Alfa has launched its upgraded 147 1,9 JTD model, and if the brief time we spent with the Italian is anything to go by, Alfa has a winner on its hands.
Styling wise, the new 147 oozes pizzazz. It’s a very sexy car that offers good performance and frugal fuel usage.
The Giugiaro-styled Alfa retains the original’s muscular lines, but the bonnet, front wings and front bumper are all new to give it a cleaner, more dynamic look. The distinctive shield-type grille is larger and positioned lower and further forward.
The most dramatic change, however, is the headlights, which sweep back to follow the lines of the V-shaped bonnet. Headlight units have also been made more stylish thanks to their clear covers and three projector-style light elements. Subtle changes to the rear include new tail-lights.
Five new colours have been added to the range: Radicofani Red, Pergusa Orange, Giannutri Green, Dijon Blue and Navona Grey metallics. The Pergusa Orange is particularly attractive and a trip past the showroom is recommended.
But all the attention on this 2001 European car of the year must be focused on the 1 910cc, four-cylinder engine and its superb gearbox. There’s very little clatter and at normal driving speeds it is hard to determine that you’re actually driving a diesel. The new engine makes a healthy 110kW at 4 000rpm, while the torque has been increased to 305Nm, made at 2 000rpm.
But the big news is the debut of the groundbreaking, 110kW 1,9l JTD MultiJet engine. This engine marks the first appearance in South Africa of second-generation common rail technology. Its adoption of higher injection pressures and multiple, but smaller, injections delivers even greater performance and fuel efficiency, together with reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
The MultiJet engine is coupled to a magnificent six-speed gearbox, and to say that Alfa has done its homework on the ratios would be an understatement. First gear is nice and short, and finding the remaining five cogs is kid’s play.
At normal highway cruising speeds, the 147 registers just 2 000rpm on the tachometer in sixth, and stomping on the loud pedal sees it pull smoothly and quite rapidly up the speed scale.
The 147 is no slouch in the accele-ration game, and will get to 100kph from standstill in a claimed 8,8 seconds, while the top speed is around 208kph. Like all oil burners, fuel usage is good and the careful driver should realise a figure of about 5,9 litres per 100km.
The proven and successful arrangement of independent double wishbones at the front and McPherson struts at the rear continues to deliver good levels of lateral grip. The ride is comfortable and Alfa’s sport heritage is evident as it is carried over in the new 147.
There’s a huge concoction of electronic safety wizardry should you get too enthusiastic, which include anti-lock braking (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and anti-slip regulation (ASR).
For comfort and safety, there are six airbags (front, side and window bags), climate control (manual on Progression models and dual-zone on Distinctive versions), power steering, load limiters and pretensioners for the front seatbelts, a steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, electric front windows and heated door mirrors.
The standard CD/radio can be controlled via buttons on the tilt-adjustable leather steering wheel, and there are ‘follow me home” headlamps.
The more upmarket Distinctive models get even more kit in the form of a CD changer, front fog lamps, power rear windows, cruise control and leather upholstery. Alloy wheels are standard across the range — 15” in the case of Progression models and 16” for the Distinctive models.
The advantage the Alfa has over its more expensive two litre rivals is the long service interval, pegged at 20 000km. Alfa Romeo owners enjoy a 12-month manufacturer warranty on their vehicles. A 36-month/60 000km maintenance plan is also in place.
The 147 1,9 JTD 5-door Progression costs R199 000, while the 147 1,9 JTD MultiJet 5-door Distinctive is R219 000.