450 for the five door version.
]]>JUST about the only thing that Ferrari and Alfa romeo have in common is the use of the Spider moniker for their rag-top roadsters.
They both cost a bob or two, which is the main reason why Alfa’s Spider was such a slow seller.
Punters were prepared to pay more than £100,000 for a Ferrari 360 Spider but even at a fifth of that the Alfa GTV and Spider seemed expensive.
They arrived in 1996 as a GTV hard top and Spider convertible, with the latter costing about £2,000 more at £22,175. This was for the two-litre model, with its 150bhp seeming a mite paltry by today’s standards.
It came with a five-speed manual gearbox and standard equipment included alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, electric windows and mirrors, central locking, twin air bags, stereo radio and alarm.
The Lusso model added leather upholstery, air conditioning and larger alloys. It also cost £2,500 more although there is little difference in price now on the second-hand market, with decent examples up for grabs from just £6,000.
After a couple of years on sale the price had risen to £23,500 for the standard car and £26,150 for the Lusso before plunging down to under £20,000 in the wake of “rip-off Britain” campaigns.
Unfortunately the damage was done and the Alfa Spider was considered too expensive for what it was.
Easy on the eye and pleasant enough to drive, perhaps, but not worth the money in comparison to some of its rivals. It is a different story today, however, as is so often the case with roadsters.
Much sought-after on the second-hand market, especially in affordable two-litre guise, the Spider is a nice collector’s car for sunny days.
Whose dream car? Anyone looking for an affordable classic but only in perfect condition with full service history and a fully-operational hood.
Whose nightmare? Anyone daft enough to choose the 3.2-litre V6 version without a full service history and comprehensive independent vehicle check.
]]>The fourth generation in five decades, the new Spider is arguably the most eye-catching of the new roadster breed hitting UK showrooms this spring and brings with it the much sought after Cabrio of the Year award.
Developed from the Brera coupe, the Spider nevertheless has a unique platform and chassis where it has been given additional strengthening to overcome the loss of the metal roof.
Mechanically it is the same package as the coupe but with the Spider two-seater comes a fabric electric roof which is fully automatic and in-built roll-bars and glass wind baffle behind the headrests of the big seats.
There is some loss of bootspace with the hood compartment but it remains a good sized load area at 200 litres and there are useful lockable compartments behind the seats and a large glove box and slim door bins.
In typical Alfa romeo fashion it comes very highly specified from a technical viewpoint so you get six speed box, powered steering and advanced braking and traction control systems and four wheel drive and auto option on the top version.
In the trim package you have dual zone air con, cruise control, fog lights and headlamp delay, parking sensors, on-board computer and six speaker radio/cd player, while leather is standard on the V6.
Options include xenon lights, sat nav, powered seats higher grade sound system and wireless phone adaption as well as bigger alloys.
The Spider comes with a choice of two petrol engines, 185bhp four-cylinder 2.2 and 260bhp 3.2 V6, or the popular 200bhp five-cylinder 2.4 MultiJet turbo-diesel.
Six speed manual boxes are standard but the V6 is available with the QTronic selectable semi/ full automatic transmission with column paddles and it gets standard four wheel drive.
Top speed of the 2.2 is claimed to be 138mph with 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds and overall consumption of around 30mpg and CO2 emissions of 221g/km.
The 3.2 is good for 149mph, 0-62mph in seven or 7.2 seconds with manual or autobox, and emissions of 273 or 289g/km respectively while the 2.4 does 142mph, 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds with emissions of 179g/km.
Prices are £25,995 for the 2.2 JTS; £31,250 3.2 JTS Q4; £32,700 3.2 Q4 QTronic and £28,995 2.4 JTD.
I tested the two petrol versions and the 2.2 four cylinder petrol is eager. It provides good acceleration with plenty of low down power. It pulls strongly and the gearchange is direct and has well matched ratios to make the most of the power available.
Steering and brakes are nicely balanced and you can bring it rapidly to halt from speed with utter and precise control.
The 3.2V6 is even stronger and appreciably quieter at mid to high revs, but I am not sure it is as responsive in some situations.
There seems to be noticeably longer clutch travel on the manual 3.2 than the 2.2 but the ratios are just as capable of maximising the power which effortlessly pours out of the engine.
This feels more surefooted and smooth riding than the smaller stablemate and both cars produce little wind noise or buffeting thanks to the swept back windscreen and rear baffle screen.
I particularly like the driving position in the Spider with its front and back lifting of the cushion, the finely adjustable backrest and reach/ rake selection on the column. Few should complain.
Room is good for driver and passenger alike and even with the five-layer fabric hood erect there is good clearance, very low wind noise and it seems snug.
Because the hood folds flat into the rear deck the visibility is very good over the shoulder or in the mirror and with it erect you only loose some rear three-quarter vision.
The fully electric operation of the hood in 25 seconds needs no more effort from the user than holding down a switch so it’s a very sophisticated system all round.
And refinement is what owners expect in this expanding sports car sector, with half being bought by women.
Good performance is taken for granted with an Alfa romeo and in the Spider a driver should not be disappointed.
It is one of the few roadsters available with a diesel engine, which was annoyingly not available for a first drive, and this is likely to be a strong attraction when the orders are evaluated.
In the first year, Alfa romeo anticipate selling 700 Spider models but cannot say for sure how the demand will break down and it’s still speculation at this point.
In its best year the previous generation only sold 700 but it’s a fact that the convertible sector is doing well and a higher total is likely.
To go with the new car and a reinvigorated marque, Alfa romeo has overhauled its network, terminating 35 dealers and raising the requirements of existing and new outlets.
There are now about 50 sales and service centres and 15 service only facilities across the country.
With sharper business focus of Alfa romeo and the new range there is probably no better time to look hard at the Spider if you want an eye-catching and value for money roadster under £26,000.
You certainly don’t want to wait another decade.
]]>Available in three and five-door forms, the new Alfa 147 1.6TS is positioned below the existing 147 Turismo and is equipped with a 105bhp version of Alfa ‘s 1.6 litre Twin Spark 16-valve engine.
The new model, therefore, has a less powerful engine than the 120bhp 1.6 Turismo and Lusso versions, but its specification is otherwise similar to that of the Turismo and it becomes available at £13,350.
However, as this is just £220 less than the more powerful Turismo, and the Alfa 147 bills itself as a sporting hatchback, its appeal seems limited. It has a top speed of 115mph, a 0-60mph acceleration time of 11.3 seconds and economy of 35mpg.
Similar money buys a Ford Focus 1.6 Ghia, which is quicker and significantly more economical, with lavish equipment levels.
]]>Whether using flowery language or not, the company’s reintroduction of the Cloverleaf badge heralds the arrival of the most sporting of the breed.
Topping the four-version Alfa GT Cloverleaf range from July will be the 1.9JTDM Cloverleaf Q2 170bhp, which gets a Q2 limited-slip differential to improve cornering ability.
There will also be a sport button that varies the mapping of the throttle to give a quicker accelerator response when required.
All Cloverleaf models come with distinctive 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, red brake callipers plus satin-effect front grille and door mirrors. Three versions have a Cloverleaf badge on the boot lid, while the 170bhp version has the Cloverleaf inside a white triangle above the front wheel arch.
There will be a choice of three exterior colours of Carbonio black, Alfa Red and Atlantico blue.
Inside there are leather sports seats, aluminium pedals and dials with a red background plus a Bose RDS radio with CD and MP3 sound system.
Like all Alfa GTs, the Cloverleafs have dual-zone air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls and rear parking sensors.
The 170bhp 1.9 JTDM sends the Alfa GT Q2 Cloverleaf from 0-60mph in 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 134mph while the 150bhp 1.9 JTDM goes from 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds and has a top speed of 130mph.
The 2.0JTS petrol version accelerates from 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds with a top speed of 134mph while the 1.8-litre petrol version has a top speed of 124mph and reaches 60mph in 10.6 seconds.
Prices start at £18,980 and rise by £1,000 steps through the various models to a high of £21,980 for the 170bhp 1.9JTDM Q2.
]]>So the question is, what else can you buy for £4,000 plus, lets say, a £1,000 trade in? Well, lots really. Whether you want something stylish and luxurious, some sensible family wheels or something small and funky, £5,000 can go a long way. Here are three examples:
Alfa romeo 156
Great driving experience good image and because it’s an Alfa low prices. Lots of ex company cars around that has softened prices especially the Sportwagon estates.
Most economical: 2.4JTD – 42.8mpg
One to buy: V6s
UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 16
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2006 Alfa romeo 156 V6 24v Lusso 2.5 with 35,000 average miles will be between £ 4,135 and £4,865.
CitroÌÇn Xsara Picasso
One of the best and most numerous compact people carriers. Bags of room and good engines are important factors but the sheer number around means that prices are very attractive.
Most economical: 2.0TD – 51.4mpg
One to buy: 1.6 petrols
UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 20
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2005 CitroÌÇn Xsara Picasso I 16v Desire1.6 with 26,830 average miles will be between £4,128 and £4,857.
smart forfour
Grown up smart which is pricey when new. As a used buy though much better value cheap to run and decent equipment. Will get cheaper in coming years.
Most economical:1.5 Cdi – 61.4mpg
One to buy: 1.0 Coolstyle
UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 10
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2005 Smart Forfour Passion 1.1 with 39,213 average miles will be between £4,201 and £ 4,943.
]]>The result has been a sporty but distinctive new look to the car that in original guise was voted a European Car of the Year.
The improvements are not just cosmetic. Underneath there is sharper steering and revised suspension to improve handling.
There is also a new 150bhp diesel engine to complement the existing powerplants which include 1.6 and two-litre Twinspark engines and several versions of Fiat’s 1.9-litre JTD diesel.
Standard specification is also good including ABS, climate control, six airbags – front, side and window bags.
Priced from £13,660 to £19,040 on-the-road, the 147 comes either as a three or five-door version and in Turismo or higher specification with equipment options which add dual zone climate control, a high specification eight-speaker sound system, leather steering wheel and gearknob trim and remote audio controls, plus trip computer.
Like the 156, Alfa’s other leading model at the moment, the new 147 features an offset front number plate – another stand-out-from-the-crowd, feature.
Alfa is currently pushing both models with an offer of three years free servicing, although that does not extend to the current star performer from the legendary Italian marque.
That is the Alfa GT and with prices running from £10,995 for a potent 1.9-litre diesel to £26,695 for an awesomely quick 3.2-litre V6 – top speed 151mph, 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds – it is hot property. The GT in effect has replaced the GTV and its coupe looks also give it the edge.
Alfa’s 166 sports saloon remains the flagship with the 3.2-litre V6 costing close on £30,000 – but it just does not look as sexy as the GT.
Neither does the estate version of the 156 and although there are some clever features in the styling, this car has never really taken off as a sports tourer despite the entry level diesel – with 47.1mpg fuel economy and sub ten second 0 to 60 sprint time – costing only £17,540.
]]>That’s one of the qualities that sets the Italians apart from the many other luxurious, refined, engaging or just downright magnificent machines you can buy today.
Take the executive class. Selecting the ideal cruiser is as much about priorities as it is about taste. There will always be those who prize the steely qualities of the German giants BMW and Mercedes above all others, while the safety conscious will look no further than Volvo.
Lexus, Audi and Saab drivers can also feel they are part of a more exclusive club, but if there’s a marque that offers flair, individuality and elegance it’s the Italian supermodel.
The 166 has been around since 1999 when it replaced the dated 164 model, and comes with a choice of three engines – a two litre Twin Spark, 2.5 V6 and three litre V6.
With an arrow-like profile plus high flanks and boot, the 166 is a distinctive mover. It never fails to attract admiring eyes. People don’t just glance, they come over and take a proper look. Nor does the driving experience let you down.
The front-wheel drive 166 has fine poise and a rewarding combination of performance, refinement and firm ride. The entry level Twin Spark engine is a cracker. Most buyers go for the automatic transmission though the Alfa’s five-speed manual gearshift is slick and easy, while cornering is of the quality you would more normally associate with a small coupe and motorway cruising pretty near effortless.
The climate control and radio cassette buttons are incorporated into a centre console display and screen which also governs the optional navigation system and phone.
Standard spec on the 166 includes ABS, dual airbags, four electric windows, sounds, automatic climate control, 16-inch alloys, alarm/immobiliser and one of the most uncomfortable inventions in the history of motoring – heated front seats.
If there’s a criticism it is that the 166, while not tight in the back, has a moulded rear bench designed to seat two. A centre passenger has neither a three-point seatbelt nor headrest.
It lacks the overall appeal of the smaller 156, but is a very desirable car nonetheless. Expect to pay around £5,600 privately for a 1999 2.0 TS model on a T-plate or £9,200 for a 2000 X-reg 2.5 V6 saloon in Lusso trim from a dealer
Forecourt Facts
Alfa romeo 166.
Driving: Effortless motorway cruiser but with potent handling on winding roads.
Performance: Impressive all round. 2.0 TS will do 0-60 in 9.5 secs and hit 130mph, 3.0 V6 much quicker at 0-60 in 7.8 secs and on up to 150mph.
Economy: 2.0 litre models will average 29mpg, but the bigger units are thirsty with the 3.0 averaging 22.6mpg.
Safety: Well catered for with safety standards met.
Recommended Buy: 2.0 Twin Spark.
]]>UK versions of the 156 and 156 Sportwagon already offer the option of a common rail turbodiesel, in the form of the 150 bhp five cylinder 2.4 litre JTD. Now there is a 115 bhp 1.9-litre JTD engine, in both Alfa 156 and Alfa 147 ranges.
While European sales of petrol engined cars in the lower-medium and medium sectors fell last year, diesel sales have grown rapidly from around 15 per cent to nearly 25 per cent in the past three years, with a projected rise to 28 per cent for 2003. In Europe, one-in-three cars sold in 2002 was a diesel, which is a figure expected to rise to 50 per cent of this market by 2007.
The UK market grew by 4.3 per cent last year, and within this petrol demand declined by 3 per cent, while diesel growth amounted to 37.8 per cent.
Alfa’s 1.9-litre unijet turbodiesel develops 115 bhp at 4000 rpm, together with 202 lb ft of torque from 2000 rpm. Thus equipped, the Alfa 147 1.9 JTD has a maximum speed of 120 mph, and accelerates to 60 mph in just under ten seconds. It returns 48 mpg over the combined cycle, with a CO2 emissions figure of 155 g/km.
The 156 1.9 JTD accelerates to 60mph in 10.3 seconds, while sharing the Alfa 147′s maximum speed, fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures. The 156 Sportwagon 1.9 JTD also has a top speed of 120 mph, accelerates from 0-60 mph in 10.7 seconds, and returns 47 mpg and 160 g/km CO2.
The 1.9 JTD 115 bhp unit will become available in Turismo and Lusso versions of the Alfa 147, with specification levels otherwise identical to 1.6 petrol engined versions of the car.
The Alfa 156 1.9 JTD 115 bhp saloon will become available in Turismo and Veloce versions, the Sportwagon as a Turismo version only.
Prices range from £14,500 for the Alfa 147 3-door Turismo, to £16,100 for the 5-door Lusso. The Alfa 156 Turismo and Veloce cost £15,590 and £16,400 respectively, and the Sportwagon Turismo is priced at £16,710.
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