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CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY
For optimum 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 an adult, a child’s head is larger and heavier in proportion to
his/her body and the child’s muscular and bone structures are
not fully developed. For this reason, they require restraint systems
which are different from those used by adults to protect them in
the event of an accident.
The result of research in relation to the best protection for chil-
dren is illustrated in European Regulation ECE-R44, which divides
child seats into five groups in addition to making their use com-
pulsory:
Group 0 up to 10 kg
Group 0+ up to 13 kg
Group 1 9-18 kg
Group 2 15-25 kg
Group 3 22-36 kg
All restraint devices must bear the type-approval data along with
the control mark on a label firmly secured to the child seat which
must never be removed. When over 1.50 m in height, from the
point of view of restraint systems, children are considered as adults
and have to wear the standard seat belts.
Should it be absolutely necessary to carry a child
on the front seat in a cradle seat facing backwards,
the passenger’s front air bag and side bag should
be deactivated by using the Set-Up Menu. Deacti-
vation can be verified by checking the
“warn-
ing light in the instrument panel. Also, the passenger seat
should be adjusted as far back as possible to avoid con-
tact between the child seat and the dashboard.
Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo includes child seats for each weight group.
These devices are recommended, having been specifically designed
for Alfa Romeo cars.
Do not arrange child seats facing backwards if the
front air bag on the passenger’s side is enabled.
Deployment of the air bag in an accident could
cause fatal injuries to the baby regardless of the severity
of the collision. It is advisable to carry children in dedi-
cated child seats on the rear seat, which is the most pro-
tected position in the event of an accident.
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FITTING “UNIVERSAL” CHILD SEAT
(with seat belts)
GROUP 0 and 0+ fig. 99
Babies up to 13 kg must be carried facing backwards on a cradle
seat, which, by supporting the head, does not induce stress on
the neck in the event of sharp deceleration. The cradle is restrained
by the car seat belts, as shown in the diagram, and in turn it must
restrain the child with its own belts.
fig. 99A0K0014mfig. 100A0K0129m
The diagrams are indicative and provided for as-
sembly purposes only. Fit the child seat according to
the instructions that must be supplied with the seat.
GROUP 1 fig. 100
From 9 to 18 kg of weight, children may be carried facing forward.
There are seats with Isofix hooks which enable se-
cure fastening to the seat without using the car’s
seat belts.
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SUITABILITY OF PASSENGER SEATS FOR CHILD SEAT USE
The car complies with the new European Directive 2000/3/EC which governs the arrangement possibilities for child seats on the var-
ious seats of the car as shown in the following table:
Key:
U = suitable for restraint systems in the “Universal” category, according to European Standard ECE-R44 for the specified “Groups”.
(*) With seat adjustable in height, position the backrest upright.
Front Rear side and middle
Group Weight range passenger passenger
Group 0, 0+ up to 13 kg U (*) U
Group 1 9-18 kg U (*) U
Group 2 15-25 kg U (*) U
Group 3 22-36 kg U (*) U
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“ISOFIX” CHILD SEAT ASSEMBLY
SETUP
The car is provisioned for a Universal Isofix child seat, a new Eu-
ropean standardised system for carrying children safely.
fig. 103A0K0018m
Isofix systems can be fitted alongside a traditional child seat. An
example of an Universal Isofix child seat for weight group 1 is
shown in fig. 103.
The other weight groups are covered by the specific Isofix child seat,
which can be used only if specifically designed, tested and approved
for this car (see car list provided with the child seat).
WARNING The centre rear seat is not certified for any type of child’s
seat.
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PASSENGER SEAT SUITABILITY FOR ISOFIX CHILD SEATS
The table below, in compliance with European Directive ECE 16, shows the different installation possibilities of Isofix seats on seats fit-
ted with Isofix fasteners.
IUF: suitable for forward-facing Isofix child seats, universal class (fitted with third upper fastener), type-approved for use in this weight group.
X: Isofix position not suitable for Isofix retaining system in this weight group and/or size.
IL (*): the Isofix child seat can be installed by adjusting the front seat.
Weight group Seat Isofix Rear passenger seat
orientation size class
CradleFacing backwards F X
Facing backwards G X
Group 0 up to 10 kg Facing backwards E IL (*)
Facing backwards E IL (*)
Group 0+ up to 13 kg Facing backwards D IL (*)
Facing backwards C IL (*)
Facing backwards D IL (*)
Facing backwards C IL (*)
Group I from 9 to 18 kg Facing forwards B IUF
Facing forwards BI IUF
Facing forwards A IUF
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SAVING FUEL
Here are some suggestions which may help you to save fuel and
lower the amount of harmful emissions released into the atmos-
phere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance with the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan” (see chapter “Servicing and mainte-
nance”).
Tyres
Check the tyre pressure at least once every 4 weeks: if the pres-
sure is too low, consumption levels increase as resistance to rolling
is higher.
Unnecessar y loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight of the car and
its arrangement greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof after use. These
accessories decrease aerodynamic penetration and have a nega-
tive effect on fuel consumption. It is better to use a trailer to trans-
port particularly bulky objects.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount of time needed. The heat-
ed rear windscreen, additional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan require a considerable amount of energy; increasing the
current uptake increases fuel consumption (by up to +25% in an
urban cycle).
Climate control system
Using the climate control system will increase consumption: use
the air vents when the external temperature so allows.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified spoilers may adversely affect aerodynam-
ics and fuel consumption.
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TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
The car must be provided with a type-approved tow hook and ad-
equate electric system to tow caravans or trailers. Installation must
be carried out by a specialist.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-view mirrors in accor-
dance with the highway code of the country in which you are trav-
elling.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are harder to climb,
braking distances increase and overtaking takes longer depending
on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than constantly
using the brake.
The weight of the trailer reduces the load capacity of the car by the
same amount. Consider the weight at full load, including acces-
sories and luggage, to make sure you do not exceed the maximum
towable weight (shown in the registration document).
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for vehicles tow-
ing trailers. In any event do not exceed 100 km/h.
INSTALLING A TOW HOOK
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to install a tow hook.
The ABS with which the car is equipped will not con-
trol the braking system of the trailer. Take extra
care when travelling on slippery roads.
Never modify the braking system of the car to con-
trol the trailer brake. The trailer braking system
must be fully independent from the hydraulic sys-
tem of the car.
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The jack may be used to replace wheels only on
the car that it comes with or other cars of the same
model. Never use the jack for other purposes, such
as lifting other models. Never use the jack to carry out re-
pairs under the car. Incorrect positioning of the jack may
cause the car to fall. Do not use the jack for loads higher
than the one shown on its label. Never install snow chains
on the space-saver spare wheel; if a front tyre (driving
wheel) is punctured and you need to use snow chains, use
a standard wheel from the rear axle and install the space-
saver spare wheel on the rear axle. In this way, with two
normal drive wheels, it is possible to use snow chains.
If the hub cap is not fitted correctly, it may come
off when the car is travelling. Never tamper with
the inflation valve. Never introduce tools of any
kind between the rim and the tyre. Regularly check the
inflation pressure of the tyres and space-saver wheel (see
chapter “Technical specifications”).Vehicle handling is modified with the space-saver
spare wheel fitted. Avoid violent acceleration and
braking, sharp steering and fast cornering. The
overall duration of the space-saver spare wheel is of about
3000 km, after which the relevant tyre must be replaced
with another one of the same type. Never install a tradi-
tional tyre on a rim designed to be used as a space-saver
spare wheel. Repair and refit the standard wheel as soon
as possible. Using two or more space-saver spare wheels
at the same time is forbidden. Do not apply grease to
the bolt threads before assembly: they might sponta-
neously unscrew.
JACK
Important notes:
❍the jack weight is 1.76 kg;
❍the jack requires no adjustment;
❍the jack cannot be repaired; if it breaks it must be replaced with
a new jack;
❍no tool other than the cranking device may be fitted on the
jack.