Used Alfa Romeo 147 2001 - 2009 review

Rasping engines and super-quick steering show that the Alfa Romeo 147 was designed to be a sporty car, but where a VW Golf GTI or BMW 1 Series stay smooth and controlled over bumpy roads, the 147's body control is poor and the ride suffers, too.

Yet, if it can't cut it as a sporty car, it certainly looks right: inside and out, this is one handsome small hatch. The interior looks much better made than in older Alfas, too, but passenger space is tight and the boot small.

A facelift in 2005 smoothed the car's nose and brought extra equipment across the range.

The 147 scores only three Euro NCAP stars for occupant safety, a poor result when most rivals hace four or even five. It gained two stars for pedestrian protection, which is average.