LOOK SHARP (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 143

Midlife facelifts can be tough things for car manufacturers to carry off, especially when the car in question has already established a reputation as one of the best-looking models in its class. Such a quandary confronted Alfa Romeo when tasked with giving their 147 hatchback range a wash and brush up in 2005. By modern standards of automotive product planning, five years was a long time for this car to have been on sale with no major amendments and few thought the revisions would add up to much but the changes have been universally admired. Giving the 147 an even sharper, more distinctive appearance without uglifying the basic shape in any way, this is one of the most deft tweaks in recent memory. Small wonder that sales have been revitalised and low mileage examples are still hot ticket items in the used arena.

Modelsword count: 13

Models Covered: (3/5dr [1.6, 2.0 petrol, 1.9JTD diesel - TS, Lusso, Turismo, Q2])

Historyword count: 197

In order to understand the position that Alfa Romeo found themselves in when tasked with updating the 147, a brief primer as to what went before is in order. The potted history includes a 1998 European Car of The Year title, the introduction and then deletion of a fire breathing 3.2-litre GTA variant, the unveiling of increasingly competent diesel models and then a revision of the range's trim designations shortly prior to the facelift. February 2005 was the date that the revised cars rolled into dealerships and there are now quite a few low mileage cars to choose from. They're distinguishable by their pointier front headlamps, their reshaped bumpers and their larger rear light clusters. More salient was the JTD 16v engine's increase from 140bhp to 150bhp and some comfort-orientated tweaks to the suspension settings. Some late stock GTA models were also registered on later number plates but the GTA was never treated to the facelift. In spring 2006 Alfa introduced a value-packed TI model that offered sporty looks and an aggressive price tag. A limited slip differential was made available early in 2007. Offered with the 150bhp diesel engine, models featuring this gadget were badged Q2.

What You Getword count: 266

Taking its cue from the marque's excitingly styled Brera, the revised 147's headlamps are a good deal sharper, tapering to inboard points. These lamps feature triple lamp clusters and a revised bumper houses tiny front foglamps and far more aggressive air intakes. The rather odd black rubbing strips that sat below the lights on the old car were replaced, giving the latest 147 a far more chiselled look. Walk round to the rear of this Alfa and you'll spot a chromed strip at the bottom of the tailgate which should do a very good job of dissuading following drivers from high beaming you. The rear lights are a good deal larger than before, smeared across the tailgate and rear wing. A redesigned lower bumper assembly houses the number plate and the rear end of the car is nicely finished by a reprofiled tailgate that makes the Alfa badge significantly more prominent. It's tough to spot one bad angle. This facelifted 147 enjoyed more than just a mere freshening. Fundamental aspects of the car were thoroughly revised. The interior came in for a little attention, the designers charged chiefly with improving the perception of quality. Soft touch two-tone fascias came in, as did moves to make the instruments that little bit more legible. Other more elemental changes to the car included a revision to the suspension, aimed at improving ride quality. A 'Comfort' option on some models allowed for a more relaxed ride. Revised damper settings and a wider availability of electronic driver aids such as anti lock brakes, brakeforce distribution and stability control were also featured.

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