2005 Alfa Romeo 156 fuel consumption

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR91
RANGE= This shows the distance (in km or miles) the car can still cover before needing fuel if keeping the same driving conditions. The
display will show “- - - -“ after the following events:
A)range values lower than 50 km (approx. 31 miles) (after the reduced range warning message),
B)Parking with running engine or car speed lower than 4 km/h for over 5 minutes.
TRAVEL DISTANCE= This shows the distance traveled by the car from the start of the new mission (*).
AVERAGE CONSUMPTION= This shows the average actual consumption in l/km or in l/100 km depending on the unit selected.
ACTUAL CONSUMPTION= This shows the consumption of the car updated every 5 sec. approx. If parking with running engine or in
case of speed values lower than 4 km/h the display will show “- - - -“. Actual consumption calculation algorithm, according to the above pro-
cedure, restarts as soon as the car speed will be equal to or higher than 4 km/h.
AVERAGE VELOCITY= This shows the average speed of the car as a function of the overall travel time elapsed from the start of the
new mission (*).
TRAVELTIME= time elapsed from the start of the new mission (*).
(*) NEW MISSION: this takes place when performing the “manual” reset by pressing the dedicated button.
WARNINGGENERAL TRIP is reset automatically when the Distance Traveled is equal to 9999,9 km (or mi), when Travel Time is 99:59
(99 hours and 59 minutes) or after reconnecting the battery.
WARNINGIf no information is available, all the TRIP COMPUTER parameters display the message “****” instead of a value, together
with the typical description of each parameter. When the normal operation condition is resumed, the count of the various parameters starts
again normally, with no reset of the values displayed prior to the failure, nor the start of a new mission.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
155
N - Neutral
This is the neutral position to be used when
the car has to be pushed or towed.D - Automatic forward gear
This is the position to be used always un-
der “normal” driving conditions, for exam-
ple on the motorway and urban roads and
when wanting to minimise fuel consumption
(combined with the CITYdriving mode).
When the lever is in this position, the gear-
box automatically selects the four available
speeds. It is also the position to be used
for the ICEdriving mode.Shifting to lower gear
(Kick down)
In the event of the need to accelerate
heavily (e.g. for overtaking) pressing the
accelerator fully home beyond the stiff point
will cause automatic kick down to a shorter
ratio, engine speed conditions permitting.
Releasing the accelerator pedal as soon as
the stiff point has been passed, the gearbox
shifts to the optimum ratio in relation to the
driving mode, throttle opening position and
selector lever position.
The Kick-down function is advised only for
overtaking or fast accelerating to avoid in-
creasing fuel consumption.
Kick-down is cut off automatically in the
ICEdriving mode.
With the engine idling,
when moving the lever to
position N the car tends to move
even if it is on level ground: keep
the brake pedal pressed when the
lever is in position N.
WARNING
With the engine idling and
the lever in position D the
vehicle tends to move: always
keep the brake pedal pressed un-
til moving off.
WARNING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
156
SPORT(button (A-fig. 139)
pressed):
This is selected when wanting to avail of
the vehicle’s peak performance for sporty
driving or on demanding routes.
Driving in the SPORTmode increases fuel
consumption.
WARNINGThe CITYor SPORTdri-
ving modes can be selected under any con-
dition (vehicle stationary or on the move).
WARNINGWhen the car is started with
a cold engine, the system selects the
SPORTdriving mode, even if the CITY
mode has been selected, until the engine
reaches normal operating temperature.
C/S
ICE( button (B-fig. 133) pressed):
This driving mode is recommended when
the road surface offers poor grip (snow, ice,
etc.). Moving off takes place in 2
ndgear.
The ICEdriving mode is available only with
the selector lever at D.
Moving the lever from D, the ICEmode
is automatically cut off.
WARNINGThe ICEdriving mode can
be engaged pressing the corresponding but-
ton also with the car on the move, provided
that the speed is below 45 km/h.
ICE
SELECTING THE DRIVING
MODESThe automatic gearbox for this car is con-
trolled electronically and includes the selec-
tion of three different driving modes, thereby
giving the best response in terms of driving
comfort, consumption levels, sporty perfor-
mance and travelling safety.
The three driving modes CITY, SPORT
and are selected by 2 buttons on the
centre console (fig. 139).
The button (A-fig. 139) selects the
CITYor SPORTfunctions, the button
(B-fig. 139) selects the mode.
With the ignition key at MAR, the driving
mode selected is indicated by the lighting
up of the corresponding word on the display
on the instrument cluster (rev counter):
CITY( button (A-fig. 139)
pressed):
This is used under normal operating con-
ditions; it gives preference to comfortable
driving and balanced consumption control
engaging gears at relatively low engine
speed.
C/S
ICE
ICE
C/SICE
fig. 139
A0B0264m

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
195
DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICEHere are few suggestions for driving in
these conditions:
– Keep your speed down.
– On a snowy road, fit winter tyres or
snow chains; see the related paragraphs in
this section.
– Use exhaust brake where possible and
avoid abrupt braking.
– Avoid abrupt acceleration and changes
of direction.
– During cold weather even apparently dry
roads may be covered with occasional
patches of ice. Pay great attention therefore
when driving on roads which are in the
shade, or where rocks or trees line the road
and on which ice may persist.
– Keep further back from the vehicle in
front.
DRIVING WITH ABSThe ABS is a part of the braking system
which essentially offers two advantages:
1)It prevents wheel lock-up and conse-
quent skidding in emergency stops, partic-
ularly when the road does not offer much
grip;
2)It makes it possible to brake and steer
at the same time so you can avoid unex-
pected obstacles and direct the car where
you want while braking. The extent to which
this can be done will depend on the physi-
cal limits of the tyre’s sideways grip.
To make the most of the ABS:
– In emergency braking or when grip is
low, a slight pulsing can be felt on the brake
pedal: this means that the ABS has come
into action. Do not release the pedal, but
continue pressing it to give continuity to the
braking action.
– The ABS prevents the wheels from lock-
ing but it does not increase the physical lim-
its of grip between the asphalt and the road.
Therefore, also with a car fitted with ABS,
keep within a safety distance from the ve-
hicle in front and limit speed when ap-
proaching bends.
The ABS serves to increase car controlla-
bilty not to go faster.
REDUCING RUNNING
COSTS AND
ENVIRONMENT
POLLUTIONSome suggestions which may help you to
keep the running costs of your vehicle down
and lower the amount of toxic emissions re-
leased into the atmosphere are given below.GENERAL CONSIDERATIONSVehicle maintenance
The overalll state of the vehicle is an im-
portant factor which has a marked influence
over fuel consumption and driving comfort
and on the life span of your vehicle. For this
reason care should be taken to maintain
your vehicle by carrying out the necessary
checks and regulations in accordance with
specifications given in the “Scheduled Main-
tenance Programme” (see sections... spark
plugs, air cleaner, timing).

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
196
Tyres
Tyres should be checked at least every four
4 weeks: if the pressure is too low, fuel con-
sumption increases as the resistance to the
rolling movement of the tyre is higher. In
this state, tyre wear is increased
and vehicle handling suffers which will af-
fect safety.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage stowed
in the boot. The weight of the vehicle (es-
pecially when driving in town) and its trim
greatly affects consumption and stability.
Luggage/ski rack
Remove luggage or ski racks from the roof
of the vehicle as soon as they are no longer
needed. These accessories reduce the aero-
dynamic penetration of the vehicle and will
increase consumption. When transporting
particularly large objects, use a trailer where
possible.Electrical devices
Use the electric devices for the necessary
time only. The heated rear window, supple-
mentary lights, windscreen wipers, heating
system blower require large amounts of en-
ergy and, increasing the request for power
also increases fuel consumption (up to
+25% when driving in built-up areas).
Air conditioner
The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading to
higher consumption (on average up to
+20%). When the temperature outside the
vehicle permits it, use the air vents where
possible.
Spoilers
The use of aerodynamic optional extras
which are not certified for the specific use
on the vehicle, may reduce the aerodynamic
penetration of the vehicle and increase con-
sumption.
STYLE OF DRIVINGStarting
Do not warm the engine when the vehicle
is stationary or at high or low revs: in this
way the engine will warm up gradually in-
creasing consumption and emissions. You
should drive off slowly straight away avoid-
ing high revs so that the engine will warm
up more quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving the engine when stopped at
traffic lights or before switching off the en-
gine and avoid doubling the clutch as these
actions have no purpose on modern vehicles
and serve only to increase consumption and
pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the traffic and road conditions
allow it, shift to a higher gear. Using a lower
gear to liven up acceleration greatly in-
creases consumption. In the same way, im-
proper use of the higher gears will increase
consumption, emissions and wear and tear
on the engine.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
197
Top speeds
Fuel consumption increases considerably
as speed increases. For example, when ac-
celerating from 90 to 120 kph, fuel con-
sumption increases by about +30%. Your
speed should be kept as even as possible
and superfluous braking and acceleration
avoided as this increases both consumption
and emissions. A “soft” way of driving
should be adopted by attempting to antici-
pate manoeuvres to avoid imminent danger
and to keep a safe distance from the vehi-
cle in front in order to avoid braking sharply.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently increasing the revs
will greatly affect consumption and emis-
sions: acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum torque.
CONDITIONS OF USECold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starting
will not enable the engine to reach optimal
running temperature. It follows therefore
that consumption will be higher (from +15%
to +30% in built-up areas) as will the pro-
duction of toxic emissions.
Traffic and road conditions
Heavy traffic and higher consumption are
synonymous; for example, when driving
slowly with frequent use of lower gears or
in large towns where there are numerous
traffic lights.
Winding roads, mountain roads and
bumpy roads also have a negative effect on
consumption.
Enforced halts
During prolonged hold-ups (traffic lights,
level crossings) the engine should be
switched off.
ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT-
FRIENDLY DRIVINGEnvironment protection is one of the prin-
ciples that guided the development of your
Alfa 156.
It is not merely by chance that its antipol-
lution devices obtain results far beyond those
specified by current regulations.
The environment, however, still needs the
utmost care from all of us.
By following few simple rules it is possible
to avoid damage to the environment and
very often at the same time to limit fuel con-
sumption. On this subject we are giving
some helpful suggestions to be added to
those marked with the
#, in various points
of this manual.
Kindly read them all carefully.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
322
FUEL CONSUMPTIONThe fuel consumption values shown in the
following tables were established during ho-
mologation tests prescribed in specific Eu-
ropean Directives.
The test conditions adopted include the fol-
lowing:
– an urban cycle: this includes cold
starting followed by simulation of a mixed
urban route;– an extraurban cycle: this includes
frequent accelerating in all gears, simulat-
ing normal extraurban use of the vehicle;
the speed varies between 0 and 120 kph;
– combined consumption: this is cal-
culated by considering a route consisting of
about 37% urban cycle and 63% extraur-
ban cycle.WARNING The type of route,
traffic conditions, weather condi-
tions, driving style, conditions of
the vehicle, trim level/equipment/
accessories, vehicle load, presence
of roof rack, use of the climate con-
trol system, other items that neg-
atively affect the aerodynamics of
the vehicle or wind resistance lead
to different fuel consumption lev-
els than those measured by the
above-mentioned procedures (see
“Reducing running costs and envi-
ronment pollution” in the chapter
“Correct use of the car”).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
323
FUEL CONSUMPTION ACCORDING TO DIRECTIVE 1999/100/EC (litres x 100 km)
1.6
T.SPARK11.4
6.4
8.2
1.8
T.SPARK12.1
6.4
8.5
2.0 JTS 12.2
6.6
8.6
2.0 JTS
Selespeed12.2
6.6
8.6
2.5 V6
24V17.5
8.5
11.8
2.5 V6 24V
Q-System
17.5
8.6
11.9
JTD7.8
4.7
5.8
JTD 16V
Multijet
8.0
4.7
5.9
JTD 20V
Multijet
8.8
5.3
6.6
JTD 16V
Multijet (*)
8.0
4.7
5.9
1.6
T.SPARK11.5
6.5
8.3
1.8
T.SPARK12.2
6.5
8.6
2.0 JTS 12.5
6.8
8.9
2.0 JTS
Selespeed12.5
6.8
8.9
2.5 V6
24V17.8
8.6
12.0
2.5 V6 24V
Q-System
18.1
8.8
12.2
JTD7.9
4.9
6.0
JTD 16V
Multijet
8.2
4.8
6.1
JTD 16V
Multijet (*)
8.2
4.8
6.1
JTD 20V
Multijet
8.9
5.5
6.7
(*) 150 CV version (for versions/markets where applicable)
(*) 150 CV version (for versions/markets where applicable)SALOON VERSIONSUrban Extraurban Combined
SPORTWAGON VERSIONSUrban Extraurban Combined