Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.I 147 (2001-06)

Overview

Released in September 2001, the Alfa Romeo 147 was a small, three- or five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy, the front-wheel drive Alfa Romeo 147 range initially consisted of the 2.0 Twin Spark variants with the 3.2 V6 GTA following in August 2003.

Twin Spark and V6 engines

Of the engines,

The 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder ‘Twin Spark’ engines had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The Twin Spark engines were so-called because one spark plug was positioned in the centre of the cylinder, with a second spark plug positioned at the very edge of the combustion chamber between the inlet and exhaust valves; and,
The 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Both engines were available with conventional manual and semi-automatic ‘Selespeed’ transmissions.

Dimensions and suspension

Both three- and five-door Alfa Romeo 147 models were 4170 mm long, 1729 mm wide, 1421 mm tall and had 2546 mm long wheelbases. Furthermore, the 147 had double wishbone front suspension (with a high upper wishbone) and MacPherson strut rear suspension with unequal length radius arms.

Alfa Romeo Mk.I 147 specifications
Variant	Body	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
2.0 Twin Spark	3dr hatch, 5dr hatch	2001-05	2.0-litre petrol I4 (AR32310)	5sp man., 5sp Selespeed	110 kW at 6300 rpm	181 Nm at 3800 rpm
3.2 V6 GTA	3dr hatch	2003-06	3.2-litre petrol V6 (932A.000)	6sp man., 6sp Selespeed	184 kW at 6200 rpm	300 Nm at 4800 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Alfa Romeo 147 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The standard braking package for the Alfa Romeo 147 consisted of 284 mm by 22 mm ventilated front brake discs and 251 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs. The 147 GTA, however, had a Brembo braking package with 305 mm by 288 ventilated front brake discs and 276 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2001 three-door Alfa Romeo 147 hatchback – fitted with a 1.6-litre engine – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 21.35. In the offset crash test, the passenger compartment was compromised and protection from serious injury was marginal for the head, chest and legs of the driver.

Features: 147 Twin Spark

Standard features for the 147 Twin Spark included alloy wheels, an eight speaker Bose stereo with CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Features: 147 GTA

Compared to the 147 Twin Spark, the 147 GTA was distinguished by its unique 17-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, Brembo braking package, a faster steering ratio, bucket seats, alloy pedal covers, flared wheel arches, side skirts and rear spoiler.

2001 Alfa Romeo 147 Ti

In October 2003, Ti editions of the three-door 2.0 Twin Spark variant were released. The Ti editions were distinguished by their 17-inch alloy wheels with low profile 215/45 R17 87W tyres, contoured sports seats trimmed in light grey leather, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, black cloth roof lining, rear spoiler and polished stainless steel sill protectors.

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.II 147 (2005-10)