With the countdown to the Paris Motor Show well underway, more information has surfaced on the new Alfa 147 "Model Year 2007". Immediately orderable since the 29th July, first deliveries of the model will take place at the beginning of October 2006.

The revisions restores some of the character found on the original Alfa 147, reintroducing many of the details excluded on the second generation facelift in 2004. The typical chromed whiskers have now been reintroduced to the front air intakes, and the rear tailgate has been modified to eliminate the highly criticised chrome strip and subsequent step in the panel work. A new styling touch is the revised finish on the front grille, now showing an "egg crate" pattern as sections running vertically are now chrome painted as well as the horizontal ones. The result is reminiscent of older Alfa Romeo models such as the Giulietta, providing the front of the Alfa 147 with more personality. Inside, the dashboard reintroduces the original tunnels around the instrumentation and is sourced from the Alfa GT. The interior materials have also been renewed, with some models featuring a contrasting two-tone seat finish.

The exterior colours have also been revised, with all paint now being water based. As a result the Alfa 147 borrows some colours from the Alfa 159, Brera and Spider. The new colour range includes the pastel shades of Alfa Red, Polar White and Kyalami Black, as well as the metallic hues of Ultramarine Blue, Montecarlo Blue, Ruby Red, Alfa Silver, Stromboli Grey, Lipari Grey and Carbon Black. There is also a new colour fetchingly called Giulietta Red.

The Alfa 147's Impression, Progression and Distinctive equipment levels have all been comprehensively updated on the MY2007 model and are now also available with new accessories. There is now also an Exclusive trim level available to all models apart from the 1.6 Twin Spark 105 bhp. Special trim levels such as the Blackline and Collezione are not yet orderable.
 

The Blackline special series builds on the Progression equipment level. It is therefore only available on the 1.6 Twin Spark (105bhp / 120bhp) and 1.9 JTDM (120bhp / 150bhp) models, and will cost in the region of 1,200 euros over the Progression list price. The Blackline can only be ordered in Alfa Red, Montecarlo Blue and Alfa Silver (both metallics not yet available). The roof and rear spoiler are finished in Nero Lucido, whereas the grille and whiskers are finished in a satin effect coating. The same satin effect has also been applied to the Blackline’s exterior mirror housings. Sporty touches include lowered suspension, 17-inch Blackline alloy wheels and a chromed tailpipe. Inside the Blackline comes with cloth seats with a contrasting black and grey duotone trim as well as an aluminium sports pedal set. The instrumentation is red with white illumination, and the headlining is finished in black. The exhaustive equipment in this special series gives the client a 38% advantage.

A more luxurious and comfort-oriented package, the Collezione builds on the Distinctive equipment level available to all Alfa 147 models. The exterior is typified by 17-inch multispoke alloy wheels (a resized design to those fitted to the Brera and Spider), a roof in Nero Lucido, a radio / CD with MP3, aluminium sill plates and special Collezione mats. The seats are finished in two shades of leather, with the option of either Black on Cream, or Beige on Beige, and the door trims are also finished in leather. Compared to the Distinctive equipment level, the radio controls on the steering wheel are no longer a standard feature. The luxuriously finished Collezione will also cost in the region of 1,200 euros over the list price of the Distinctive trim level, providing the customer with a 35% advantage.

Due to the minor facelift and subsequent equipment overhaul, the prices of all Alfa 147 models have been marginally increased however the model still represents excellent value in the highly competitive C-segment.