2005 Alfa Romeo 147 JTD 16v M-Jet review from UK and Ireland

Nothing so far!

Only had the car for 1 month (1,500 miles), initial impression is a very good one so far. Considered the usual suspects for this sector; Astra, Focus, & Golf, but in the end the Alfa won due to it's more handsome looks, excellent dynamics and high spec.

Comfort:

Very refined. The car is the Lusso trim level, plus has been fitted with following options from the factory:

Metallic silver paint

Full red leather interior

17" supersport alloys (215/45/17)

'Winter pack' - heated front seats, heated windscreen washer jets and headlamp washers.

'Comfort pack' - additional rear head rest, rear centre arm rest and boot cargo net.

Rear parking sensors.

Performance:

Coming from a petrol 2002 Astra 1.8 SRI, the Alfa is far quicker in 'real world' everyday driving, overtaking is very easy and brisk. The engine is the 150bhp 16v multi-jet version with 225ft/lb's of torque at 1900rpm coupled to a six speed gearbox. Initial acceleration in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear is very impressive, with 6th gear proving to be a good cruising gear (35mph per 1000rpm). Economy has been as expected; 47.5mpg is the current MPG figure from my daily mixed town and motorway driving.

Reliability:

Early days yet, but all the major components (ECU, ESP, ABS etc..) are Bosch manufactured so this is a good starting point. Also, the engine I believe is the product of a joint project between Fiat/Alfa and GM. The engine is actually used in few different diesel models; Fiats, Alfa's, Vauxhall's and SAAB. Does not have the usual Alfa sporty petrol engine note, but hey it is a diesel after all!

Summation:

Great looking car, lovely design touches throughout. Boot not the biggest in class (290 litres), but adequate. Seems very well screwed together in all respects, provided the car remains reliable I can see me hanging onto this one for a long time.

If you want to stand out a little and drive with a grin on your face, buy one!