ALFA ROMEO 147 5 Doors Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The first generation released in 2000 was a huge success and the Alfa Romeo 147 was one of the best-looking cars on the market.

However, the car was on sale for five years without any major updates, thus, it was time for a revised model.

In 2005, the Italian carmaker unveiled an excitingly styled Alfa Romeo 147, with design cues takes from the sporty Brera: sharper headlights, a revised bumper with more aggressive intakes, body colored rubbing strips, larger rear lights, a redesigned lower bumper and a redesigned tailgate.

Besides the exterior updates, the new Alfa Romeo 147’s cabin was refreshed with better quality soft-touch materials, as well as redesigned instrument for better reading.

Other updates included a revised suspension designed to provide more comfort, revised damper settings and more driver aids systems such as antilock brakes, brake force distribution and stability control.

In 2005, the Italian producer updated the engines range, offering more powerful diesel units: the 1.9-liter 16-valve unit that previously developed 140 hp was now offering 10 extra ponies, while the other versions of the 1.9-liter unit offered 115, 120 and respectively 170 hp.The gasoline engine offering remained the same.

The engines could be mated with a brand new robotised gearbox, a development of the renowned Selespeed named Easyspeed.

With the Alfa Romeo GTA’s production ceasing in in 2006, the Alfa Romeo 147 remained the most powerful car in Alfa’s range.

The last compact hatchback from Alfa Romeo that had a number instead of a name was launched in 2000 at the Turin Motor Show. It was a true comeback in the compact-segment, replacing the 146.

While its predecessor was built only for five years but had different numbers for the three or five doors version, 145 and 146, respectively, the 147 came with the same name for its both versions. But, like its bigger and older brother, the 156, it featured a hidden door handle masked in the C-pillar for the rear doors.

The styling was one of the best advantages of the 147. Its design, signed by Walter de Silva, offered a new approach to the compact-class from the Italian car-maker. Its curved surfaces and arched roof were part of an attractive design that attracted more customers for the car.

Inside, the bucket-seats were mandatory for a sporty brand like Alfa Romeo. The instrument cluster had a racing inspiration, with three round clusters for the speedometer, the information system, and the tachometer. There was not too much room in the rear, due to the very thick front seats and the short wheelbase.

For the engine side, the Alfa Romeo 147 featured a choice of gasoline and turbo-diesel engines with power ranging from 105 hp to 170 hp. There was a 3.2-liter V6 for the GTA version that offered 250 hp, but that was available only for the 3-door version. The standard transmission offered was with a 5- or 6-speed manual, depending on the engine. An automated 5- or 6-speed gearbox, named Selespeed, was offered for specific models.