VW is usually credited for the creation of the “Hot Hatch” segment, which began when they launched the Golf GTI in the late ’70s. The blend of practicality and peppy handling was a great way for enthusiasts to enjoy the thrill of driving without breaking the law. In addition, the car was cheaper to buy and maintain compared to pure bred sportscars. Brands such as Audi, Peugeot, Renault, Citroen, Ford, Honda and Toyota jumped on board to create their own competitors and the segment exploded. If you ask me, one of the best hot hatches ever made is the Busso V6-powered Alfa Romeo 147 GTA. It stands alongside greats like the Lancia Delta Integrale and Renault Megane R.S, with a mythos that few cars of any description can match. This is Alfa Romeo’s greatest hot hatch and indeed one of Italia’s finest cars.
The legendary Busso V6 was originally designed by Guiseppe Busso, debuting in the Alfa 6 as a 2.5 litre, single overhead cam unit with 12 valves. It saw many iterations across it’s life, but the best version resides in this car – the 3.2 L, double overhead cam unit with 24 valves. Mounted transversely, it produced a total of 247 HP – more than enough for the small, 3 door chassis. On top of it’s healthy power figure, the engine also looks the part with the red Alfa Romeo script on a silver valve cover and a beautiful chrome exhaust manifold coming out from the centre of the block. This exquisite presentation gives many Ferrari units a good run for their money.
The 147 was built like any other grocery getter, designed for dense suburbs and villages with a focus on ease of use and practicality. It came in both 3 and 5 door guise with a variety of 4 cylinder engines and even a diesel before they went out of fashion. Some of these variants were pointing in the sporty direction, but none came close to the GTA. The model respresented everything great about the brand, paying tribute to the old race cars that shared the same badge. It may not have been the sharpest in the class but the looks and the noise were oh so seductive.
By far the biggest issue with the 147 GTA when it first launched was it’s open differential. For some strange reason, Alfa Romeo didn’t bother with a limited slip diff, so the front wheels would just do whatever they wanted. This had a negative effect on the handling, so in the “Q2” update, a limited slip diff was installed. Happily, owners who did not have the Q2 could get the new diff installed at the dealer. Moving on from that, one feature which is unmistakably Alfa Romeo are the wheels. The five big holes contained within the design look like those old radial telephone dials. However the part that I like most on the outside is the rear end because it’s clean, smooth and defined without any misplaced lines.
So what can we say about this car? Bellisimo! The 147 GTA is a true modern classic with all the flair and pizzaz you could possibly want out of a front drive hot hatch. You know a car is good when you go out your way to find a 1:64 scale model of it. In my eyes, it’s a significant piece of history that deserves to be treasured within Alfa Romeo’s delectable pantheon of stunning cars. For those who want to be rebel against the overrated RS3s and Golf Rs of the world, you need this car in your life.
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