When it comes to combining practicality and performance at a low price, there are few better ways of achieving this than with a good old hot hatch. Ever since the Volkswagen Golf GTI made waves upon launch in 1975, manufacturers around the world have worked hard to perfect the recipe. They tend to be loaded up with a peppy four-cylinder engine, the powerplant wrapped up in a compact and light body that sees the power being sent to the front wheels.
When it came time for Italian marque Alfa Romeo to develop a hot version of its 147 hatchback in the early 2000s, it decided to tread a different path. The result was nothing short of insane.
The 147 Was Alfa’s Answer To Popular Hatches Like The Ford Focus
The 147 first turned up in 2000, and the model was developed to replace the brand’s relatively unpopular 146 hatch, which failed to challenge the big boys from a sales standpoint. Alfa decided to use its recently released 156 sedan as the basis for the 147, with the hatch being graced with a more compact but still stylish body. It was available in three and five-door forms, and was available with a range of gas and diesel inline-four powerplants. Like a typical Alfa, the 147 was praised for its striking looks and engaging driving experience, though it lost points for its lack of quality when compared to rivals like the Focus and VW Golf.
By 2002, the time came for Alfa to launch a hotter version of the 147, which was designed to take on the likes of the Focus RS and Golf R32. No derivative of the 147 was ever offered in the US, with the car remaining firmly rooted in Europe.
The 147 GTA Carved Its Own Path
In classic Alfa style, it decided to take the 147 GTA in a very different direction from these vehicles. From the outset, it wanted to pack its hatch full of power, so it borrowed the beautiful 3.2-liter Busso V6 from the 156 GTA and shoehorned it beneath the 147’s hood. It also developed a bigger body kit to allow for wider and grippier tires, which were wrapped around larger and more striking alloy wheels. While the likes of the Golf GTI and Renault Megane Renaultsport focused on providing agile handling rather than outright power, the goal of the 147 GTA was to get as much power from it as possible. The trouble was, Alfa decided to keep it front-wheel drive.
The Alfa’s Commanding V6 Worked The Front Tires Hard
As a result, the front-mounted rubber had its work cut out trying to deal with the V6 at full chat. Like in the 156 GTA, the powerplant kicked out 250 hp, with the front wheels receiving the full brunt of this grunt via a six-speed manual gearbox.
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2002-2005 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA |
|
|---|---|
|
Engine |
3.2-liter NA V6 |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automated Manual, 6-Speed Manual |
|
Power |
250 hp |
|
Torque |
221 lb-ft |
|
0-60 MPH |
6.3 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 mph |
The 147 GTA was a true powerhouse, given that the likes of the Golf R32 and Focus RS of the time only produced 240 and 215 hp, respectively. Unlike the Alfa, these models also came with all-wheel drive, which meant the front wheels didn’t have to concern themselves with all that power without backup.
The 147s Suspension Received Attention To Try And Keep The Power Under Control
Alfa’s engineers tweaked the 147’s front double-wishbone and rear MacPherson strut rear suspension layout to help sharpen up the GTA’s handling. The front componentry was beefed up to better deal with the extra weight and power of the V6 lump out front, while the rear suspension settings were revised to ensure the balance of the vehicle remained consistent.
These changes ensured the chassis felt reactive and alive. A bigger Brembo braking system was also employed to help get the car slowed down more effectively. The 147 GTA’s power steering also helped make the car feel responsive, even if it is lighter than the majority of its rivals.
The 147 GTA Was Still An Animal
Despite these changes, the 147 GTA would bite hard if you didn’t treat the throttle pedal like it was made of glass. That torquey V6 made mincemeat of the front wheels if you weren’t careful getting on the gas, mainly due to the front wheels having to deal with the power by themselves, a situation made even more tricky if you decided to steer while accelerating. The issue was exaggerated by the fact that Alfa elected not to include a limited-slip differential with the GTA, which meant the inside wheel would light up without much poking.
The suspension also struggled to keep up, with the setup known to feel floaty and react too late over bumps, which only added to the vehicle’s unhinged driving behavior. This all added up to one of the most exciting hot hatches ever constructed, which is arguably the most important element to nail when building one. You might have had to put a fair amount of money back to pay for the number of front tires you’d chew through when putting the GTA through its paces, but few hot hatches would plant a smile on your face or get your pulse racing as well as this particular firecracker.
Several Popular Aftermarket Upgrades Can Transform The 147 GTA’s Handling
Should you not feel like going head-to-head with an axe murderer every time you climb behind the wheel of the pocket-sized Alfa, a range of aftermarket upgrades has proved popular in reigning in its enthusiasm. One of the most popular enhancements is the addition of a Q2 limited-slip differential made by British engineering firm Quaife, which helps keep the front wheels pulling the car forward through bends. The additional traction ensures you can jump on the throttle much earlier than in the standard car, and not have to deal with the inside wheel spinning up or the traction control cutting power constantly.
Ways To Get The 147 Under Control
- Equip a Quaife Q2 limited-slip differential to keep wheelspin under control
- Fit an aftermarket suspension setup like a Bilstein B12 kit to calm the vehicle down over bumps
An upgraded suspension setup also makes a big difference, with the Bilstein B12 kit being highly sought-after in 147 GTA circles. The arrangement allows for better body control over bumps and uneven roads, as well as improving the balance between the front and rear of the car. Due to the heavy V6 placed over the nose, the standard GTA could sometimes feel a little loose at the rear as a result of the weight being taken off the back, and the aftermarket kit helps to mitigate this effect.
You’ll Have To Wait A Little Before Getting One Imported To The US
For US buyers looking to get their hands on one, you’ll have to wait a little. The 147 GTA will be eligible for import to the US in 2027, when it can then be brought across the Atlantic as part of the 25-year import rule. Higher-mileage examples of the vehicle can currently be had for between $10,000 and $15,000 according to Classic.com, while lower-mileage cars will set you back well north of $20,000. Only around 5,000 147 GTAs were ever made, so they aren’t the most common hot hatch around. Tack on a premium for cars fitted with the enhanced suspension and Quaife LSD too, but if you get a good one, you’ll have one of the most enthralling and beautiful hot hatches ever produced on your hands.
Sources: Alfa Romeo, Classic.com.
