Alfa Romeo 145 is a compact three-door hatchback, that was produced at the plant in Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy from 1994 to 2001. During this time 221 000 copies of the car were made.

Development of compact hatchback, which was supposed to replace Alfa Romeo 33, lasted for about four years. Alfa Romeo 145 presentation took place at the 1994 Turin Motor Show. The car was designed at the Fiat Tipo base by designer Chris Bangle. The hatchback appearance could be called aggressive: the hood with the traditional for the Italian automaker's lineup prominent V-shape hung over the rectangular headlights. A small Alfa Romeo emblem sign was placed in the central beak-shaped projection. Bumpers projecting over bodywork cushioned shocks in collisions. Comfortable interior, easily transforming trunk, good visibility, electric windows included in the basic equipment, immobilizer and central locking were to make the model a favorite in the market.

However, the original Alfa Romeo 145 cars were equipped with Alfa Romeo 33 model powertrains, thus they were not much sought after: the new car weighed 200 kg more than its predecessors, and therefore it was inferior to them in the handling and dynamics. The situation was corrected in 1995, when two sports modifications were released - Alfa Romeo 145 Quadrifoglio and Alfa Romeo 145 TI. In addition to a bigger volume of the engine and stiff sport suspension, these cars had richer options: ABS, leather steering wheel, Recaro sports seats. The first one was presented in September 1995 in Frankfurt and came in the market a month later. The second one appeared in February 1996.

In early 1997, Alfa Romeo 145 cars became equipped with a new air conditioning system, the instrument panel design was changed. Exterior updates were minimal: the wheels got new discs, available body color palette was expanded as well.

At the Geneva Motor Show 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 restyled model was launched. The cars received the following external changes: steel bumpers painted in body color, fog lights acquired a round shape, a radiator grille shape and wheel disc patterns were changed. New upholstery materials and instrument panel chrome finish refreshed the Alfa Romeo 145 interior.

In the fall of 2000 presentation of a new Alfa Romeo 147 model took place in Paris, however, Alfa Romeo 145 remained in the market till the end of 2001.