As the new Alfa Romeo 149 launch date approaches, engineers have taken to the road in the first prototypes. We were there to capture the moment on film!Ready to go on sale early in 2009, the newcomer will replace the 147, but bosses have their eye on more upmarket rivals. The premium three and five-door versions of Audi’s A3 and BMW’s 1-Series are both set to get a new rival.Priced from around £20,000, the 149 is still wearing test mule bodywork in these photos. However, the firm has already released two official computer generated images giving us a clue as to what to expect.Hoping to attract buyers in the 27 to 40-year-old age group, the 149 will be around 4.3 metres long and come with a wide range of engines.Basic variants will get 120bhp, while the four-wheel-drive GTA will provide 265bhp as Alfa bids to take on Subaru’s brand new Impreza STi and Mitsubishi’s Lancer Ralliart. Drivers are set to benefit from multi-link rear suspension, plus technology to improve body control when cornering.Before the 149 arrives, the firm will launch its new small hatchback – the Junior – this summer.
