Faults:

After a few months, the immobiliser system between the keys and the car was very tempremental and had to be replaced (under guarantee).

After the first 20,000Km service one of the belts under the bonnet was slipping and squealing (fixed after I took the car back to the garage at no extra cost).

The car developed a passenger's side door rattle. This seems to be a common problem with nearly all 147s around the world, and the garage can't seem to find the problem.

General Comments:

The main attribute that attracted me almost immediately to the 147 was the design and the small details both externally and internally.

The dash is lovely and clear, plus the red illuminations remind me of the high performance sports cars like the Ferrari 355.

The seating (which is fully adjustable) is very competent and comfortable. The space and in particular the leg room provided both for the front and rear passengers is great for the overall size of the car.

Externally, those 156 metal door handles are very nicely replicated and suite the lines and style of the car's exterior design.

The rear bumper is a bit "big" and bold, whereas the front bumper combines a sporty look with a subtle elegance. - A shame that the indicator lights are low down on the bumper instead of the fog lights.

Faults:

The wiper motor arm broke after 3 months.

The cam-belt broke at 50 000km causing the pistons to bend the valves. The dealer took two weeks to repair the vehicle.

Seats have started to wear.

General Comments:

The car is beautiful and has more than enough power. The active and passive safety features sets new standards. The braking system is amazing.

Faults:

Gearbox replaced.

I've had numerous problems with the air bags - the warning light is still on after 5 trips to the dealer.

The exhaust manifold heat shield cracked.

An assortment of compact disc player errors.

General Comments:

The car looks fantastic.

It handles very well, however the anti-lock braking system cuts in a bit too soon.

The traction control can generate serious oversteer when going around roundabouts in the wet.

The seats are very comfortable.

The cabin makes the car feel like it should have cost a lot more.

The compact disc player is good, although it frequently needs to be turned off and then on again to convince it that it doesn't have a multichanger attached.

Faults:

Repeated alarm false alarms with siren sounding non-stop for up to 20 minutes.

VDC, ABS and Selespeed failure warnings.

Selespeed clutch engagement malfunction.

Radio station presets self reset.

Repeated CD Error messages.

Trip computer self resets.

Windscreen wiper/washer malfunction.

Only the latter fault has been rectified by the dealer, the others remain and the car has so far been off the road for over 4 weeks in the last 48.

General Comments:

Handling is excellent.

Styling is stunning inside and out.

Build quality is good.

Equipment level is excellent.

Bose sound system is stunning.

Dealer service is lacking.

Electrical problems are becoming too much for me to consider continuing ownership.

Faults:

There was a small paint chip underneath the bonnet, this was quickly resolved by the dealer.

General Comments:

Going from a 2.5 V6 to 1.6 I thought was going to be difficulty however this car has everything.

The performance is excellent.

The trim levels and general interior details are stunningly attractive.

From the outside the 147 is drop dead gorgeous.

Handling is superb.