The Top Gear website features a number of nice reviews of Alfas.
Here is the link for the 147
http://www.topgear.com/au/alfa-romeo/147 (http://www.topgear.com/au/alfa-romeo/147)
I don't agree with that review.
My Toyota Corolla was no where near as exciting to drive as my 147. But I do agree to buy secondhand, after the major depreciation has hit!