Alfa Romeo review archive
Now the Alfa GT is in Clover
January 22nd, 2012 | admin
Alfa romeo considered calling the latest additions to its Alfa GT range by their Latin name of Trifolium Pratense but has decided to settle for the more recognisable Cloverleaf moniker instead.
Whether using flowery language or not, the company’s reintroduction of the Cloverleaf badge heralds the arrival of the most sporting of the breed.
Topping the four-version Alfa GT Cloverleaf range from July will be the 1.9JTDM Cloverleaf Q2 170bhp, which gets a Q2 limited-slip differential to improve cornering ability.
There will also be a sport button that varies the mapping of the throttle to give a quicker accelerator response when required.
All Cloverleaf models come with distinctive 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, red brake callipers plus satin-effect front grille and door mirrors. Three versions have a Cloverleaf badge on the boot lid, while the 170bhp version has the Cloverleaf inside a white triangle above the front wheel arch.
There will be a choice of three exterior colours of Carbonio black, Alfa Red and Atlantico blue.
Inside there are leather sports seats, aluminium pedals and dials with a red background plus a Bose RDS radio with CD and MP3 sound system.
Like all Alfa GTs, the Cloverleafs have dual-zone air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls and rear parking sensors.
The 170bhp 1.9 JTDM sends the Alfa GT Q2 Cloverleaf from 0-60mph in 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 134mph while the 150bhp 1.9 JTDM goes from 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds and has a top speed of 130mph.
The 2.0JTS petrol version accelerates from 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds with a top speed of 134mph while the 1.8-litre petrol version has a top speed of 124mph and reaches 60mph in 10.6 seconds.
Prices start at £18,980 and rise by £1,000 steps through the various models to a high of £21,980 for the 170bhp 1.9JTDM Q2.
Scrappage alternatives
January 22nd, 2012 | admin
THE Government’s scrappage scheme is under way and you can now get £2,000 off a new car if you have a 10 year old banger to trade in. But even if you buy the most basic Renault Clio you need to find at least £4,000 to put to it.
So the question is, what else can you buy for £4,000 plus, lets say, a £1,000 trade in? Well, lots really. Whether you want something stylish and luxurious, some sensible family wheels or something small and funky, £5,000 can go a long way. Here are three examples:
Alfa romeo 156
Great driving experience good image and because it’s an Alfa low prices. Lots of ex company cars around that has softened prices especially the Sportwagon estates.
Most economical: 2.4JTD – 42.8mpg
One to buy: V6s
UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 16
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2006 Alfa romeo 156 V6 24v Lusso 2.5 with 35,000 average miles will be between £ 4,135 and £4,865.
CitroÌÇn Xsara Picasso
One of the best and most numerous compact people carriers. Bags of room and good engines are important factors but the sheer number around means that prices are very attractive.
Most economical: 2.0TD – 51.4mpg
One to buy: 1.6 petrols
UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 20
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2005 CitroÌÇn Xsara Picasso I 16v Desire1.6 with 26,830 average miles will be between £4,128 and £4,857.
smart forfour
Grown up smart which is pricey when new. As a used buy though much better value cheap to run and decent equipment. Will get cheaper in coming years.
Most economical:1.5 Cdi – 61.4mpg
One to buy: 1.0 Coolstyle
UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 10
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2005 Smart Forfour Passion 1.1 with 39,213 average miles will be between £4,201 and £ 4,943.
Alfa bring in makeover experts
January 7th, 2012 | admin
Alfa romeo has just given its top selling 147 hatchback a makeover and drafted in design experts Giugiaro to work their magic.
The result has been a sporty but distinctive new look to the car that in original guise was voted a European Car of the Year.
The improvements are not just cosmetic. Underneath there is sharper steering and revised suspension to improve handling.
There is also a new 150bhp diesel engine to complement the existing powerplants which include 1.6 and two-litre Twinspark engines and several versions of Fiat’s 1.9-litre JTD diesel.
Standard specification is also good including ABS, climate control, six airbags – front, side and window bags.
Priced from £13,660 to £19,040 on-the-road, the 147 comes either as a three or five-door version and in Turismo or higher specification with equipment options which add dual zone climate control, a high specification eight-speaker sound system, leather steering wheel and gearknob trim and remote audio controls, plus trip computer.
Like the 156, Alfa’s other leading model at the moment, the new 147 features an offset front number plate – another stand-out-from-the-crowd, feature.
Alfa is currently pushing both models with an offer of three years free servicing, although that does not extend to the current star performer from the legendary Italian marque.
That is the Alfa GT and with prices running from £10,995 for a potent 1.9-litre diesel to £26,695 for an awesomely quick 3.2-litre V6 – top speed 151mph, 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds – it is hot property. The GT in effect has replaced the GTV and its coupe looks also give it the edge.
Alfa’s 166 sports saloon remains the flagship with the 3.2-litre V6 costing close on £30,000 – but it just does not look as sexy as the GT.
Neither does the estate version of the 156 and although there are some clever features in the styling, this car has never really taken off as a sports tourer despite the entry level diesel – with 47.1mpg fuel economy and sub ten second 0 to 60 sprint time – costing only £17,540.
Romeo ready to seduce buyers
January 3rd, 2012 | admin
IF there’s a car marque with soul it’s Alfa romeo.
That’s one of the qualities that sets the Italians apart from the many other luxurious, refined, engaging or just downright magnificent machines you can buy today.
Take the executive class. Selecting the ideal cruiser is as much about priorities as it is about taste. There will always be those who prize the steely qualities of the German giants BMW and Mercedes above all others, while the safety conscious will look no further than Volvo.
Lexus, Audi and Saab drivers can also feel they are part of a more exclusive club, but if there’s a marque that offers flair, individuality and elegance it’s the Italian supermodel.
The 166 has been around since 1999 when it replaced the dated 164 model, and comes with a choice of three engines – a two litre Twin Spark, 2.5 V6 and three litre V6.
With an arrow-like profile plus high flanks and boot, the 166 is a distinctive mover. It never fails to attract admiring eyes. People don’t just glance, they come over and take a proper look. Nor does the driving experience let you down.
The front-wheel drive 166 has fine poise and a rewarding combination of performance, refinement and firm ride. The entry level Twin Spark engine is a cracker. Most buyers go for the automatic transmission though the Alfa’s five-speed manual gearshift is slick and easy, while cornering is of the quality you would more normally associate with a small coupe and motorway cruising pretty near effortless.
The climate control and radio cassette buttons are incorporated into a centre console display and screen which also governs the optional navigation system and phone.
Standard spec on the 166 includes ABS, dual airbags, four electric windows, sounds, automatic climate control, 16-inch alloys, alarm/immobiliser and one of the most uncomfortable inventions in the history of motoring – heated front seats.
If there’s a criticism it is that the 166, while not tight in the back, has a moulded rear bench designed to seat two. A centre passenger has neither a three-point seatbelt nor headrest.
It lacks the overall appeal of the smaller 156, but is a very desirable car nonetheless. Expect to pay around £5,600 privately for a 1999 2.0 TS model on a T-plate or £9,200 for a 2000 X-reg 2.5 V6 saloon in Lusso trim from a dealer
Forecourt Facts
Alfa romeo 166.
Driving: Effortless motorway cruiser but with potent handling on winding roads.
Performance: Impressive all round. 2.0 TS will do 0-60 in 9.5 secs and hit 130mph, 3.0 V6 much quicker at 0-60 in 7.8 secs and on up to 150mph.
Economy: 2.0 litre models will average 29mpg, but the bigger units are thirsty with the 3.0 averaging 22.6mpg.
Safety: Well catered for with safety standards met.
Recommended Buy: 2.0 Twin Spark.
Alfa raises the stakes in booming diesel market
December 25th, 2011 | admin
NEW DIESEL engined versions of the Alfa romeo 147, 156 and 156 Sportwagon, which are selling strongly in European markets, go on sale here this month.
UK versions of the 156 and 156 Sportwagon already offer the option of a common rail turbodiesel, in the form of the 150 bhp five cylinder 2.4 litre JTD. Now there is a 115 bhp 1.9-litre JTD engine, in both Alfa 156 and Alfa 147 ranges.
While European sales of petrol engined cars in the lower-medium and medium sectors fell last year, diesel sales have grown rapidly from around 15 per cent to nearly 25 per cent in the past three years, with a projected rise to 28 per cent for 2003. In Europe, one-in-three cars sold in 2002 was a diesel, which is a figure expected to rise to 50 per cent of this market by 2007.
The UK market grew by 4.3 per cent last year, and within this petrol demand declined by 3 per cent, while diesel growth amounted to 37.8 per cent.
Alfa’s 1.9-litre unijet turbodiesel develops 115 bhp at 4000 rpm, together with 202 lb ft of torque from 2000 rpm. Thus equipped, the Alfa 147 1.9 JTD has a maximum speed of 120 mph, and accelerates to 60 mph in just under ten seconds. It returns 48 mpg over the combined cycle, with a CO2 emissions figure of 155 g/km.
The 156 1.9 JTD accelerates to 60mph in 10.3 seconds, while sharing the Alfa 147′s maximum speed, fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures. The 156 Sportwagon 1.9 JTD also has a top speed of 120 mph, accelerates from 0-60 mph in 10.7 seconds, and returns 47 mpg and 160 g/km CO2.
The 1.9 JTD 115 bhp unit will become available in Turismo and Lusso versions of the Alfa 147, with specification levels otherwise identical to 1.6 petrol engined versions of the car.
The Alfa 156 1.9 JTD 115 bhp saloon will become available in Turismo and Veloce versions, the Sportwagon as a Turismo version only.
Prices range from £14,500 for the Alfa 147 3-door Turismo, to £16,100 for the 5-door Lusso. The Alfa 156 Turismo and Veloce cost £15,590 and £16,400 respectively, and the Sportwagon Turismo is priced at £16,710.
Alfa honours the Giulietta
December 20th, 2011 | admin
Alfa romeo has organised a series of events and exhibitions to mark the 50th anniversary of the Giulietta Sprint.
The anniversary is a part of almost a century of Alfa romeo, with the company celebrating 94 years in business next month.
A recent survey found that 70 per cent of the Sprints built between 1954 and 1965 are still driven regularly.
Latest Alfa scores on safety
December 20th, 2011 | admin
THE new Alfa 159 will be one of the safest cars on the road – but only if you are inside it.
The newcomer, which goes on sale from mid February, has been awarded a five-star rating for occupant protection. It is the first Alfa romeo to be awarded the top score by independent crash safety experts EuroNCAP.
Alfa says it arises out of the car’s rigid body shell, seat belt pretensioners and load limiters, multitude of air bags and anti-whiplash system.
However, whilst the car gains top marks for the protection of those travelling inside, it fares less well for anyone unfortunate enough to be hit by one.
Crash test dummies came off so badly in the simulated tests that the 159 was awarded just one point for pedestrian safety.
This is in sharp contrast to rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf, which offers the same level of protection for occupants and gets three out of the maximum four stars for pedestrian safety.
The Alfa 159 has seven air bags as standard, including knee bags and side bags that extend along the window area. Among the numerous electronic safety systems are vehicle dynamic control, anti-slip regulation, brake-assist and a hill-holder to simplify hill starts.
Alfa is hoping that the 159 will emulate the success of the 156, which has been its most popular model in the UK.
There are three new petrol engines of 1.9, 2.2 and 3.2-litres plus diesel engines of 2.4-litres and a pair of 1.9-litre units offering a choice of 120bhp and 150bhp.
All come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard and the option of a Selespeed automatic system also with six speeds.
There will be the option of a permanent four-wheel-drive system sending about 57 per cent of the power to the rear wheels and 43 per cent to the front.
Standard or optional equipment will include bi-xenon headlights, cruise control, rain, dusk and parking sensors, satellite navigation, voice controls and a hands-free telephone system.
There will also be automatic climate control with dual or tri-zone distribution and temperature, a radio-CD player including MP3 files and a ten-disc CD-changer on some models.
Sexy GT’s a real scene stealer
December 9th, 2011 | admin
THE name’s back, and it could be just what the doctor ordered for Alfa romeo.
To the Playstation generation the words Gran Turismo mean one thing – blasting round street circuits in the hairiest cars on four wheels.
For the rest of us, the GT image is more of elegant classics like the Maserati 3500GT and Alfa’s Giulietta and Giulia Sprint GT.
And from today the latest supercar to carry the badge, the Alfa romeo Alfa GT, will bid to seduce cool coupe lovers with its sexy lines and potent performance.
Many will fall under its spell, as this is one of the most inspired models the Italian manufacturer has produced in a decade.
Everything about the car’s design – which is by Bertone – oozes style, whether it be the trademark Villa d’Este style Alfa shield grille with its low-slung menace or the wrap-round headlights and 16-spoke alloy wheels.
Move inside and the touches are again chic. There’s a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, simply organised dash area and seats that are covered with Alfatex, a new micro-fibre cloth.
As for interor space, room is ample up front and sufficient to accommodate two adults in rear. Otherwise there’s reasonable storage, a more than adequate boot – larger than in most coupes – and high quality fit and finish.
The GT is based on a modified version of the Alfa 156 chassis and at launch comes with a choice of the excellent two-litre JTS engine used in the 156, the proven 1.9-litre JTD MultiJet turbodiesel and a flagship 3.2-litre V6. A 1.8-litre Twin Spark engine will be available later in the year.
I drove both the two litre petrol and 1.9 oil-burner during the launch on the north coast of Scotland – bleak at this time of year but the long, winding roads are excellent.
Slightly the better of the pair, and the one expected to account for the lion’s share of sales, is the petrol unit which offers spirited performance allied to reasonable economy.
It’s a corker of a car to drive thanks to enthusiastic handling without a hint of understeer, flick of the wrist cornering and the added bonus of an engine rasp that sounds more like a six-cylinder.
Those opting for the JTD are also in for a treat because you would never know this was an oil-burner. Even at tickover there’s barely a hint of diesel clatter while the low-down punch available is everything you could ask and more from an engine that has been upgraded to 150bhp.
The words coupe and practicality aren’t generally used in the same breath when it comes to cars, but in the GT’s case they legitimately can be.
Apart from the available rear head and legroom, there’s a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with integral armrest and ski tunnel allowing expansion of the boot into a flat load platform.
Safety is a priority, so six airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and a fully integrated fire prevention system come as standard on all models along with a range of state of the art electronic braking, traction control and stability systems.
The GT’s spec includes several features only available as expensive options on rival models, like automatic Dual Zone climate control, cruise control, Follow Me Home headlamps, multi-function display, heated electric door mirrors and eight-speaker CD sounds. Opt for the 2.0 Selespeed or 3.2 V6 and there’s full leather interior and Bose hi-fi.
Prices are from £20,995 for the1.9JTD. The 2.0 JTS costs £21,495 with an extra £2,050 for the Selespeed transmission option, and on up to £26,696 for the 3.2 V6.
Could be that the Alfa GT is destined to be the best value coupe around – and the most seductive. It’s a show-stealer.
All change for top Alfa
December 1st, 2011 | admin
REVISED versions of Alfa romeo‘s executive flagship, the 166 sports saloon, go on sale next month.
The rationalised range features new styling, cabin trim revisions, equipment upgrades, suspension modifications, and enhanced safety equipment including the fitting of a sophisticated Vehicle Dynamic Control system as standard across the range.
Priced from £21,750 to £29,900, the revised range is reduced to four models, with a choice of three petrol engines; a two-litre 16-valve Twin Spark unit with six-speed manual transmission, a three-litre 24-valve V6 allied to a four-speed Sportronic automatic transmission and a 240bhp 24-valve 3.2-litre V6. The 2.5-litre model is axed.
From a styling viewpoint, the Alfa shield with its five horizontal chrome bars is now larger and more prominent, bisecting the front bumper. Below, there is the addition of two air intakes containing fog lamps and, in traditional Alfa style, the number plate is offset to the side.
Inside, there is a new, metal-effect finish to the centre console with a new fascia, revised upholstery and a choice of four new exterior colours.
Mamma Mia! Brera is so sexy
November 29th, 2011 | admin
Alfa romeos have always been sexy cars. For sheer beauty, few rivals have ever come anywhere close to setting the senses reeling like the good lookers from Milan.
The Brera has certainly always been a ‘looker’ although she was also a little bit overweight. Because of that, it wasn’t the sharpest driving machine around. Until now – and the arrival of the slimmed down Brera S.
Alfa enlisted the aid of Oxfordshire-based Prodrive to work out the fitness regime which has resulted in the Brera being transformed from being nothing special into something we Brits can truly enjoy on our uniquely demanding roads.
To improve body control they’ve fitted a 50% harder suspension and lowered it by 10mm all round. Geometry changes have brought the previous wooden steering to life.
Meanwhile, 35kg has been shaved off the Brera kerb weight, the majority of which is down to the gorgeous competition-inspired alloy wheels.
The test car was powered by Alfa’s 185bhp 2.2-litre petrol engine which has been left alone – if there’s one thing Alfa can do well it’s engines. The exhausts have been tinkered with – but only to make the most of their raspy notes.
In the distant past, Alfa’s reliability was in question but all that’s changed and in recent years the models have proved to be totally trustworthy.
Everything fits beautifully, the paintwork is mirror smooth and the whole car looks tough and solid.
Inside the cabin the carbon-fibre effect finish on the centre console and dashboard looks snazzy and should stand the test of time.
The Brera is fitted with all the safety features you’d expect – seven airbags as standard, plus an optional knee bag.
Stability control, which comes with a hill-holder device, is also standard. Tyre pressure monitors are also fitted and, under heavy impact, the pedals are designed to collapse.
An economy car the Brera S is not. It manages 30mpg in the combined cycle. On the open road it will reach 38mpg, but if you want fun in this car, it won’t be cheap, with return figures in the lower twenties.
Carbon emissions and tax bandings are quite high – 218g/km and Band F.
- Alistair Coull
IF I HAD a car wish-list for Christmas, this little beauty would definitely be on it. Liveried in racing red – or, rather, Alfa Red – the Italian stunner is just the kind of sporty automobile to crank up the festive spirit.
The Alfa romeo Brera CoupÌ© S arrived for the run-up to the festivities, but was then cruelly spirited away – after its week ‘Up North’ – back to the Alfa Santa Grotto.
But, at least I can mull over the memories of the sexy sports coupÌ© and be thankful that its jaunt across the ‘mountain motorway’ into Pennine country, and coast-to-coast from Merseyside to Hull, was done in milder temperatures than the sub-zero temperatures earlier in the month.
Virtually ice-free roads and a snow-free M62 meant that the Brera Coup̩ was able to flex its muscles, as well as exhibit impressive agility on the straight and narrow, and along slalom courses in the Welsh hills worthy of a competition rally route.
The Brera’s sprint of 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds isn’t ultra-fast, but it’s sufficient to open the adrenaline valves and quicken the pulse.
Again, its 139mph top speed may be beaten by immediate rivals, but the journey there – and driver involvement – is what counts so much with this car.
There’s lots of intelligent feedback to the steering wheel and the Brera’s grip is ultra-impressive.
The only time the 2.2-litre unit appeared to falter was in recovering dying revs when encountering unexpectedly sharp uphill gradients. Then you had to dig deep into the transmission and coax the 185bhp engine to a decent response.
Otherwise, the coupÌ©’s performance was confidence-inspiring and provided a huge dollop of exhilaration.
The Brera name is borrowed from a wealthy suburb of Milan and sets the scene for auto-exclusivity.The coupÌ©’s elegant profile alone, courtesy of styling and design supremos Giugario and Pininfarina, ensures it’s in a class of its own.
The Brera, which replaces the GTV at the top of the Alfa range, gives an inspired performance and you always feel in control, even when the car is put under duress. There’s not a hint of drama, no matter how hard you push the coupÌ©, and it remains amazingly even-tempered and composed at all times.
It has dazzling cornering ability and the input from British performance specialists, Prodrive, means that it is finely tuned to suit roads in the UK.
The ‘S’ stands for Special, and the Brera is.
It delivers not the best top speed or best acceleration in this segment, but it delivers fun and excitement in one of the best-looking coup̩s in this or any price range.
It is immaculately packaged inside, too, though the satinised adornments in one or two places could have been a bit more substantial.
Otherwise the interior has the wow factor, cloaked in luxurious leather and with the front seats offering sporting, wrap-around support.
Standard equipment includes dual zone climate control, VDC, seven airbags, while SV Trim, panoramic roof, leather, 17-inch alloys and fold-flat electric mirrors are optional extras.
- Val Jessop
FAST FACTS
Alfa romeo Brera 2.2 JTS
Price: £23,417
Mechanical: 185bhp, 2,198cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 139mph
0-62mph: 8.6 secs
Combined mpg: 30.6
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 218g/km
BiK rating: 30%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust