[8] In April 1992, work began on a second car, the 146 or Tipo 930B, derived from and to be sold alongside the 145; with its more traditional Alfa Romeo style, it was aimed at a different clientele, that of the outgoing 33.

Flagship sport models with the two litre 16 valve Twin Spark inline four engine from the 155 arrived a year after the début: the 145 Quadrifoglio and 146 ti.

Two litre cars were equipped with stiffer suspension, uprated all disk braking system, ABS, wider, lower profile tyres and 'quick rack' direct steering (also seen on the 155, GTV and Spider) which improved responsiveness, but also compromised the turning circle.

At the same time, the interior was updated: a new air conditioning system, a redesigned dashboard and an upholstered insert were fitted for left-hand drive cars.

The main changes outside were new, body colour bumpers with round fog lights and narrow protection strips; the interior got new upholstery and detail trim changes such as chrome vent surrounds.

[21] Eventually, in 2000, the 145 and 146 were superseded by the all-new 147, which was a far bigger commercial success, with its acclaimed front end styling and improved quality.

Based, as they were, on the Fiat Group's Tipo Due (Type Two) platform, the 145 and 146 had a unibody structure, front MacPherson strut and rear trailing arm suspension.