Our version of a Toyota Corolla hire car….that’s definitely something different from the yawn. A pleasantly perky practical hatchback. 5 doors. 5 seats. A decent sized boot. Now throw in Italian styling and an Italian 2.0 engine and you and your passengers can make pleasingly planted powerful progress.
Features and Specification
- Air conditioning
- Stitched leather seating
- ABS
- Airbags
- Side impact bars
Ride = Balanced
- Seats 5
- Luggage Space = Good
- Boot space = 98 x 85 x 42 (cm LWH)
- (An average large suitcase is 78 x 50 x 32)
- (An average small cabin case is 54 x 37 x 20)
- 2.0 litre
- Auto 4 speed transmission with Selespeed clutchless manual option
Availability
What's she like to drive?
What are we thinking? A hatchback that seats 5 adults and a decent amount of luggage? Have we gone all sensible and middle aged? Well yes….and no. For those who prefer to proceed in a fashion no less briskly and entertaining than the rest of our fleet but a lot more discreetly with more practicality, this is the car for you. At first glance it looks like a coupe but then you notice the outline of the rear doors and the hidden recessed door handles. So it’s another 5 seater rental car then, ho, hum.
But we don’t do ordinary at RentAClassic. This is a mini Italian stallion, with enough horses to make things interesting and enough character to make you very glad you didn’t opt for that same ol same ol hire car.
What do I need to get used to?
Being a wolf in sheeps clothing and reining it in probably. You’d think it might feel flimsy and insubstantial but whilst the steering is light and responsive, the car itself feels seriously reassuringly solid and planted on the road. Otherwise it’s all a perfectly normal car with hardly any Alfa idiosyncrasies, apart from the usual one of the lock to access the boot hidden under the rear Alfa badge. But it’s even got a boot release lever sensibly positioned by the drivers seat along with one for the fuel cap for goodness sake.
What about safety and reliability?
Yes it is an Alfa Romeo and this one is regularly serviced and has to pass the Certificate of Fitness (CoF) test required for all rental cars every 6 months. You have ABS brakes, driver and passenger airbags, high level brake light and side impact bars, along with very predictable and sure footed handling.
What condition is she in?
Really good. Everything works as it should and it’s very smartly presented inside and out.
How much luggage can fit?
The boot can swallow a lot, including a full size solid suitcase and lots of bags. Plus if you’re only two up there’s a lot of extra space on the back seats. For exact dimensions, refer to the Seating & Luggage tab above.
And the best driving tracks from the same year as the car would be?
Bit past my time but for 2006 the best driving tracks are:
- Cool Me Down – Black Seeds
- Another Place to Fall – KT Tunstall
- Understand – George Michael
Now we acknowledge driving music is a very subjective thing, but clearly here, we’re right. So download, hire our Portable Bluetooth Speaker & enjoy!
How fast will she go Mister?
Quite fast enough.
How would a certain Mr Clarkson describe it?
” No-one can be a true petrol head until you’ve owned an Alfa…”
And the RentAClassic description for the Alfa Romeo 147 Ti Hatch?
” …though renting one is a good start….”
Satellite Navigation Hire
Far superior to most phone apps, with HD dashcam option to record your epic drive! $15/25 per 24 hours.
Portable Speaker Hire
Beam your perfect cruising soundtracks to our best in class UE Roll Bluetooth speaker! $15 per 24 hours.
Pack a picnic
Hire a picnic hamper with settings for 2 or 4, (minus food & drink), plus rug. $30 for 24 hours.