Vans, Cars and Leasing

After announcing profits of 3.2 million Euros for 2007, Alfa Romeo’s parent company Fiat appears on a roll.

And with the halo effect of the 8C Competizione Alfa Romeo is hoping its forthcoming 147 replacement can inject some glamour into the hard fought C-segment.

Up against cars like the all conquering Ford Focus and big selling Astra it’s got some work on its hands but while rivals play it safe in styling terms Alfa could be poised to launch a real stunner.

The test mule seen here is running Fiat Bravo bodywork - and badges - but there is apparently something worth disguising at the front of the car and the distinctive outline of an Alfa grille is plain to see. Considering the 149 is apparently going to run on Bravo underpinnings the deception is a straightforward one but rumour has it Alfa is developing it’s own front and rear suspension systems for the car. As such you’d expect this to include the firm’s Q4 four-wheel drive system, raising the possibility of a hot GTA or similar to take on cars like the new hatchback Impreza STI, Audi S3 and Golf R32.

If Alfa Romeo can do this and wrap it in suitably sexy bodywork it could be onto a winner by offering a distinctly glamorous and Latin alternative to the German brands’ lockdown of the premium hatch market. It certainly has the engine to do so, with its 260bhp 3.2-litre V6. But Alfa has also been a keen exponent of hot diesels, choosing to offer its Q2 limited-slip differential system exclusively on the 1.9 JTDM versions of the 147 and GT. Whatever powers the 149 when it arrives in 2009 it seems Alfa has aspirations of exploiting its sporting heritage to bring some welcome spice to the upper reaches of the C-segment.