147 Series II

Alfa Romeo’s facelifted 147 range continues with a 110kW/181Nm version of Alfa’s twin-sparkplug 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder, leaving a number of cosmetic updates to differentiate the new changes.

Revised front and rear bumpers, a larger, repositioned Alfa Romeo shield and new front and rear light create a new look, while 17-inch alloy wheels are standard.

Inside, there is a redesigned instrument binnacle housing new instrument graphics that claim to offer improved clarity and style. Softer-touch materials cover the dash, there’s the choice of two-tone colour schemes and the seats are trimmed in a new "premium" cloth upholstery.

A subtle interior redesign has also liberated a 15 per cent increase on boot space.

Underneath all this, 147’s suspension has been tweaked via longer-travel shock absorbers with Teflon-coated shafts, new (longer-travel) springs and revised rebound damping rates.

Alfa claims a new hollow anti-roll bar saves 1.7kg and improves resistance to bodyroll.

All 147s continue to offer, as standard, power windows/mirrors, an eight-speaker digital radio/CD player with steering wheel controls, cruise control, automatic dual-zone climate control and power door locks.

The same comprehensive safety kit continues, including six airbags, ABS, ASR traction control, VDC stability control and electronic brake-force distribution.

From January 2006 a six-speed manual common-rail 1.9-litre 147 JTD joined the range, developing 110kW at 4000rpm and 305Nm from 2000rpm, the JTD has 5Nm more torque than the 3.2-litre 147 GTA.