5 Things You Didn't Know About The Alfa Romeo 145

It may seem like yesterday, yet the #AlfaRomeo #Alfa145 was presented over a quarter of a century ago, in July of 1994. Sales to the public started in September the same year, and the model's distinctive styling was very well received: over 220.000 units were sold by the time production ended in 2000.
Yet the 145 and its sister model, the #Alfa146, seem to have been largely forgotten, even by the Alfisti community. Time to make our weekly trip down memory lane and discover five things you probably didn't know about the Alfa Romeo 145 and 146.
One: The Boxer
The 145 and 146 have been the last Alfa Romeos powered by the flat-four engines introduced with the Alfasud in 1971. But few people know that Alfa's boxers were actually supposed to die with the 33. However, since Fiat couldn't produce enough inline-four engines for all the Group's brands, Alfa's boxer engines were retained for the 145 and 146 until 1997.
Two: Different powertrains
The 1.3, 1.6, or 1.7 liters boxer engines and the five-speed manual gearbox were installed longitudinally in the 145's bodyshell, whose platform was shared with the Fiat Tipo. However, buyers could also opt for the diesel versions of the 145 and 146, equipped with a turbocharged 1.9 liters in-line four-cylinder. In that case, the cars had their powertrain placed transversely.
Three: A Unique Head
As we all know, the long history of Alfa's boxers came to an end in 1997, when the 145 and 146 received the new Twin Spark 16-valve inline-four engines. The entry-level engine, a 1.4 liters unit rated at 103 HP at 6300 Rpm, wasn't shared with any other Alfa or Fiat model and would be quietly discontinued at the end of the 145's run in 2000. Why?
To save on production costs: the smallest of the Twin Sparks had its own specific cylinder-head casting, so getting rid of it simplified engine production.
Four: "Looks like an Alfa"
Car design legend Chris Bangle is credited with the Alfa 145's striking shape, but few people know that his design was initially intended for a Lancia 4 door hatchback, a replacement for the Delta.
However, Fiat's "design boss" Mario Maioli saw it was an Alfa, so the project went to the Centro Stile, then directed by Walter De' Silva. There, the 145 became the three-door hatch we all know, and it gained its signature bonnet design and wider front fenders.
Five: Limited 500
Alfa Romeo's German subsidiary released in 2000 a special edition of the 145 called "Limited 500" to stimulate sales of what was, by then, a run-out model. Sold in 500 individually numbered units, all painted black and fitted with Zender "Le Mans" alloy wheels and a rear spoiler, the 145 "Limited 500" could be had with either the 1.4 and 1.6 liters Twin Spark engines or the 1.9 Turbodiesel.
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[@nigelfisher3756]

My Boxer-engined AlfaSud was simply the best front wheel drive car ever, in respect of driving dynamics. You could feel the surface of a coin through the steering wheel and handling balance was phenomenal. Didn’t mater it wasn’t the fastest Alfa ever; every drive was a joy.

[@portnaluinge]

Matteo: “…the Alfa Romeo 145 was presented over a quarter of a century ago” My brain: “Nope! Does not compute!”

[@CorseSquadra]

My very first car was a '98 metallic blue 146 1.6TS. I was absolutely enamoured with it, although I kept it for only two years, and in one of them I was serving in the military. That didn't stop me from swapping the engine with a 1.8 TS, replacing the rear drums with disc brakes (but not the ABS module), lowering it with Bilstein B12 and H&R springs, a Sparco strut bar, gear lever, aluminium pedals and handbrake, Junior 15" wheels, and driving the hell out of it. Bought it with 53.000km, sold it 2 years later with 98.000, at a higher price than I bought it. ALFA virus still going on today because of her, and my father's 156 1.6TS. Thank for the trip down memory lane!

[@duleopasni]

I had Alfa 147 and then I got myself Fiat 500C as a city daily driver and you, man, are going to make me spend all of my money on a next Italian beauty! Adore your work! Keep on flourishing (in cloverleaves, ofc)! Greetings from Serbia!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Wow, thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoy my content so much!

[@Danse_Macabre_125]

Sta ces kupiti sledece? :D

[@duleopasni]

@@Danse_Macabre_125 хахаха, муке матори! Ложим се гадно на гтв спајдера, али мислим да пада нека ђулијетица из практичних разлога. Ти? :)

[@matirs342]

As a 145Q owner I welcome every new video about this slightly forgotten hatch, which back in it's day was quite competent. I reckon the Quadrifoglio was the last pure Alfa hot-hatch (one that could go toe to toe against contemporary competition). Being the Delta Integrale my second favourite car, I quite like that the 145 was meant to be a successor in a way. A better looking effort than the Delta II. I've read somewhere that a 145 Q4 and V6 were proposed but never materialised.

[@Matteo_Licata]

It was technically possible to make a 145 V6 or 4x4, but I’ve never heard of such a possibility being considered. Maybe there’s something in the archives we’ve never seen though

[@raufsahin334]

I Still like the Boxers ..Last of its Kind...Thnxs for the Video Matteo...

[@petedenton9434]

Indeed - loved my 33 1.7 and wish I could have afforded to replace it with a 145 1.7...

[@geyza0711]

finally. the 146 1.8 TS was my 2nd car after my 33 1.3 flat4. I loved it!

[@ferrisbentley]

My Alfa 146 car saved my life 💪🏻

[@Matteo_Licata]

What happened?

[@LucasHermes_LH]

Very nice, as always

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@ricardo145]

Another cool info about the 145, is that the Brazilian market has recive an exclusive version, called "Elegant 2.0 Brasile", from 1996 and 1997. It came with the 2.0 Twin Spark CF (same from QV), but the 1.7 16v Boxer exterior and interior trim: 14' Wheels, fabric interior (Grey Blue Velour COD. U1102), 260mm front break discs and exclusive ECU. As optional could come with ABS, airbags and sunroof. About 740 units were sold.

[@Matteo_Licata]

That's one I had never heard of, thank you very much!!!

[@ricardo145]

Amazing vídeo! As an alfista, i salute your dedication to making videos with such cool information about all Alfa Romeo models.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you very much for your appreciation. I'm glad that Alfisti from all over the world enjoy so much my content :)

[@Galaxies91]

Awesome! Big hello from my 146 1.7 16V. "Engine shortage"? No no, I call that luck! Great info I got to ride one of the limited 500's as a passenger, I think No. 194. Very nice styling

[@sarvjitsra8764]

This was my fourth and final boxer engined Alfa, 145 1.7 16v absolutely loved it!

[@Matteo_Licata]

My uncle in period bought a lovely red 145 16v 1.7... But he kept it only a short while, never quite understood why.

[@sarvjitsra8764]

@@Matteo_Licata only sold mine due to growing family, got the gigantic 164 2.0 tspark super! I no longer have an alfa after 30 years and 10 alfaromeos. My last one was a 159, had it for 8 years but was nothing but trouble.... Hopefully I will return to alfa romeo soon 🙂 great channel keep up the good work!

[@easydrive3662]

Italian cars are so leagues ahead in styling, style that looks great in whatever decade it may be. The designer chris bangle was also the designer of the fiat coupe which i consider one of if not the most beautiful sports cars ever

[@Niro.C]

I had a 1996 Alfa 146 1.6, a nice car but short on power, after it I bought a 1995 Lancia Kappa Turbo 🤠

[@otomobilmece]

I like the 145 in 500 limited edition. It looks fantastic in black. Zender made a good job again. 🙂👍

[@gregmesemondo1401]

Love the channel. Unique cars and explanation.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Much appreciated, thank you! I'm glad you enjoy my content and I hope you'll like the next uploads too

[@gaetanoflorio6277]

Ciao Matteo, thank you again for the insight on the two models presented but unfortunately in Australia we were not able to receive these two models due to Alfa pulling out of our local market therefore never able to drive and appreciate. The GTV, 147 and 156 were the inaugural models introduced when Alfa decided to come back to our shores and I was previledged to own a 2000 model 156 T/S and the last series 147. Both great cars to own and drive. Thank you again for your fantastic stories and hustory on this great marque 👍

[@Matteo_Licata]

Well, you lost out on the 145 but got some of Alfa’s best cars, so it’s not a bad deal :) Thank you for watching and for your appreciation! 👍

[@gearhead9828]

4 to 1 for Matteo! A good friend of mine had a Limited 500 with the Diesel engine from new. It was a nice car, unfortunately he kept it only for few months. Thanks a lot for this interesting video! Ciao 🙋‍♂️

[@mikebaginy8731]

That was super interesting Alfa trivia, thanks! I always liked the 145.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Glad you liked it!

[@danielemeytre4010]

These two little Alfas rule. Still today.

[@alecmvp]

still enjoying my 1.7 16v boxer today. it has the best throttle response ever

[@Matteo_Licata]

That’s cool. My uncle briefly owned one in red, when these were new. It looked and sounded fantastic!

[@therushden]

Some great alloy wheel designs 😎

[@Matteo_Licata]

Yes indeed!

[@Jack155Q4]

Great video as usual. Are you planning a 155 version?

[@Matteo_Licata]

Not sure yet. If I can find five little-known factoids about the 155, yes!

[@vasileioschasapis5141]

You could add a 6th info about the 145/146 Junior version, provided at the greek market with the 1.4 & 1.6l engines, the 145 2.0 QV suspension and stearing wheel set up (the one with the 2.2 instead of 2.6 turns from end to end), shorter gear box, the back door spoiler of Zender and side skirts with the logo "junior" at the place of the green cloverleaf, the frond seats of QV, lether on the string wheel and 15" rims. Only in alfa red and blue electric shades of colour.

[@Matteo_Licata]

The Junior version wasn't exclusive to the Greek market. Italy got it as well, with the same spec you mentioned, and it was quite popular.

[@vasileioschasapis5141]

@@Matteo_Licata yes I know it. It sold well in the greek market too.

[@martian9999]

6) In his review, Stephen Bayley described the 145's rear seating area as being exceptionally well-designed. He used a specific Japanese expression (that I cannot remember, since I no longer collect old issues of CAR Magazine) which means "the pleasure gained from being in a small, beautiful place"

[@Matteo_Licata]

Wow, I had no idea Stephen Bayley ever written about the 145, let alone that he was so complimentary.

[@martian9999]

@@Matteo_Licata back in the day, he wrote for CAR quite often. I don't remember whether it was a full review of the 145; I think it was a general overview of good contemporary interiors. I think I'll try and see if he's on Twitter to ask.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I loved my 145! Fantastic little cars!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Which version it was?

[@simonhodgetts6530]

@@Matteo_Licata it was an early 1.6 t spark, in Alfa Red, plastic wheel trims and a sunroof! I loved it - I owned it for 7 years.

[@Matteo_Licata]

That’s cool! I’m glad you enjoyed it so much!

[@benzinapaul7416]

Another point is right hand drive markets never got the updated dashboard. Also the boot and sill mounted Cloverleaf badges had a habit of turning blue! I also think it's worth mentioning as with the 155 the earlier Twin Spark engines with the alloy engine cover and tubular manifolds sounded so much better and had much better throttle response than the later plastic versions

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thanks for the info! I've heard that the first TS 16v had more character than the ones made from 1997, but I left it out because it was more of an opinion, a preference, rather than a little known fact. About the UK not getting the uprated dash... Thank you for reminding me, as I had completely forgotten about that!

[@ScuderiaDucero]

i can confirme that fist version of ts 16v has insane engine sound due to alloy intake. As the engine response i didnt noticed any diferences. Good spark plugs and clean throtle body with injectors is the way to go for good engine response.

[@ricardo145]

And about the blue clovers, it's funny to read some guys arguing in groups and forums about the special version "Quadrifoglio Azzurro" 🤣😂

[@benzinapaul7416]

@@ricardo145 I remember a guy coming into the parts dept of the garage I sold Alfas at, asking for blue cloverleaf badges!

[@pauldaviesvoiceover]

Thanks for another great Alfa vid, We didn’t get these cars in Australia. Ciao

[@mauriziolagaxio4954]

These two AR 145 and 146 were phenomenal part of the legendary flat 4C engines

[@Driver599]

Is that a 2600 Berlina de Luxe 0:01? I would love to see a review of one, seems like they are all gone except Alfa preserving one example.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Yes, that's a De Luxe, and I've seen only one outside the one at the Alfa museum. I know where to find it... If the owners will ever let me film it, it may well happen ;)

[@orangeutan39]

My dad drove a 1.6 Boxer 145 in blue. I had a red 1.6 boxer 145 later and then a 146 with also the 1600cc boxer engine. Later i had also a 146 1.8 Twin Spark.

[@mareksivok4697]

I have Alfa Romeo 146 2.0 turbo diesel and it runs like new.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Cool! How many Kms?

[@mareksivok4697]

@@Matteo_Licata 300 000km

[@Matteo_Licata]

Great! 👍

[@brugasdsg]

In Brazil, some 145 were imported with luxury finish, with Quadrifoglio engine (2.0 16v),

[@ScuderiaDucero]

Greath video

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you!

[@mattw8332]

The 145 is one of my favourite Alfa Romeos of all time I was 17 years old when they were launched in the UK and passed my driving test a few months later but sadly the opportunity to own one never presented itself. I did manage to get a glossy 145 brochure from the local Fiat/Alfa Romeo dealers though. Coincidentally, I had a look at the Alfa Romeo UK website a few days ago and was surprised that they only sell two models now. They could do with a Giulietta replacement imo.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Yeah, the Giulietta was old, but dropping it without a replacement ready is typical Fiat-poor-decisionmaking. They need new models ASAP

[@geyza0711]

@@Matteo_Licata at least giulia sportswagon. I had a 156SW after my 146. prettiest car I ever owned.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

@@geyza0711 yes me too - I had a Giugiaro facelift model - a very special car - and the one car I regret parting with……..

[@Rammstein56]

From the time that the FIAT people still wanted to make cars, later under Marchionne they changed into a sort of an accounting office where cost control was the most important issue and making cars and developing and manufacturing new cars faded into the woodwork and the Koreans are still grateful for that.

[@cacaziudo]

In South America just was be offer the 1.8 and 2.0 TS

[@Matteo_Licata]

I didn’t know that you didn’t receive the smaller engines. Thank you for the info!

[@lynnhooley7608]

grazie mille Matteo

[@paullacey2999]

I prefer the 146.Both were distictive tho'

[@Suprahampton]

I always liked the 146 over the 145, I thought it was a nicer overall shape, a teacher at my secondary (high) school having one may have had an influence. Imagine taking the 4C engine & putting it into the 146!

[@barryjatkinson]

Grazie mille

[@wickiezulu]

Were more potent versions of the 2-litre Twin-Spark 16v engines in the 145/146 investigated? As even the 2nd gen Lancia Delta was equipped with a 190 hp 2-litre Turbo, found it strange a turbocharged version of the 2-litre TS 16v was not considered for the 145/146 nor if less likely a V6 considering the Type 916 GTV/Spider was based on a modified Type Two platform (and anticipating the 147 V6) either in 2-litre V6 Turbo or 2.5 V6 24v forms.

[@Matteo_Licata]

As far as I know, no turbo derivatives of the TS were seriously considered for production. The short-lived Delta II with the older "Lampredi" turbo 16v engine was a fluke, a desperate attempt to raise interest in a model that sold way below expectations. Moreover, those glorious engines were on their way out, and Fiat wasn't interested in making more units for use on more models by that point. Regarding the V6... Yes, it would fit, as you rightfully pointed out, but I don't know if it was ever considered as a possible product offering.

[@MrDieselakias]

what about the 146? it didnt have both trasverse and longitudinally mounted engines?

[@Matteo_Licata]

Indeed. It had the exact same range of engines. Perhaps I should have made that clearer.

[@mdbaewy]

I remember when the 145 & 146 were released, greek car magazines of the time were going on and on about the grill design, as if there was some sort of design flaw or something, but being a teenager, I did not pay attention to grill matters. Anyone has any idea what that was about?

[@Matteo_Licata]

Aesthetic matters are subjective: I don't know what Greek magazines were about, but it was nevertheless just an opinion. Here in Italy, the 145's look was universally praised by the press in period, and people generally liked it too

[@mdbaewy]

@@Matteo_Licata I know! It still looks great. Thank you for the reply and for all the fantastic videos. Grazie.

[@johnphaceas7434]

We never had the 145 or 146 in Australia, and can't say I am a fan of the styling. Still scratching my head as to why any car maker would take a boxer engine, designed from the get-go to to squeeze transversely into a small FWD hatchback, and then sling it longitudinally into a totally FWD platform. That seems absolutely crazy. Where did they stick the differential?

[@Matteo_Licata]

The Tipo2 Platform was designed with a wide engine bay, and the relatively long overhang allowed to place the 33’s drivetrain with minimal adjustments, like placement of the battery etc. It was done out of necessity, as I explained in the video. Technically, the 145 gained nothing, as the rest of the car wasn’t designed to take advantage of the boxer’s low hight

[@Matteo_Licata]

The boxer went in with the 33’s gearbox and differential unchanged

[@johnphaceas7434]

@@Matteo_Licata Thanks Matteo, it just seems a bit weird to have a longitudinal FWD layout. Though I forgot the Sud/33 were longitudinal too. Switching to the transverse TS motor must have made a huge difference.

[@Matteo_Licata]

By all accounts, and remembering well the public’s reaction back in ‘97, the TS engines transformed the cars and boosted sales. Performance was better accross the board without any loss in fuel economy. The Boxers had bags of character but, especially the 1.3 and 1.6 versions, they suffered the dramatic size and weight increase from the 33 to the 145. With 200kg more to lug around and no development, the flat-fours lost a lot of their traditional sparkle, and fuel economy went from bad to worse.

[@mattteee2973]

Has any car ever had a transverse boxer? Lots of VAG models were FWD with longitudinal engines in the 80's/early 90's, tbh Alfa using a boxer in that layout makes more sense than the engine bay of an Audi or Passat!

[@Gabor145]

We actually had the luck to own a 145 Limited 500 (Nr.165) and it is such a good car, I loved it

[@Matteo_Licata]

Cool! 👍

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

For once, I think the normal car looks better than the limited edition. I really didn't like the fake aluminium console. We got the beautiful 3 door 145 and the absolutely boring Delta...... I wonder what if if Lacia had got this one or maybe a half way solution with Alfa Romeo getting the 3 door hatch and 5 door notchback and Lancia the 5 door hatchback.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Unfortunately, by the early 90s Lancia was already suffering from the underinvestment and neglect that we are now used to. The CEO of Fiat Auto in those days, Cantarella, had little consideration for Lancia and concentrated the Group's dwindling resources on Alfa Romeo instead. So we got many cool Alfas, but zero cool Lancias.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

@@Matteo_Licata exactly, I remember when I was 22 trying a used Lancia Delta 2, I was amazed on how comfortable the car was and it looked well built but the car just looked like a Dedra that had the boot chopped off and the car weighted more than the moon! So, no way that 22 yo me would buy it. The original Delta was still a better proposition for me than its replacement

[@deepakhazareesingh44]

IMO the 146 was more attractive. On a separate note, is it true that the Alfa engineers at one time considered boring out the boxer engine to 2 litres?

[@Matteo_Licata]

Alfa Romeo engineers designed, built and bench-tested a 2L boxer in the late 80s. However, that engine was a brand-new design, as the existing boxer couldn't be safely stretched anymore, and the existing factory equipment at Pomigliano couldn't handle a larger block. Furthermore, the later 1.7 and 1.7 16v engines barely fit between the 33's front chassis beams, so the new, larger boxer could only be used on a new car. However, by the time Fiat was planning the 145, any investment on a new boxer was ruled out.

[@deepakhazareesingh44]

@@Matteo_Licata So sad we weren't treated with a new version of the boxer engine. No doubt that the masters at Alfa's engine department would have given us an outstanding item.

[@johnchurch4705]

Unfortunately we never got the diesel 145/146 in the U.K.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I didn't know that, thank you for the info!

[@juliendidelot7874]

S'était une jolie auto..

[@BanjoLuke1]

The 145 was a clever, interesting, forward-looking design. It carried echoes of earlier Honda Civic and Accord 3-door models, but somehow added flair that Honda couldn't muster. To my eyes, the 146 was aesthetically flaccid. A sort of Italianised Citroen Xsara or similar.... But the 145 looked wonderful and still does. The lines simply worked. Sadly, to my eyes it is yet another not-quite-Alfasud. Like the 33, it was a more modern and less pure interpretation of the mighty 'Sud. However, while not a perfect Alfa, it was streets ahead of much of he competition. A nice, busy flat four is the right engine... Low, lean and happy to rev.

[@robertobaldassarre4558]

We had a 145 in the family for over 12 years. It was not a beautiful or special car and after a few years it had constant rust problems.

[@salvatorep.1685]

145 design was inspired by Honda Civic

[@Matteo_Licata]

That's debatable. We can argue about similarities, but Chris Bangle has never mentioned the Honda Civic in his accounts.

[@tomaszmleczek8889]

In my opinion, the side and rear of 145 looks ugly

[@ScuderiaDucero]

With small 14r rims look strange, but if you look how all the lines follows each other and trying to stand up from the box design like the most of the competition in the 90 you get a car that still look fresh today.

[@minot.8931]

I was never a fan of the dropped door sill, but otherwise it’s a cobby looking little car. Very tidy.