Now, the first shots of the car, in a lovely Italian red (what else?) have hit the web. This little eye-stunner shares its platform with the Lancia Delta and the Fiat Bravo, but man-oh-man it's like they're worlds apart.
With it's MiTo style nose that seems to have ushered in a new era in design for Alfa, the 149 hatch promises to spice up the existing line-up and also put up one hell of fight against the rest of the cars in the same class. The sharp angle in the grille is taken off the 8C Competizione, but it's like it was first born on the 149, it goes very well with the circular headlamps, while at the same time giving the car a much sportier look.
The new design element that was brought with the 149 however is the rear end. Keeping the same overall lines as the Brera, the 149 takes it one step further, keeping the sporty feel, with a high stance, small spoiler, twin exhausts and the LED lamps.
But don't go thinking for a second that the Alfa is just another looker, because the Italian producer also promises to bring performance into this equation. Two models have been announced in the engine line-up so far, a 1.4 liter petrol and a 1.9 diesel with 120 bhp and 250 bhp, respectively. For added traction, the Q2 differential has been added to the mix so expect this small Alfa to grip the road tighter than a boa constrictor hugs its prey.
With a sticker price of 16,500 of Her Majesty's pounds, the car will go on sale in late spring of 2009 in both 3-door and 5-door versions. The Ford Focus had better watch out.
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