SPY PHOTOS - EXCLUSIVE FIRST TIME: Alfa Romeo 149

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Alfa 149 spy photo

TACH AUTO CENTRAL - January 31, 2008: The Auto Channel is pleased to present the first pictures of the successor to the Alfa 147, the Alfa Romeo 149. Sharing the same platform with the Fiat Punto, it’s expected to be on the market late 2009 or early 2010

Alfa 147 Sport Wagon (current model)

The Alfa 147 was originally launched at the 2000 Turin Motor Show as a replacement for the then aging 145 and 146 hatchbacks, and was based on the running gear of the larger 156 saloon. It is available with 1.6- and 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol engines and a 1.9-litre diesel engine.

The 147 was facelifted at the end of 2004: new front grille, new headlights, new rear lights and interior was updated. A new, more powerful diesel engine was offered and suspension was also tweaked.

Alfa 149 spy photo

Alfa launched the 147 1.9 JTD Q2 version in 2006, which featured a front Torsen limited slip differential.

Alfa Romeo presented a new limited edition 147 called Ducati Corse at the 2007 Bologna Motor Show. This version of the car is equipped with 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) JTD diesel engine and Q2, a front Torsen limited slip differential.

Reports for the 149 indicate that there will be two new engines, the 1.4 T-Jet, offering about 150 hp, and a supercharged 1.8 JTB direct injection.