Five-door Alfa 147 hides its handles

New Zealand will be one of the first right-hand-drive markets in the world to launch the five-door version of the new Alfa Romeo 147.

Local importer Ateco Automotive plans to release the three-door 147 in June and follow it up with the five-door a month later - hard on the heels of Britain and at least a month ahead of the Australian market.

Just launched in Europe, the five-door 147 loses nothing in looks to its three-door sibling thanks to 156-style "hidden" rear door handles.

Both 147 body shapes will be launched in New Zealand with the 110kW 2.0-litre from the 156. A five-speed manual gearbox will be standard but the Selespeed automatic clutch system will be available as an option.

Prices for the 147 are expected to start at about $50,000. Ateco says it will consider a price-leading 1.6-litre model if buyer feedback is positive.