The instrument binnacle has also been substantially reworked, with a far more open and logical design. The older design had unfortunately been copied by so many other manufacturers (such as Mercedes-Benz on their new SLK and ML), it had become a little passée anyway. The new dials are a real pleasure to look at, with the 'Giri x 1000' still present, further underlining that the character of the 147 hasn't changed one bit in soul.

The steering wheel, a delightfully trimmed leather sports example on the car we tested, was perfectly weighted. As ever, the driving position in the 147 was brilliant. Any mention of ape-like ergonomics is now a joke at Alfa Romeo.

On the older model, perhaps one of the car's most annoying traits were the snappy and somewhat flimsy indicator stalks which cancelled prematurely at the slightest turn of the steering wheel. A habit which became rather annoying around certain roundabouts. To my delight this had been rectified on the new model, with the new stalks providing a real quality feel. 

The car that we drove had a sumptuous MOMO natural leather interior, a trim choice which we highly advise for this model. It quite simply gives the car an added level of luxury, with the colour providing for an airy and fresh environment. With the natural colour alone, the interior seems larger and more comfortable. The seats have perfect lumber support, and the front armrest gave a perfectly relaxed driving position.

Alfa's CONNECT system was also fitted on the example we checked out. This is a highly complete and beautifully integrated SAT/NAV, GSM and stereo system. At a glance it wasn't at all obvious as to how it worked, but after a bit of reading in the Owner's Manual it should be a pleasure to use.

Another improvement focused on the gearlever and gearbox itself. The knob, now a beautifully crafted leather and metal design, is a great improvement over the older model's. The figures are now engraved into the metal, as on an oldschool Ferrari, instead of being stuck on with a black transfer only to rub off afterwards over time. 

The location of the stick is also far more precise, with hardly an play in neutral at all. There was the slight notch when trying to get into 5th at certain times, but then again this was a new car, still tight after covering only 350 km.

Other improvements are the spring-loaded sun visors, which really clap back into position. On the original 147, these just folded shut and after a few years they seemed to re-establish their 'open' position.

However, the sunvisors' mirrors and vanity lights have know been subject to cost-cutting. A curious material, what could be described as 'public transport oriented plastic' has been used for the injection moulded parts. The lights are no longer part of the package. But this is nit-picking.

The improvement on the interior's minor details will continue to impress the owner as time goes by. Things like the gorgeous chromed headrest supports, the exuberant sill-finish, the chromed bezels around the stereo system's 'tweeters' and the redesigned interior frontal lighting binnacle with high-gloss finish. Curiously, the rear lighting component, sourced originally from the Fiat Marea, still has the older matt-finish.
  

 
On the road
As ever, the Alfa 147 handles superbly. It has one of the most communicative platforms in it's class, and changes direction quickly without any drama. The latter is one of the benefits of compact cars, but the 147 offers more than just this in terms of comfort. It's a unique experience, like driving a miniature Maserati Quattroporte, although with front wheel drive.

After taking it over some severely potholed roads and pavée (cobbles), we can gladly mention that the car does not rattle at all. The low-profile tyres fitted to the car we drove did not aide the comfort levels in these respects, but they did provide more grip on dry roads. 

Squealing the tyres on 147's fitted with standard 15" 185's is often achieved prematurely, although anything over 16" and this phenomenon is gone. Due to the classy air of the test-car's interior (and the fact that it wasn't properly run in), we did not feel the need to push it one bit. It was quite simply a relaxing driving experience.

To top the luxury, the Nuova 147 we drove was fitted with cruise control, which was easy and logical to use. Very refreshing for longer journeys on the motorway, or on those annoyingly long stretches of straight road with a speed-limit of 80 km/h.

Economically and performance-wise, the Nuova 147 range comes with a highly complete range of engines. Starting with the economical 1.6 Twin Spark in two guises (105 bhp and 120 bhp), the range than includes the 2.0 with or without Selespeed transmission. Available diesels are the 1.9 JTD 100 bhp, 115 bhp and 150 bhp.

For a more detailed review on the car's engines and specifications read the official press release here

Conclusion
All in all this is a highly impressive car. Being an Italian car enthusiast writing for an Italian car mag, this may seem a little biased, but it is true: there is nothing else in the 147's segment which generates such a warm and special feeling when you are behind the wheel. The feeling of passion for detail and the quest for excellence is abundant in this little Alfa. It is a beautiful driving experience.

Only minor faults could be spotted on the car we drove, which included a poorly fitting bit of trim on the right-hand rear passenger door. This just needed clicking into place, and we assume that this would have normally been sorted by the dealer, as the car had only just been readied for our test-drive.

The styling and improvements are fantastic - they really improve the quality of the Alfa 147. The car also attracted a lot of 'decent' attention. Parked in the handsome setting of Heeze Castle in The Netherlands, the car received a word of approval from every passer by. Not bad to say that we were kind of blocking the entrance to the castle, but then again this is a car that opens doors.

Photography: Joop Reijnhoudt

Links:
Alfa Romeo Nuova 147  press release
Heeze Castle
Driessen Alfa Romeo Eindhoven