The trim was designed to achieve the highest level of comfort, and handling remains one of the car's outstanding strong points.


Class-topping safety

The Alfa 147 fears no comparison where safety is concerned. Starting with the excellent torsional and flexural rigidity of the bodyshell: 110,000 kgm/rad for the 3-door and 95,000 kgm/rad for the 5-door version. The model also has a servo-assisted hydraulic braking system made up of two independent diagonally split circuits. This is particularly efficient and guarantees prompt, smooth braking as well as short stopping spaces. The front discs are ventilated and 284 mm in diameter, and the solid rear discs have a diameter of 251 mm with Lucas two-piston (38 mm) floating aluminium callipers.

In addition to the excellent performance of this braking system, the entire Alfa 147 range features an ABS anti-lock braking system, complete with EBD (electronic brake distributor), and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) which guarantees absolute control over the car in all conditions, even the most extreme, thanks to the ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) system.

VDC is Alfa Romeo's interpretation of ESP (Electronic Stability Program), the system that cuts in when conditions are close to the limit and the car's stability is at risk, to help the driver to control the car. It is a sporty device, as you would expect of an Alfa with excellent roadholding, and lets the driver enjoy total control of the vehicle as long as conditions are normal, only intervening just before the situation becomes critical. Another device, MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung), cuts in if he changes down suddenly in poor grip conditions, giving torque back to the engine to prevent skidding due to wheel lock. ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) is an integral part of the VDC system, optimising traction at all speeds, assisted by the brakes and the engine control.


A broad, comprehensive range

The 147 comes in a choice of two bodies (3 or 5 door), five engines (1.6 TS delivering 105 or 120 bhp, 2.0 TS delivering 150 bhp and 120 bhp or 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM) with mechanical or Selespeed transmissions, and three outfits (Progression, Distinctive and Exclusive), as well as the Black Line and Collezione Special Series, and the new 'Q2' version.

First of all, even the standard outfit (Progression) is lavishly equipped, particularly where safety is concerned, with foglights, 6 airbags, VDC with ASR and MSR, ABS complete with EBD and Brake Assist, adjustable front seat-belts and two rear head-restraints. Plus 16" sports alloys (205/55 tyres), leather covered steering wheel and gear lever knob, split (60/40) folding rear seat, a multifunction display with a trip computer, electric front windows, electric black door mirrors (colour coded when the paintwork is metallic or Alfa Red), and remote control for centralised opening/closing.

The second outfit (Distinctive) adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a front armrest with a storage compartment, Alfatex fabric, cruise control, electric rear windows, 16" alloys with a spoked design and 205/55 tyres, and radio controls on the steering wheel (even the specific controls for versions with the Selespeed gearbox).

At the top of 2007 Alfa 147 range is the elegant Exclusive outfit, which includes radio/telephone controls on the steering wheel, 17" spoke alloys with 215/45 tyres, voice recognition and Connect NAV+ (radio, CD-player, colour display, dual band GSM telephone, hands-free function, map navigator, Connect button for services, and telephone+voice memo voice controls), complete with 'basic' annual subscription.

Which brings us to the two Special Series, which are available with a 3 or 5-door body, the 120 bhp 1.6, and the 120 or 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM engines (only the 147 Black Line is equipped with the 105 bhp 1.6).

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