I've only had my 147 on the road, working, for ~6weeks, so haven't yet got a long-term perspective. However I absolutely love it. It reminds me of the Golf Gti Mk1 that I owned 1987-92, except it's far more solid, much quieter, safer, more comfortable, quicker, stops better. It has in common great looks and handling, and a rather naughty soul. I don't know whether it's the slightly lower suspension on the Q2 and uprated ARB's but it corners very flat with epic amounts of grip. I had to lower the Golf 30mm on Bilsteins to get that.
I did a 380ml round trip one day last week, mostly in foul weather, and felt like I'd driven 20mls thanks to the seats and the fact it's so damn nice to drive. The fuel gauge showed just under half a tank remaining. I did another 80mls the next day, and still had 1/3 tank. My previous slug-like 2L petrol Renault would have been half way through a second 55L tank, so that just feels like cheating
What don't I like? Speed humps. With only 4" clearance to the undertray behind the wheels, our local 10,000 5" humps are a PITA. It crashes a bit over the UK's potholes, but that's sports suspension for you.
I can't imagine what else I'd buy instead that is half as likeable. Any car that I can afford would likely have issues, which I have dealt with on this car to the point it should need only service stuff. The only reason I'd get rid of this one now is the monster rogering by taxation, which I'm sure government is planning as part of its War on Diesel.