The Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 2 (Type 937) was introduced in late 2004, featuring a sharper exterior redesign by Giorgetto Giugiaro. It brought a more aggressive front fascia, revised taillights, and subtle interior upgrades aimed at improving perceived quality. While it retained the highly praised double-wishbone front suspension that gave the 147 its class-leading steering feel and agility, it also inherited the model's notorious suspension fragility. For this Phase 2, Alfa Romeo heavily pushed its revised common-rail diesel engines (JTDM), which became the absolute sweet spot of the range. These diesels offered an excellent blend of performance, fuel economy, and mechanical robustness, especially compared to the high-maintenance Twin Spark petrol engines. Overall, the 147 Phase 2 is a passio
The Alfa Romeo 147 Phase 2 is a car bought with the heart, but it requires a pragmatic approach to ownership. If you are looking for a reliable daily driver, the 1.9 JTDM 8V (120 hp) is the absolute best choice, offering a bulletproof engine block without the swirl flap anxiety. If you want performance, the 1.9 JTDM 16V (150/170 hp) is fantastic, but only if you immediately delete the intake swirl flaps. Avoid the Selespeed transmission and the Twin Spark petrols unless you are a dedicated enthusiast willing to pay for frequent timing belt changes. Always negotiate the price based on the condition of the front suspension and the timing belt history, as these are guaranteed expenses.