Alfa Romeo 147
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| Alfa Romeo 147 | |
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| Manufacturer | Alfa Romeo |
| Parent company | Fiat Group |
| Production | 2000-present |
| Assembly | Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy |
| Predecessor | Alfa Romeo 145/146 |
| Successor | Alfa Romeo 149 |
| Class | Small family car |
| Body style | 3 and 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Engine | Petrol: Diesel: |
| Transmission | manual Sequential manual |
| Wheelbase | 2546 mm (100.2 in.) |
| Length | 4160 mm (163.7 in.) |
| Width | 1700 mm (66.9 in.) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.1 in.) |
| Track | 1518 mm (59.7 in.) (front), 1502 mm (59.1 in.) (rear) |
| Curb weight | 1200-1360 kg (2645-2998 lb) |
| Related | Alfa Romeo GT Alfa Romeo 156 |
| Similar | Audi A3 BMW 1 Series Volvo C30 |
| Designer | Walter de'Silva |
The Alfa Romeo 147 is a small family car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo since 2000.
The 147 was launched at the 2000 Turin Motor Show as a replacement for the aging 145 / 146 hatchbacks, and is based on the running gear of the larger 156 saloon. It is available with 1.6- and 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol engines and a 1.9-litre diesel engine.
The entire 147 range was revamped in 2004, with the exterior styling changed considerably to be more reminiscent of the new 159 and Brera models, most notably for its "angrier" look. In 2006 was launched 147 1.9 JTD Q2 version, which features a front Torsen limited slip differential.
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[edit] Critics
The 147 received considerable praise for its styling on launch, and is still considered to be one of the best-looking cars in its class. Its handling was also praised, in spite of criticism regarding the light (sensitive) steering, which makes some drivers feel less involved. However, light steering does help during parking maneuvers. Other criticisms of the 147 included a cumbersome gearshift, unsupportive seats and the lack of interior space compared to its rivals. The car became well-known for its engine note, which is unusually mellifluous for a car of its class.[1][2][3] The 147 was also voted European Car of the Year for 2001.
The 147 suffers from poor resale value. One of the main reasons for this is the generally bad reputation Alfa Romeo has for reliability and durability, though the 147 has so far proven itself to be considerably more reliable than previous generations of Italian cars. However, this is mostly because customers usually opt for manual transmissions and avoid the V-6 powered GTA. Nevertheless, even though major breakdowns are not a serious problem for the 147, smaller, mostly electronic faults are (e.g., warning lights unnecessarily coming on and engine oil being burned even in brand-new engines).[4]
[edit] High-performance versions
The hot hatch 147 GTA model was launched in 2002. The GTA used a 3.2 V6 engine, produced 250 bhp and could exceed 150 mph. Its competitors in Europe include the Audi S3, BMW 130i, Volkswagen Golf R32 and the Renault Sport Clio V-6 (a car that pioneered the concept of the powerful V6 hot hatch in 2001).
Alfa Romeo together with Autodelta (UK) have produced a "bored out" version of the GTA sporting a 3.7-litre V6, producing 328 bhp, and a split-axle differential gear for the front wheels. This car has famously been road tested by Jeremy Clarkson, and featured on television show Top Gear with a power-lap around the track by The Stig. In his review of this car for The Sunday Times, Clarkson described the acceleration as "...Ferrari throttle? Forget it. When you stamp on the accelerator it’s like you’ve hit the Millennium Falcon’s hyperdrive. Suddenly all the stars are fluorescent tubes. ..." and the handling as "....A corner was coming. And then it was a distant speck in my rear-view mirror. I vaguely remember turning the wheel and I have a dim recollection of being astounded by the grip . . . and then the moment was gone. No, really, the damn things a barnacle...."
[edit] Engines
At the moment there are three petrol engines (105 PS,120 PS,150 PS) and two diesel engines available (120 PS and 150 PS).
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 TS | R4 | 1598 cm³ | 77 kW (105 PS) @5600 rpm | 140 Nm @4200 rpm | |
| 1.6 TS | R4 | 1598 cm³ | 88 kW (120 PS) @6200 rpm | 146 Nm @4200 rpm | |
| 2.0 TS | R4 | 1970 cm³ | 110 kW (150 PS) @6300 rpm | 181 Nm @3800 rpm | |
| 3.2 GTA | V6 | 3179 cm³ | 184 kW (250 PS) @6200 rpm | 300 Nm @4800 rpm | since 2002 |
| 1.9 JTD 8V | R4 | 1910 cm³ | 74 kW (100 PS) @4000 rpm | 275 Nm @2000 rpm | |
| 1.9 JTD 8V | R4 | 1910 cm³ | 85 kW (115 PS) @4000 rpm | 275 Nm @2000 rpm | |
| 1.9 JTD 8V M-Jet | R4 | 1910 cm³ | 88 kW (120 PS) @4000 rpm | 280 Nm @2000 rpm | since 2005 |
| 1.9 JTD 16V M-Jet | R4 | 1910 cm³ | 110 kW (150 PS) @4000 rpm | 305 Nm @2000 rpm |
[edit] Connect
Connect is an on board information system: an on-board telematic system located in the central console that via its 5” monitor gives access to satellite navigation and handsfree GSM phone as well as allowing you to adjust the radio and CD player settings. If subscribed to the CONNECT system by simply pressing the green button you will be connected directly to a member of the service team for assistance.
[edit] Awards
The Alfa Romeo 147 has won more than 27 awards[5] including the following:
- The European Car of the Year 2001
- Das Goldene Lenkrad ("The golden steering wheel", BILD am SONNTAG - Germany) 2000
- Auto Europa 1 (Panel of engineers, drivers and journalists headed by Auto Bild - Germany) 2001
- Trophées du design (Automobile Magazine - France) 2000
- Auto Importado del Año en Brasil - (Brazil Import car of the year) 2002
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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