Test Drive Alfa Romeo 147 5 Doors 2005 - 2009 Hatchback
Violated equilibrium
No wonder this segment of the market is called a golf class, not at all in vain. From most other classes, it is distinguished by internal ordering: there is a generally recognized leader, there are pursuers, each of which is focused on a certain circle of buyers. Volkswagenovsky Golf has already used to set the tone from generation to generation, its modest German classmates tightly hold in a brilliant jet of the leader, Japanese cars take quality and reliability, French and Italians attract the buyer with an extraordinary design. Such an organized alignment was preserved for years and, it seems that everyone satisfied. However, metamorphosis cases have increased in recent times. At first, a quiet and inconspicuous Ford Escort mutated at either neither of course to the Pepatageous Focus, and Peugeot 307 got a rigorous and solid interior in the classic German spirit. Then Fiat Stilo presented a considerable surprise to the moderation of the appearance and the highest level of equipment. And at the peak of the rebellion it appears. The car, which is ready to surprise the combination of perfection of the style and perfection of technologies. Her name is as absolutely Alfa Romeo, model 147.
In order to realize the seriousness of this car, it is enough to open the door. Only the shape of the cast metal handle and the clarity of the lock is left to the sense of the beginning of communication with a quality product. Well, when you get to the driver's place, there is a turn to experience cultural shock.
The center of attention is stunning design and convenience. Leather steering wheel, decorated with branded cross and dragon. It is located a combination of instruments of three tunnels with bloody-red backlight. With a plugged engine, the arrow of the main dials wearlessly hang down, immediately after start, starting the rapid climbing up. And only the most desperate will be able to drive them right. Steal switches are overloaded over all measures in addition to the standard duties, they are instructed to change the modes of an on-board computer and programming of special confunctions like disconnecting the backlight of the selected devices and displays. The next attraction is the central console, silver plated under the metal. Here is based on the climate control control unit, one of the most advanced, which are found on golf class machines. The organization of the unit is close to the ideal: three rotating rings with buttons integrated into them, three displays. Moreover, the driver can alone adjust the microclimate in the cabin, and provide the front passenger to choose the temperature to his taste. Another important component of the central CD-receiver console. I would like to note the high level of the sound of the side acoustics, which will certainly arrange a person with audible inclinations. By and large, the regular system does not receive only a subwoofer for confident reproduction of the lower range of the musical spectrum.
Having traveled to all this beauty, you start paying attention to the little things. For example, chairs, which until the last moment you do not notice only because you sit in them as if from birth. And numerous adjustments of the seats and the steering column are reconciled with a person of any anthropometry. The PPC lever is unusually high, in the style of racing car series cars, but, as it turned out in practice, manipulate them a pleasure. Finally, admires the quality of the interior, the level of its assembly and the materials applied in the finishing, although for many it is not the latter, but a priority factor. But there are still invisible, but no less important things for example, for example, the airbags, there are already six pieces here! As it happens completely and beside, without misses from the part of the ergonomics it did not cost. In particular, the CD-receiver buttons are annoyable, and the appeal to the buttons that moved to the steering wheel, requires neleval efforts. With visibility and misfortune: through the rear window cut from all sides, there is little clearly, the working area of \u200b\u200bthe outer mirrors fell victim to exquisite forms. Landing on the rear seats can hardly be called a particularly free-free, and any attempt to open the trunk turns around with evaporated palms, because its cover is simply no handle!
However, similar problems for Alfa Romeo event of the second plan. The main drive! For him and love cars of the famous Italian brand. What is there to say, Drive this brand and glorified! And the two-liter 147th confirmed its belonging to the Alpha clan. Real Kaifomobil! Feedback on all controls is exemplary. Alfa with hunting and unquestioned obedience follows each movement of the steering wheel, scans each movement of pedals, but does not show the slightest degree of nervousness. Her sportiness does not bother!
Up to 3000 rpm Motor is not very smart, but then everything changes: pressing the sedocks to the chairs, Alfa famously carries out the distance, and the only obstacle on its path is the revolution limiter. Selection of gear numbers Good when switching the tachometer arrow does not fall below the mark of 3500. And the sound, sound! The terrible voice of the motor is so delicious and fed that sometimes it can simply be impossible to stay from the temptation to be rejected on a neutron, in order to tremble yourself and make a proper impression on the neighbors in traffic. But the Alfa's appetite worthy of active ride in the city car consumes much more declared in liters characteristics. Almost a neutral character of turning allows the most complex turns with a breakthrough ease, without resorting to the help of the VSC stabilization system (by the way, it is impossible to deactivate it completely, you can only turn off the anti-test function). At that speed, when driving another car you think exclusively about how to resist in turn, you can easily change the trajectory on the alpha, moving from a larger radius. So those rivals that were not furnished on a straight line, losing all the chances of a bunch of aggregates.
Oddly enough, but with such controllability with the smooth course, everything turned out to be in order. Only the adjustment of the suspension surprised: due to the difference in the characteristics of the front and rear shock absorbers and the springs with a troggy, the car crops on the rear wheels, and when braking it lifts the stern.
Beautiful car externally, beautiful internally, beautifully driving. Extremely harmonious, violated the order and balance of the golf class. Like other stylish things, he or fits into the image of the owner (hostess), or it becomes the reason for its revision. You are ready?
The car is provided by Ial-Motors.
Text: Leonid Klyuev
Photo: Roman Stunnin
A source: Magazine "Wheels" [№63 / 2002]
