GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
32
CARRYING
CHILDREN SAFELY
For optimal protection in the event of a
crash, all passengers must be seated and
wearing adequate restraint systems. This is
even more important for children.
This prescription is compulsory in all EC
countries according to EC Directive
2003/20/EC.
Compared with adults, their head is pro-
portionally larger and heavier than the rest
of the body, while the muscles and bone
structure are not completely developed.
Therefore, correct restraint systems are nec-
essary, other than adult seat belts.
The results of research on the best pro-
tection for a child are summarised in Euro-
pean Standard ECE- R44, which in addition
to making them compulsory, subdivides re-
straint systems into five groups:
Group 0 0 - 10 kg in weight
Group 0+ 0 - 13 kg in weight
Group 1 9 - 18 kg in weight
Group 2 15 - 25 kg in weight
Group 3 22 - 36 kg in weightAs it may be noted, the groups overlap
partly and in fact, in commerce it is possible
to find devices that cover more than one
weight group. All restraint devices must bear
the certification data, together with the con-
trol brand, on a solidly fixed label which
must absolutely never be removed.
Over 1.50 m in height, from the point of
view of restraint systems, children are con-
sidered as adults and wear the seat belts
normally. Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo offers
seats for each weight group, which are the
recommended choice, as they have been de-
signed and experimented specifically for Al-
fa Romeo cars.
Never place cradle child’s
seats facing backwards on
the front passenger seat of
cars fitted with passenger’s air bag
since the air bag activation could
cause serious injuries, even mortal.
You are advised to carry children
always on the rear seat, as this is
the most protected position in the
case of a crash.
SERIOUS DANGER
Children may placed
on the front seat of
cars fitted with passenger’s air bag
deactivation. In this case, it is ab-
solutely necessary to check the
warning light Fon the instru-
ment panel to make sure that de-
activation has actually took place
(see paragraph “Front passenger
air bag”). The front passenger’s
seat shall be adjusted in the most
backward position to prevent any
contact between child’s seat and
dashboard.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
33
GROUP 0 AND 0+ (fig. 43)
Babies up to 13 kg must be carried fac-
ing behind on a cradle seat which, support-
ing the head, does not induce strain on the
neck in the event of a sharp deceleration.
The cradle is restrained by the car safety
belts, as illustrated, and it should in turn
restrain the child with the belts incorporat-
ed on it.
GROUP 1 (fig. 44)
Starting from 9 to 18 kg in weight, chil-
dren may be carried facing forwards with
seats fitted with front cushion, through
which the car seat belt restrains both child
and seat.The illustration is indica-
tive only for assembly. As-
semble the seat according
to the compulsory instructions pro-
vided with it.
Seats exist which are suit-
able for covering weight
groups 0 and 1 with a rear
connection to the car belts and its
own belts to restrain the child. Be-
cause of their mass, they can be
dangerous if installed incorrectly
fastened to the car belts with a
cushion. Strictly adhere to the as-
sembly instructions provided.
fig. 43
A0A0659b
fig. 44
A0A0660b
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
34
GROUP 2 (fig. 45)
Starting from 15 to 25 kg in weight, chil-
dren may be restrained directly by the car
seat belts.
Child seats only have the function of po-
sitioning the child correctly in relation to the
belts, so that the diagonal part adheres to
the chest and never to the neck and that the
horizontal part adheres to the child’s pelvis
and not to the abdomen.
GROUP 3 (fig. 46)
For children from 22 up to 36 kg the
child’s chest is thick enough not to need the
spacer back rest anymore.
The figure shows proper child seat posi-
tioning on the rear seat.
Over 1.50 m in height, children may wear
seat belts like adults.The illustration is indica-
tive only for assembly. As-
semble the seat according
to the compulsory instructions pro-
vided with it.
fig. 45
A0A0661b
fig. 46
A0A0662b
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
35
PASSENGER SEAT COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS ON CHILD’S SEAT USE
Your car complies with the new European Directive 2000/3/EC regulating child’s seat assembling on the different car seats according to
the following table:
Key:
U= suitable for child restraint systems of the “Universal” category, according to European Standard EEC-R44 for the specified “Groups”.
Range of weight
up to 13 kg
9-18 kg
15-25 kg
22-36 kgFront
passenger
U
U
U
URear
passengers
U
U
U
UCentral
passenger
U
U
U
UGroup
Group 0, 0+
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
36
Below is a summary of the rules
of safety to be followed for car-
rying children:
– The recommended position for installing
a child’s seat is on the rear seat, as it is the
most protected in the event of a crash.
– If the passenger’s air bag is deactivated
alwayscheck warning light
Fon the
cluster to make sure that it has actually been
deactivated.
– Carefully follow the instructions provid-
ed with the child’s seat, which the supplier
is obliged to attach. Keep them in the car
together with the documents and this book-
let. Do not use used seats without the in-
structions for use.
– Always pull the tape to check that belts
are buckled.
Never place cradle child’s
seats facing backwards on
the front passenger seat of
cars fitted with passenger’s air bag
since the air bag activation could
cause serious injuries, even mortal.
You are advised to carry children
always on the rear seat, as this is
the most protected position in the
case of a crash.– All restraint systems are strictly for one
child only: never use for two children at the
same time.
– Always make sure that the belts do not
rest on the child’s neck.
– During the journey, do not allow the
child to stay in abnormal positions or release
the belts.
– Do not carry children in your arms, not
even small babies. No-one, however strong,
can keep hold od them in a crash.
– In the case of accidents, replace the
child’s seat with a new one.
PRESETTING FOR
MOUNTING
“ISOFIX TYPE” CHILD
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
The rear seat of your car is preset for
mounting the Isofix type child restraint sys-
tem, a new European standardised system
for carrying children safely. Isofix type child
restraint system is an additional option that
does not prevent from using traditional child
restraint systems. Isofix type child restraint
system covers three weight groups: 0, 0+
and 1.
Due to its different anchoring system, the
Isofix child’ seat shall be anchored just us-
ing the metal brackets (A-fig. 47) set be-
tween rear seat back and cushion.
fig. 47
A0A0671b
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
37
Mount the child restraint
system only with the car
stationary. The Isofix child
restraint system is properly an-
chored to the mounting brackets
when clicks are heard. In any case,
keep to the installation instructions
that must be provided by the child
restraint system Manufacturer.– push the child restraint system until hear-
ing the locking clicks;
– check proper locking by moving the
child’s seat with force: the built-in safety
mechanism actually inhibits proper coupling
with only one coupling locked.
It is actually possible to mount both the
traditional restraint system and the Isofix
one, e.g. the traditional one on the left and
the Isofix type seat on the right.
Since sizes are different, on the rear seats
it is possible to install just two traditional
child’s seats, or two Isofix type seats. On
the front passenger seat it is only possible
to mount traditional child’s seats.
Only Isofix type child restraint systems de-
signed and tested for this car must be used.
fig. 48
A0A0663b
MOUNTING THE ISOFIX TYPE
CHILD’S SEAT
Groups 0 and 0+
For children of the 0 and 0+ group (ba-
bies up to 13 Kg), the child’s seat is facing
backwards and the child is restrained by the
child’s seat belts(D-fig. 48).
As the child grows, passing to weight group
1, the child’s seat shall be fitted facing for-
wards.
For proper mounting proceed as follows:
– check whether the release lever (B) is
at rest position (inward);
– find the presetting brackets (A), then
position the child restraint system with the
fastening devices (C) aligned with the brack-
ets;
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
128
OPENING FROM INSIDE
(fig. 141)
Tailgate is released electrically and this can
be performed only when the ignition key
is in position MARwith car at a standstill
or in STOPorPARKposition for 3 min-
utes without unlocking/locking one of the
doors.
To unlock the tailgate, press button (A)
on the centre console panel.
Tailgate raising is facilitated by the gas
shock springs.
OPENING WITH REMOTE
CONTROL
(fig. 142)
The tailgate can be opened by remote con-
trol from outside pressing the button (A),
also when the electronic alarm is engaged.
Opening of the tailgate is accompanied by
a double flash of the direction indicators;
closing is accompanied by a single flash.
If an electronic alarm is fitted, with the
opening of the tailgate, the alarm system
switches off volumetric protection and the
tailgate control sensor, the system “beeps”
twice (with the exception of certain mar-
kets).
fig. 141
A0A0129b
BOOT
The tailgate can be opened:
from the outside of the car- by a
remote control impulse;
from the inside of the door- by de-
pressing the button (A-fig. 141).
IMPORTANTIf the boot is not proper-
ly shut, the
´warning light will come on
(on certain versions accompanied by the
message on the reconfigurable multifunction
display).
The gas springs are cali-
brated to ensure correct
tailgate raising with the
weights foreseen by the manufac-
turer. The arbitrary addition of
items (such spoilers, etc.) may
compromise the correct operation
and safety of the actual tailgate.
fig. 142
A0A0636b
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
172
Never leave children un-
attended in the car. Al-
ways remove the ignition
key when leaving the car and take
it with you.To avoid useless con-
sumption of power and
possible draining of the
battery, never leave the ignition
key in the MAR position when the
engine is not running.
PARKING
When the car is parked, proceed as fol-
lows:
– Switch off the engine.
– Engage the handbrake.
– Engage first gear if the car is faced up-
hill or reverse if the car is facing downhill.
– Turn the front wheels so that the car will
immediately come to a halt if the handbrake
slips.
REDUCING
RUNNING COSTS
AND ENVIRONMENT
POLLUTION
By following a few simple guidelines, it
is possible to save car running costs and re-
duce harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
To take care of the car maintenance have
the checks and adjustments carried out in
accordance with the “Scheduled Mainte-
nance Programme”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely
at an interval of no more than 4 weeks: if
the pressure is too low consumption levels
increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Useless loads
Never travel with an overload in the boot.
The weight of the car (especially in urban
traffic), and its geometry heavily affect con-
sumption levels and stability.Electric services
Use electric devices only for the amount of
time needed. Rearscreen heating, addition-
al headlights, windscreen wipers and heater
fan need a considerable amount of energy,
therefore increasing the requirement of cur-
rent increases fuel consumption (up to
+25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is a further load
bearing heavily on the engine inducing high-
er consumption levels(up to +20% on av-
erage). Outside temperature permitting,
preferably use the air vents.
Aerodynamic items
The use of non-certified aerodynamic items
may adversely affect air drag and con-
sumption levels.