Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo 149
by Noah Joseph on Jan 23rd 2008 at 7:28PM 
To replace its aging 147 hatchback, Alfa Romeo is going with two separate models. The 3-door version is being replaced by a little sport-hatch tentatively known as the Junior, of which we've seen countless spy shots and teasers. The 5-door, we'd been told, was being replaced by an entirely different model, likely to be labeled 149, but this is the first time we've seen it.
To make its products financially feasible, Alfa has been basing many of its new models on shared platforms from Fiat Group sister companies. So while the 3-door will be based on the Fiat Grande Punto, the 149 shares its platform with the larger Fiat Bravo. That corresponds to a bigger 149 than the 147 it replaces. The car in the spy shot is wearing mostly Bravo bodywork, but a sharp eye will notice the trademark Alfa grille up front.
Now pay attention, 'cause this model very well might make it over to the U.S. market with Alfa's return. Engine options will likely include a range of Fiat Group powerplants from the T-Jet and M-Jet series, and could include a 265-hp V6 for the GTA version. Alfa Romeo would be smart to stick with six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes – this writer has driven a 147 equipped with the Selespeed semi-automatic gearbox, and I agree with our source's assessment that the U.S. market especially would be better served by more conventional transmission choices.
The 149 is tipped to hit European markets with a €20 000 base price sometime in mid 2009 after the Junior becomes available this coming October. That means we could see it pop up at one of the big shows later this year.
[Source: World Car Fans]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dantech 7:36PM (1/23/2008)
hmmm
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Carlos 10:30PM (1/23/2008)
I really don't understand what peoples obsessions with Alfas are. They're unreliable, have crappy performance, and are ugly? So wheres the attraction?
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SteveRB 12:08AM (1/24/2008)
do you consider the alfa 8c ugly?
Carlos 10:32AM (1/24/2008)
It's not pretty
HotRodzNKustoms 11:24PM (1/23/2008)
Alfas are beautiful cars. If we get the 3 door for a mini like price count me in.
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friko 11:57PM (1/23/2008)
The thing is that the Alfa 147 is about 20% more expensive than Minis. At least it's that way here in Mexico.
HotRodzNKustoms 1:08AM (1/24/2008)
You have to remember the U.S. gets cars cheaper than the rest of the world. 20,000 Euros usually equates to roughly $20,000USD.
At least that is what it seems like.
Zane 12:00AM (1/24/2008)
AutoBlog, what in the world happened to the speed racer blog post?
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JimiLok 12:39AM (1/24/2008)
I'm guessing it really was top secret...
Aaron 6:29PM (1/24/2008)
my thoughts exactly
CJ 2:29AM (1/24/2008)
It's a Kia, it's a Fiat, it's a Hyundai, no it's......Aaalfa Romeooo!
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ronnie 4:27AM (1/24/2008)
wow! theres a junior! but where is the father?
lol
http://cars.ozfreeonline.com
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Yago Bal 6:25AM (1/24/2008)
The "Junior" is based on the Fiat Gran Punto platform, so it's a b-segment car (a segment in which the brand doesn't have a car for many years now). It has nothing to do with the c-segment, and it's not a replacement for the 3-doors 147 at all.
The "149" is based on the Fiat Bravo platform, has nothing to do with the "Junior", and is a c-segment car. They are only related in the way the are both Alfas.
And at last, that's just an engine refrigeration mule: it's a Fiat Bravo, with the "149" frontal air-takes...
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Tech 6:20PM (1/24/2008)
You can't really see much from the photo. The alloy looks pretty small though.
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Colin Joss 6:22PM (1/24/2008)
Fiat/Alfa Romeo sure does need to prepare well for their return to US Market. This is certainly also done by creating new models that will also very well accepted to ease up the market re-penetration process.
Colin Joss
East Lothian, Haddington
United Kingdom
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Colin Joss 5:00AM (1/27/2008)
But for the sake of style and my personal preference, I stil would prefer Alfa Romeo than Minis :)
Colin Joss
East Lothian, Haddington, United Kingdom
http://www.glucosaminadvice.com
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Colin Joss 5:31PM (1/28/2008)
Still.. I wouldn't trade a Minis for a Hyundai, though..
Colin Joss
East Lothian, Haddington, United Kingdom
http://www.glucosamineadvice.com
Reply