ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEMThis is an electronic system controlling car stability in the event of tyre
grip loss, helping to maintain directional control.
The system 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
stabilising torque.
The ESC system also includes the following systems:
❒Hill Holder
❒ASR
❒Brake Assist
❒MSR
❒CBC
❒“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❒DST
❒RABSYSTEM ACTIVATIONThe ESC system switches on automatically when the engine is started
and cannot be switched off.SYSTEM INTERVENTIONIt is signalled by the flashing of theESCwarning light on the
instrument panel, to inform the driver that the car is in critical stability
and grip conditions.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEMThis system is an integral part of the ESC system and facilitates starting
on slopes.
It is automatically activated in the following conditions:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient higher than 5%,
engine running, brake pedal pressed and gearbox in neutral or
gear (other than reverse) engaged;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient higher than
5%, engine running, brake pedal pressed and reverse gear
engaged.
When setting off the ESC system control unit maintains the braking
pressure at the wheels until the engine torque required for departure is
reached or for approximately 2 seconds, allowing your right foot to
be moved easily from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
If the vehicle has not departed after this time, the system will deactivate
automatically by gradually releasing the brake force. A sound may
be heard during this stage: this indicates that the vehicle is about
to move off.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a handbrake. Do not leave
the vehicle without having engaged the handbrake, switched off the
engine and engaged a gear.
97GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CARSAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DST SYSTEM
(Dynamic Steering Torque)This function integrates Dual Pinion active steering into the operation of
ESC. For particular manoeuvres, the ESC system controls the steering
to actuate a steering torque and assist the driver in the best possible
way.
The system operates the brakes and steering in a coordinated manner
to increase the suspension and safety level of the car as a whole.
The steering provides additional torque on the steering wheel.RAB SYSTEM (Ready Alert Brakes)
(only with “Dynamic” mode
engaged)It is a function that achieves a pre-positioning of the brake pads (front
and rear) following a rapid release of the accelerator pedal to reduce
braking times, shortening stopping distances.
“Alfa DNA” SYSTEM
(Car dynamic control system)This device allows, using lever A fig. 82 (on the central tunnel), three
car response modes to be selected according to driving style and road
conditions:
❒d = Dynamic (sports driving mode);
❒n = Natural (mode for driving in normal conditions);
❒a = All Weather (mode for driving in poor grip conditions, such as
rain and snow).
The device also acts on the dynamic car control systems (engine,
steering, VDC system, instrument panel).
When lever A fig. 82 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. 82
A0K0072
99GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CARSAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DRIVING MODESLever A is monostable type. In other words, it always remains in a
central position.
The selected driving mode is indicated by the corresponding LED
coming on in the panel and by an indication on the reconfigurable
multifunction display, as illustrated below:
❒Dynamic modefig. 83 (display image available for versions/
markets, where provided)
❒All Weather Modefig. 84
“Natural” mode
When “Natural” mode is selected, no messages or symbols are shown
on the display.
ESC e ASR:intervention thresholds aimed at comfort in normal
conditions of use for normal driving conditions.
Steering wheel tuning:functions aimed at comfort in normal
conditions of use.DST:braking standard control coordinated with ABS/ESC. Standard
control over lateral acceleration. Oversteer compensation: a slight
pulse on the steering wheel encourages the driver to carry out the most
appropriate manoeuvre.
Engine:standard response.
ENGAGEMENT/DISENGAGEMENT OF
“Dynamic” MODEEngagement
Move the lever A fig. 82 upwards (next to the letter “d”) and hold in
this position for 0.5 seconds until the corresponding LED lights up
or the word “Dynamic” appears on the display (see fig. 85).
Upon release, lever A returns to the central position.
ESC and ASR:intervention thresholds that allow more enjoyable,
sportier driving whilst guaranteeing stability in the event of loss of
control of the car. Improves traction whilst accelerating on bends.
Steering wheel tuning:uses the sports mode function.
fig. 83
A0K0009
fig. 84
A0K0010
100GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DST:braking standard control coordinated with ABS/ESC. Standard
control over lateral acceleration. Oversteering compensation
depending on the ESC/ASR intervention thresholds: a slight movement
on the steering wheel encourages the driver to carry out the most
appropriate manoeuvre.
Engine:prompter response + Overboost to maximise torque (for
versions/markets, where provided).
Electronic Q2:improves traction and reduces understeer in
acceleration while exiting curves.
RAB:by pre-positioning of the brake pads (front and rear) following a
rapid release of the accelerator pedal to reduce braking times, shorten
stopping distances and improve the brake pedal feeling.
The activation of the Dynamic mode is also shown by the change in the
instrument panel lighting that, after decreasing, reaches the highest
luminosity and then returns to the previously set values.Disengagement
To deactivate “Dynamic” mode and return to “Natural”, repeat the
same movement of the lever within the same times. In this case, the LED
corresponding to “Natural” mode will light up and the words “Natural
on” will appear on the reconfigurable multifunction display (see fig.
86).
ENGAGEMENT/DISENGAGEMENT OF
“All Weather” MODEEngagement
Move lever A fig. 82 downwards (to the letter “a”) and hold in this
position for 0.5 seconds until the corresponding LED lights up or the
word “All Weather” appears on the display (see fig. 87).
ESC and ASR: intervention thresholds for top safety and car control
even in the event of critical road conditions (e.g. in case of rain, snow,
etc.).
Steering wheel tuning:maximum comfort.
fig. 85
A0K1510
fig. 86
A0K1059
101GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CARSAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
INDICATIONS ON DISPLAY(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the sensor is activated, the "Reconfigurable multifunction
display" (for versions/markets, where provided) shows the screen
illustrated in fig. 97.
Obstacle presence and distance information is therefore provided both
by the buzzer and the instrument panel display.
If there are several obstacles the closest one is indicated.
ACOUSTIC SIGNALWhen reverse gear is engaged an acoustic signal is automatically
activated if there is an obstacle within the range of operation.
The acoustic signal:
❒increases as the distance between the car and the obstacle
decreases;
❒becomes continuous when the distance between the car and the
obstacle is less than 30 cm and stops immediately if the distance
increases;
❒remains constant if the distance remains unchanged; if this situation
concerns the side sensors, the buzzer will stop after about 3 seconds
to avoid, for example, warning indications in the event of
manoeuvres along walls.
IMPORTANT The volume of the acoustic signal can be adjusted through
the option "Warning volume" of the "Set-Up menu".
fig. 97
A0K0059
110GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Make sure that the backrest is correctly secured on
both sides (red bands B fig. 102 not visible) to prevent
it from moving forward in the event of sharp braking,
causing injuries to passengers.
SBR SYSTEM
(Seat Belt Reminder)This system comprises an acoustic signal which, in conjunction with the
warning light flashing on the instrument panel display, warns the
driver and front passenger if their seat belts have not been fastened.
On some versions there is also a panel (provided as an alternative
to the warning lights on the instrument panel) located above the
interior rear view mirror fig. 103, which warns the front and back seat
passengers through acoustic and visual signals if their seat belts have
not been fastened.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Workshops to deactivate the SBR
system permanently.
The SBR system can be reactivated at any time through the Setup Menu
only (see "Menu Items" in “Knowing your car” section).
The warning lights may be red or green and operate as follows:
❒1 = front left seat (driver status for left-hand drive versions);
❒2 = rear left seat (passenger);
❒3 = rear centre seat (passenger);
❒4 = rear right seat (passenger);
❒5 = front right seat (passenger status for left-hand drive versions).
fig. 102
A0K0110
116GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELYFor optimal protection in the event of a collision, 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
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. Therefore,
correct restraint systems other than adult seat belts are necessary to
reduce as much as possible the risk of injuries in case of accident,
braking or sudden manoeuvre.
Children must be suitably restrained inside the vehicle according to
their weight. Several children restraint system types are available;
always choose the one most suitable for the child.
Over 1.50 m in height, from the point of view of restraint systems,
children are considered as adults and wear the seat belts normally.
The results of research on the best child restraint systems are contained
in the European Standard ECE-R44, which enforces the use of restraint
systems classified into five weight groups:Group Weight groups
Group0 upto10kg
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.
Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo includes child seats for each weight group.
These devices are recommended having been specifically tested for
Alfa Romeo cars.
When an active passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT
install child seats to be fitted facing backwards on the
front seat. Deployment of the airbag in an accident
could cause fatal injuries to the baby regardless of the severity of
the collision. It is advisable to always carry children in a child
seat on the rear seat, which is the most protected position in the
event of a collision.Should it be absolutely necessary to carry a child on the
passenger side front seat in a child seat facing backwards,
the passenger side airbags (pelvis/chest protection front
and side bags) must be deactivated through the Setup
menu. Deactivation should be verified by checking if the
warning light is on the instrument panel. Slide the passenger seat
back as far as possible to avoid contact between the child seat and
the dashboard.
121GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CARSAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Main safety rules to be followed
when carrying children❒Install the child seats on the rear seat, which is the most protected
position in the event of an accident;
❒if the front passenger airbag is deactivated always check the
warning light on the instrument panel to make sure that it has
actually been deactivated.
❒Follow the instructions supplied with the child seat itself, which the
manufacturer must provide. Keep the instructions in the car along
with the other documents and this handbook. Do not use child seats
without instructions;
❒always check that the seat belt is well fastened by pulling on it;
❒only one child is to be strapped into each retaining system; never
carry two children using one child seat;
❒always check that the belts do not rest on the child’s neck;❒while travelling, do not let the child sit incorrectly or release the
belts;
❒never carry children on your lap, even newborns. No-one could
restrain them in the event of an accident;
❒in the event of an accident, replace the child seat with a new one.
125GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CARSAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX