NEW ALFA 156 RANGE IN UK

The new Alfa Romeo 156 and 156 Sportwagon range made its international public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, and went on sale here on Thursday 6 June.

With new interiors range-wide, a new 165 bhp 2.0 direct injection petrol engine, (JTS), a more powerful 150 bhp direct injection turbodiesel (2.4 JTD), and two new high performance 250 bhp derivatives (156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA), the new cars now offer boosted performance, increased safety equipment across the range, and more lavish specifications.

With the exception of GTA, the exterior styling which has played a significant part in the model's great success all over the world, together with the 156's widely praised dynamic qualities, have remained essentially unaltered.

In four years, almost 500,000 Alfa 156 saloons and Sportwagons have been sold, contributing significantly to Alfa Romeo's strong recovery, the company having tripled its market share in the same period.

BACKGROUND

On 9 October 1997, the international press was introduced to the Alfa 156 at its launch in Lisbon. The appearance of this car, a medium-sized sports saloon that encapsulated Alfa Romeo's proud sporting and engineering heritage in a clean, stylish and obviously Italian package, set the company on a fast-track to rejuvenation.

The new 156 was voted Car of the Year 1998; this award being followed by some 35 further accolades. In the intervening four years the 156 has gone from strength to strength. It now occupies an enviable position in European segment D, where it has more than tripled Alfa Romeo's market share: from 0.7% in 1996 to 3.2% in 2001.

It has also boosted overall European brand sales, which rose from 117,500 in 1996 (0.9%) to 202,100 in 2001 (1.4%) - an increase of 72%.

Last year Alfa Romeo also celebrated its best-ever sales performance in the UK, (16,867 units), and closed 2001 as the fastest-growing UK importer, with sales up 71% year-on-year, a result to which the 156 range made a significant contribution, (up 35% year-on-year with 9609 units). Over 29,000 Alfa 156 and 156 Sportwagons have been sold in the UK to date.

The revised 156 range, including the new 165 bhp 2.0 JTS, the 250 bhp GTA and an uprated 150 bhp 2.4 JTD, incorporates deep-seated changes to offer better performance, more safety equipment, a comprehensive telematics package and more luxurious interiors.

The 250 bhp 3.2 litre Alfa 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA incorporate the comprehensive internal revisions applied to the new 156 range, while representing the quintessence of Alfa brand values, and reviving a legendary name associated with the much loved Giulia Sprint in the mid-sixties.

New JTS engine
Alfa Romeo's new JTS engine is the world's most powerful direct injection petrol engine in production, and the first with over 82 bhp per litre and torque above 74 lb ft per litre. This outstanding engine takes its name (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) from its specific combustion system, a name which will identify an entire new family of future Alfa Romeo engines.

This is the first petrol engine from Alfa Romeo on which the injectors work directly in the combustion chamber. It is an entirely original interpretation of the principles of stratified charge and the creation of motion in the mixture within the cylinder.

Alfa Romeo's approach was to exploit the direct injection concept to increase engine power and torque first and foremost, thus adapting this technology to the requirements of a sportier car, while adopting the stratified charge method to cut consumption in a limited speed band, close to idling.

Thus the 2.0 JTS engine in the new Alfa 156 operates with a lean burn system up to about 1500 rpm, thus making significant fuel savings. Above this engine speed, however, it burns a stoichiometric fuel-air mixture, i.e. with a normal 14.7:1 ratio between the two components, thus guaranteeing performance superior to that which is achievable with a normal indirect injection engine.

Primarily, this is because the fuel injected directly into the combustion chamber, instead of into the intake ports, cools intake air, so increasing the engine's volumetric efficiency. As the temperature drops, the gases increase in density and the volume therefore decreases; which means that more air can be introduced into the combustion chamber.

Cooling the chamber also reduces the risk of engine knock, which means that the compression ratio can be increased, in this case from 10:1 on the 2.0 Twin Spark to 11.3:1 on the 2.0 JTS. Compared to the 2.0 Twin Spark, and other direct injection petrol engines currently available, the 2.0 JTS in the new Alfa 156 provides marginally lower fuel consumption combined with an impressive increase in power and torque: +15 bhp and +18 lb ft of torque.

More powerful 2.4 JTD
A new 2.4 JTD engine also makes its debut in the latest Alfa 156. Thanks to revised mapping of the injection control unit that optimises performance, emissions and consumption, the power output of the well-known 5-cylinder common rail direct injection turbodiesel engine is increased from 140 to 150 bhp. This extra 10 bhp takes the new Alfa 156 JTD to a top speed of 132 mph, without increasing fuel consumption. In fact the latter is slightly improved. On the combined cycle, for example, the saloon returns 42.8 mpg as against 42.1 mpg with the previous engine.

Finally, Selespeed transmission's operating logic has been improved, particularly when the system is used in Auto mode, which now allows the driver to 'suggest' to the electronic control unit which gear to select, without abandoning the function. Paddles behind the steering wheel, as on the Alfa 147 Selespeed, are used to change gear, rather than buttons as on the outgoing 156.

Greater active and passive safety
Safety is significantly enhanced on the new Alfa 156. Active safety now includes VDC, (Vehicle Dynamic Control), which is standard on all versions except GTA.

This highly acclaimed system keeps the vehicle stable even when the driver swerves violently or starts to take a bend too fast.

If the system's sensors (which are also part of the ABS system) detect that the car is cornering too fast and is in danger of sliding, they close the throttle valve - even if the driver is still accelerating. But if the wheels start to slip, VDC brings the car back into a straight line by applying the appropriate brakes on the individual wheels concerned.

VDC - how it works
Vehicle Dynamic Control comes into play in emergencies, and when violent swerving causes the vehicle to lose its balance and adhesion. By comparing the position of the steering wheel with the course in which the car is heading, VDC determines whether the car is following a stable trajectory.

The VDC's control unit analyses data that's provided by:

(1) A steering wheel angle sensor
(2) A lateral acceleration sensor
(3) A yaw sensor
(4) An electronic accelerator
(5) Wheel sensors

VDC detects any mistakes the driver might make (even before he or she is aware of them) and, as far as is possible, corrects them. It does this by regulating the engine's torque, automatically opening and closing the throttle valve, and also by applying the appropriate brakes on each wheel.

However, VDC is not a failsafe device, it will not prevent accidents from occurring in extreme conditions. Responsibility for the safety of the car always lies with the driver.

Further dynamic safety cover is provided by MSR. If the driver changes down suddenly in conditions of poor grip, the MSR system (Motor Slip Regulation) kicks in, restoring torque to the engine to prevent a slide caused by locking wheels.

The new Alfa 156 also has emergency brake assistance, know as HBA, (Hydraulic Brake Assistance), which helps the driver during 'panic' braking, guaranteeing maximum deceleration, regardless of the force exerted on the pedal.

To optimise visibility in all driving and weather conditions, all versions of the new 156 can be fitted with xenon gas discharge headlights with automatic alignment correction, which provide a more intense light and greater efficiency than normal halogen lamps, as well as lasting twice as long.

On the passive safety front, window airbags, in addition to front and side airbags, are now standard equipment on all versions.

Window airbags
These act like inflated curtains that drop down to protect the occupants' heads in the event of a side-on impact. The two bags on either side of the car are located in the roof lining and folded into a compartment that's closed by a cover and marked by a fracture line. This allows the bags to inflate and drop down, should a side-on accident occur. The window bags maintain their position even without support, e.g. if the side windows break, and they extend over the full width of the windows. This means they protect the heads of both front and rear seat passengers.

Child seats need to be easily and safely secured to the interior, so all versions of the new Alfa 156 are fitted with ISOFIX attachments as standard equipment. These take the form of two pairs of brackets (located at the base of the rear seat squab) that allow child seats to be fitted and removed easily and rapidly: all that needs to be done is to flick the two spring locks.

Enhanced comfort and more telematic equipment
The Alfa 156 interior now offers the latest systems made possible by today's technology. The vehicle's latest Dual-Zone automatic climate system can provide two different temperatures (up to 7° C difference) at the same time, on either side of the cabin. It also controls air flow and distribution, compressor activation and recirculation. There is also the option of three additional climate sensors: an Air Quality Sensor (AQS), a rain sensor and a misting sensor.

AQS controls the recirculation function which is activated automatically to prevent the intake of outside air into the car when it is driven through areas with high smog levels. The rain sensor activates the windscreen wipers at the first drops of rain, while the misting sensor automatically activates the climate system to ensure optimum visibility in all conditions.

Further options include Cruise Control, (standard on GTA and new Alfa 156 Lusso versions), a system that automatically maintains the cruising speed set by the driver, for more relaxed progress on motorway trips. It works at speeds over 25 mph and instantly cuts out when the driver presses the brake or clutch pedal. It is then restored by pressing the RES (Resume) button at the end of the Cruise Control lever.

When the ASR traction control is active, this naturally takes priority over Cruise Control, should the car get into difficulties. Once ASR has ceased to function, the system then returns to the previous set speed.

A radio built into the design of the facia, complete with CD player, is standard throughout the range. The sound system was calibrated specifically for the latest Alfa 156. It comprises six speakers and has an output of 4x40 watts. Steering-wheel mounted radio controls are standard equipment, and a Bose® Hi-Fi system with sub-woofer amplifier is standard equipment on 2.0 engine versions and above, (and optional on 1.6 and 1.8 versions). This sophisticated acoustic system offers passengers exceptional listening quality in all conditions.

The new Alfa range is also available with CONNECT, the most advanced infotelematic package on the market, offering the largest number of functions and services.

Located at the centre of the facia, it acts as an onboard assistant that can be asked, by driver or passengers, to make telephone calls, consult road maps or play music. All this is done using the surrounding keys, while the screen displays a detailed picture of the requests made. It is full of functions, and is offered at an advantageous price.

Pressing the green CONNECT key links up to one of the 750 operators at the Arese Contact Centre, which operates 365 days a year. Motorists will be connected to an
operator who speaks their language and can help find the correct route, give information about traffic conditions and the weather, and even reserve hotels and restaurants, or purchase plane tickets. Assistance can also be despatched accurately, as appropriate.

In summary, all versions of the Alfa 156 and Sportwagon can be specified with optional CONNECT or CONNECT Nav; an infotelematic system which, depending on the level selected, can operate:

(1) The sound system
(2) The trip computer
(3) The hands-free GSM Dual Band carphone
(4) The satellite navigation system with pictogram and verbal directional commands
(5) Optional voice memo function
(6) Infotelematic services (with subscription)

Revised interiors
Unlike the exterior styling which is practically unchanged, the interior appearance of the new Alfa 156 has been significantly altered.

Alfa Romeo's designers retained the deep-set speedo and rev-counter in their hooded binnacles that proved so popular in the previous version. Similarly, the fuel, water temperature gauge and clock remain angled in towards the driver in familiar style. Now these are augmented by an infocentre display in the middle of the dashboard. This shows:

(1) When a pre-set speed limit is being exceeded
(2) If there's a danger of ice on the roads
(3) Engine oil temperature
(4) Malfunctions
(5) Trip computer information, such as the car's current range, fuel consumption, average speed, distance travelled, and the journey time.

The facia on all versions has been fully revised to make it better looking and more practical. The central part has been redesigned with a titanium finish and now houses a multifunction display. Chrome inserts, like the glove compartment lock barrel, stand out against a new facia trim which is embossed with a new pattern.

The styling and materials used on the steering wheels are also new. The latter feature remote audio controls which allow the driver to adjust the volume; mute the sound system; change between radio bands and CD; scroll up and down the waveband, or select a new CD track.

The upper vents of the central air diffuser are larger and adjust horizontally and vertically, to improve air flow. The sense of space has been increased through the use of a larger ashtray and oddments compartment, and a more ergonomic position for the mirror and foglight controls. The new standard equipment front armrest also conceals a practical storage compartment.

Great care and attention has gone into the choice of cloth and leather upholstery. The customer has a choice of three interiors: 'classic' in grey or blue, 'elegant' with the luminosity of beige, and 'sporty' with darker colours and black cloth run through with a red or grey rubber thread. The perforated leather trims come in five colours: black, blue, grey, red and natural. Black leather sports seats are also available with Veloce versions.

Standard equipment includes:

Turismo
(1) Dual zone climate control
(2) Child Isofix attachments
(3) Infocentre
(4) Front fog lamps
(5) 15" alloy wheels
(6) Alarm
(7) Remote audio controls on steering wheel
(8) Leather steering wheel
(9) VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control)
(10) 3rd rear headrest and seatbelt

(11) Single CD/radio
(12) Front, side and window airbags
(13) Bose® sound system from 2.0 JTS upwards

Lusso
As Turismo plus:
(1) Momo leather
(2) 16" alloy wheels
(3) Cruise control
(4) Headlamp washers

Veloce (1)
As Turismo plus:
(1) Body kit
(2) 16" 5-hole wheels or 16" Selespeed wheels as a no cost option
(3) Headlamp washers

Veloce (2)
As Turismo plus:
(1) Momo leather
(2) Body kit
(3) 16" 5-hole wheels or 16" Selespeed wheels as a no cost option
(4) Headlamp washers

GTA
All new-model 156 enhancements plus:
(1) Leather seats - choice of Black monocolour or natural, Blue or Grey bicolour
(2) Winter pack
(3) Bose® sound system
(4) Heated and electrically operated front seats
(5) 17" alloy wheels (5-hole)
(6) Cruise control
(7) GTA body styling

Changes in summary

Turismo versions now feature: Lusso versions now feature all those additions to the Turismo plus:
(1) New dashboard and instrumentation design (1) New cruise control
(2) (2) 16" alloy wheels
(3) New titanium effect central console (3) Leather upholstery
(4) New infocentre display (4) Headlamp washers
(5) New dual zone climate control (like the Alfa 147) Veloce versions now feature all those additions to the Turismo plus:
(6) New remote audio controls on the
steering wheel (5) 16" '5-hole' wheels (or 16" Selespeed
(7) VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) wheels as a no cost option)
in addition to ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)(8) New third rear head restraint and (6) Cloth/leather upholstery(7) Body kit
(9) (8) Headlamp washers
3-point centre inertia-reel seatbelt(10) New window airbags (in addition to
(11) There are two new engines:
front and side airbags)(12) New 40 watts per channel stereo (9) New 165 bhp 2.0 JTS (replacing the
(13) 2.0 Twin Spark)
radio/CD player (10) New 150 bhp 2.4 JTD (with 10 bhp more than the previous version)
(14) New Bose® sound system (on 2.0 JTS (11)
versions and above)
(15) Front foglamps
(16) 15" alloy wheels
(17) Leather steering wheel

IN ADDITION: All Alfa 156s and 156 Sportwagons can be specified with the optional CONNECT or CONNECT Nav system.