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CONTENTS
BONNET
OPENING
Proceed as follows:
❍pull lever A-fig. 77 in the direction indicated by the arrow;
❍operate lever B in the sense indicated by the arrow and open the
bonnet.
IMPORTANT Two side gas shock absorbers are provided to assist
opening the bonnet. Do not tamper with the shock absorber and
accompany the bonnet while lifting it.
IMPORTANT Before lifting up the bonnet make sure that the wind-
screen wipers are in the rest position and not operational.
fig. 77A0K0116m
CLOSING
Lower the bonnet to approximately 20 centimetres from the en-
gine compartment and let it drop. Make sure that the bonnet is
completely closed and not only fastened by the safety catch by try-
ing to open it. If it is not perfectly closed, open the bonnet and
repeat the procedure. Do not simply press it.
IMPORTANT Always check that the bonnet is closed properly to avoid
it opening while the car is travelling.
For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be per-
fectly closed while travelling. Make sure that the
bonnet is perfectly closed and that the lock is en-
gaged. If you discover whilst driving that the lock is not
fully engaged, stop immediately and close the bonnet in
the correct manner.
Perform these operations only when the car is sta-
tionary.
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GETTING
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TECHNICAL
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CONTENTS
ROOF RACK/SKI RACK
The attachments A-fig. 78 are located in the areas illustrated in the
figure and can only be reached with the doors open.
A roof rack/ski rack specific for the car is available from Lineac-
cessori Alfa Romeo.
fig. 78A0K0117m
After having travelled several kilometres check that
the attachment fixing screws are still securely fas-
tened.
Distribute the load uniformly and when driving
take into consideration the increased sensitivity
to cross winds.
Always obey local legislation regarding maximum
load size.
Never exceed the maximum permitted load
(see the “Technical Specifications” chapter) .
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CONTENTS
Adjusting headlight alignment
PressÒandto adjust (fig. 79). The display located on the in-
strument panel provides a visual indication of the adjusted position.
Position 0 – one or two passengers in the front seats.
Position 1 – 4 passengers.
Position 2 – 4 passengers + load in the boot.
Position 3 – driver + maximum permitted load in the boot.
IMPORTANT Check the adjustment every time the load carried
changes.
IMPORTANT If the vehicle is equipped with Bi-xenon headlights,
headlight alignment is carried out automatically and therefore but-
tons
Òandare not present.
FOG LIGHT ADJUSTMENT
(for versions/markets, where provided)
To check and, if necessary, adjust the alignment contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLIGHTS WHEN ABROAD
The dipped beam headlights are aligned to comply with the regu-
lations of the country of purchase. When driving in countries with
a different driving direction, to avoid blinding the drivers travelling
in the opposite direction, it is necessary to cover the areas of the
beam according to the provisions of the Highway Code of the coun-
try you are driving in.
A0K0094mfig. 79
HEADLIGHTS
ADJUSTING THE LIGHT BEAM
The correct orientation of the headlights is important for the dri-
ver’s comfort and safety as well as for all other road users. It is al-
so a specific rule of the highway code.
The headlights must be correctly directed to ensure the best visi-
bility conditions for all drivers. To check and, if necessary, adjust
the alignment contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT CORRECTOR
This device works with the ignition key in the MAR position and the
dipped headlights on.
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTSIf the ABS intervenes, it means you have almost
reached the limit of grip between the tyres and the
road surface: slow down to make sure you can use
the available grip.
ABS SYSTEM
ABS is an integral part of the braking system, which prevents the
wheels from locking when braking, makes the most of road grip
and gives the best control when performing emergency braking un-
der difficult road conditions.
The EBD system (Electronic Braking Force Distribution) completes
the system, allowing the brake force to be distributed between the
front and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT For maximum efficiency of the braking system, a bed-
ding-in period of about 500 km is needed: during this period it is
better to avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged braking.
The ABS gets the most out of the available grip,
but it cannot increase it; you must therefore always
take care when driving on skiddy roads. Do not
take any unnecessary risks.
When the ABS intervenes and you notice the brake
pedal pulsating, do not be afraid to keep the ped-
al pushed down. This will help you to stop in the
shortest distance possible, depending on the road condi-
tions.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
The brake pedal pulsates slightly and the system gets noisier: it
means that the speed should be altered to suit the type of road sur-
face.
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TECHNICAL
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CONTENTS
VDC SYSTEM
(Vehicle Dynamics Control)
This is an electronic system that controls vehicle stability in the
event of tyre grip loss, helping maintain directional control. The sys-
tem is capable of recognising potentially dangerous situations in
terms of the stability and intervenes automatically on the brakes
in a differentiated manner for the four wheels in order to provide
a stabilizing torque.
The VDC, in turn, includes the following systems:
❍Hill Holder
❍ASR
❍Brake Assist
❍MSR
❍CBC
❍“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❍DST
❍RAB
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is signalled by warning light áblinking on the instrument
panel to inform the driver that stability and grip conditions are
critical.
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The VDC system switches on automatically each time the engine
is started and cannot be switched off.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the VDC system and it is provided
to facilitate starting on slopes.
It is activated automatically in the following instances:
❍uphill: car standing on a road with a gradient of more than 5%,
engine on, brake pedals pressed and gearbox in neutral or gear
(other than reverse) engaged;
❍downhill: car at a standstill on a road with a gradient higher
than 5%, engine running, brake pedal pressed and reverse gear
engaged.
When setting off the VDC system control unit maintains the brak-
ing pressure at the wheels until the engine torque required for de-
parture is reached or for approximately 2 seconds, allowing your
right foot to be moved easily from the brake pedal to the acceler-
ator.
If the car does not start off after this time, the system will deacti-
vate automatically by gradually releasing the brake force. A noise
may be heard: this means that the car is about to start moving.
IMPORTANT the Hill Holder system should not be used as a hand-
brake. Do not leave the vehicle without having engaged the hand-
brake, switched off the engine and engaged a gear.
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TECHNICAL
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CONTENTS
ASR SYSTEM (AntiSlip Regulation)
It is an integral part of the VDC system. It intervenes automatical-
ly if one or both of the drive wheels is slipping, there is a loss in
grip on a wet surface (aquaplaning), acceleration on slippery, snow-
covered or icy surfaces, etc.
Depending on how slippery the road is, two different control sys-
tems are activated:
❍if the slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR intervenes
reducing the power transmitted by the engine;
❍if the slipping only involves one of the drive wheels, the ASR
intervenes automatically braking the wheel that is slipping.
In order for the ESP and ASR systems to operate
correctly, it is essential that the tyres are of the
same brand and type on all wheels, in perfect con-
dition and, above all, of the specified type, brand and size.
If the space saver wheel is used, the VDC system
keeps operating. Be aware however that the space
saver wheel, being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
The performance of the VDC and ASR systems
should not encourage the driver to take unneces-
sary risks. Your driving style should always take
road conditions, visibility and traffic into account. The dri-
ver is always ultimately responsible for road safety.
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CONTENTS
“ELECTRONIC Q2” SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The “Electronic Q2” system uses the braking system to create an
effect similar to a limited slip differential.
The front braking circuit, when accelerating around a corner, acts
on the inside wheel to increase the drive to the outside wheel (in-
creased load), dynamically and continuously distributing the torque
between the front drive wheels according to driving and road con-
ditions.
The system, combined with Mc Pherson front suspension, allows
particularly effective, sporty driving.
DST SYSTEM (Dynamic Steering Torque)
This function integrates Dual Pinion active steering into the opera-
tion of VDC. For particular manoeuvres, VDC controls the steering
to actuate a steering torque and assist the driver in the best pos-
sible way. The system operates the brakes and steering in a coor-
dinated manner to increase the suspension and safety level of the
car as a whole. The steering provides addition torque on the steer-
ing wheel.
RAB SYSTEM (Ready Alert Brake)
(“Dynamic” mode only)
By pre-approaching the brake pads (front and rear) after rapid ac-
celerator release, this function provides prompter braking and re-
duces stopping distance.
BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking assistance)
The system, which cannot be turned off, recognises emergency
braking (on the basis of the brake pedal operating speed) and
speeding up the response of the braking system. The Brake
Assist function is deactivated in the event of VDC system fault.
MSR SYSTEM
(Motor Schleppmoment Regelung)
This system is an integral part of the ABS, that intervenes, if there
is a sudden change to a lower gear, restoring torque to the engine,
thereby preventing excessive drive at the drive wheels which, es-
pecially in poor grip conditions, could lead to a loss in stability.
CBC SYSTEM (Cornering Braking Control)
This system improves the distribution of the braking pressure at the
four wheels (to fully exploit the grip available on the ground) when
braking round bends when the ABS intervenes. This improves stop-
ping distances and above all vehicle stability when cornering.
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
“Alfa DNA” SYSTEM
(Dynamic control system)
This device allows, using switch A-fig. 80 (on the central tunnel),
three response modes to be selected according to driving style
and road conditions:
❍d = Dynamic (for sporty driving)
❍n = Normal (normal driving mode)
❍a = All Weather (driving mode for poor grip conditions, i.e. rain
and snow on the road)
The device also acts on the dynamic vehicle control systems (en-
gine, steering, VDC system, instrument panel).
When the lever A-fig. 80 is moved to “d” position, the activation
of “Dynamic” mode is confirmed by a temporary variation in the
brightness (flashing) of the instrument panel.
fig. 80A0K0072m
DRIVING MODES
Switch A-fig. 80 is a monostable switch, i.e. it always remains in the
central position. The selected driving mode is indicated by the corre-
sponding LED coming on in the panel and by an indication on the re-
configurable multifunction display, as illustrated below:
A0K0009m
A0K0010m
Dynamic mode (display image available for
versions/markets where
provided)All Weather mode
“Normal” mode
When “Normal” mode is selected, no messages or symbols are
shown on the display.
VDCandASR: operating thresholds set for normal comfort lev-
el for normal driving conditions.
Steering tuning: functions aimed at providing comfort in nor-
mal conditions of use.
DST: Standard braking control coordinated with ABS/VDC.
Standard control over lateral acceleration.
Oversteer compensation: a slight pulse on the steering wheel
encourages the driver to carry out the most appropriate ma-
noeuvre.
Engine: Standard responsiveness