Alfa Romeo 159

The Alfa Romeo 147 is a compact automobile produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 2000.

The 147 was launched at the 2000 Turin Motorshow 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 gasoline engines and a 1.9-litre diesel engine. 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. 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 bad reputation Alfa Romeo and Italian marques in general have 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).

The high-performance 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 Audi A3 3.2 and the Renault Sport Clio V-6 (a car that pioneered the concept of the powerful V6 hot hatch in 2001). The GTA is lighter than both of these rivals, despite producing around the same level of power.

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.

Recent Changes

 * For summer 2007, Alfa Romeo is unveiled three special editions of its current 147: Sportiva, Blackline and Collezione.

Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Reliability
Service interval

12 months/10,000 km

The timing belt in petrol engines should be changed every 60,000 kilometres or 3 years. For diesel engines, the belt should be replaced every 150,000 kilometres or 5 years.

According to Car Survey.org, the average reliability rating for the Alfa Romeo 147 is 7.07 points out of 10. Reliability is steadily improving in the coming years.

Safety
In 2001, the Alfa Romeo 147 scored 3 stars out of 5 (21 points out of 34) and scored 2 stars out of 4 for pedestrian protection. 

Colors

 * Alfa Red
 * Kyalami Black
 * Alfa Silver
 * Stromboli Grey
 * Ottremere Blue
 * Inca Blue
 * Metallic Blue
 * Casual Blue
 * Stromboli Gold
 * Metallic Green

Main Competitors

 * Audi A3
 * Peugeot 307
 * Volkswagen Golf

Hybrid Models
If there are hybrid versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.

Unique Attributes

 * 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.

Resale Values
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Criticisms

 * "Dynamics let it down; crashy ride; dreadful turning circle; GTA's price, get a Mazda3 MPS." - Wheels Magazine

Generations
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Worldwide
If the vehicle is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the  goes by another name in these other markets.

Design quirks and oddities
In a What Women Want survey conducted by the RACV in 2003, it showed that the 147 is the most popular choice among women buying an Alfa Romeo.

Awards
2001 European Car Of The Year