After many bizarre events including a series of factory spy shots and more recently, a squabble with the current and former employees of the Italian firm's Milan plant that led to a last minute decision to drop the 'Milano' name, Alfa Romeo has finally published the first official image of its new compact hatchback that will replace the 147 and compete in the all-important C-segment in Europe.
Even though there have been rumors about the use of the 'Giulietta' name, the Italians have yet to announce something official. However, there's still some time left to choose a name as the compact hatch won't be fully revealed until the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010.
The 147's replacement, which will be made only as a five-door model, is based on the Fiat Group's new C-Evo platform that will also be used in future Chrysler and Dodge products. Measuring in at 4,350mm in length, 1,460 mm in height and 1,800 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2,630mm, the new compact hatch is slightly longer, taller and wider than the current 147. It also features a boot capacity of 350 liters.
When it arrives in Alfa's showrooms in spring next year, the hatch will initially be offered with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, all turbocharged. The range will include the 1.4-liter TB and 1.4-liter TB Multiair petrol units with 120HP and 170HP respectively, and the 1.6-liter JTDM and 2.0-liter JTDM diesels with 105HP and 170HP respectively.
Later in the year, Alfa Romeo will introduce a sportier version wearing the "Quadrifoglio Verde" (four-leaf clover) badge to compete against the VW Golf GTI and Renault Megane RS. The QV will be powered by a 1.7-liter (1,750cc) four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine delivering an output of 235 horsepower.
