Alfa Romeo 147 (2001 - 2010)

Known internally as the Type 937, the 147 was produced by Alfa Romeo for around 10 years. The Alfa was available with two trim levels: Turismo and Lusso. Each was available with a range of petrol and diesel engines and were competitively priced compared with offerings from BMW and Audi. The car was praised for its handling and style, winning some styling awards. The 147 was Alfa Romeo''s first car to feature dual zone climate control and electronic traction control. 

Alfa Romeo doesn''t have the best reputation for reliability. It has been very poorly rated on the Warranty Direct Reliability Index, and ranked 40th out of 41 small family cars. However, according to Parkers, the 147 "has proven to be one of the firm''s more reliable models." In terms of safety, the 147 was tested by Euro NCAP in 2001 receiving three out of five stars for adult occupant safety and two out of four stars for pedestrian safety.

The hot hatch 147 GTA edition was launched in 2002. Only 5,029 were built in total and it was only produced for a couple of years. The GTA had a very nippy 3.2 V6 engine with 247 hp. Its top speed was 153 mph and the body was widened to make room for 225/45R17 tyres. 

The 147 was revamped in 2004 when its exterior styling was updated to more closely resemble the new 159 and Brera models. The updates included a new front grille, new headlights, new rear lights and an updated interior on all models except the GTA. The facelifted models also had tweaked suspension and brought with it a new, more powerful diesel engine. Two years later, the 147 1.9 JTD Q2 with front Torsen limited slip differential was launched, and in 2007 a limited edition 147 Ducati Corse model was unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show.

The 147 was replaced by the Giulietta in 2010. Heavy depreciation means used 147s can be picked up for a reasonable price.