IMPORTANT There may be situations
on small gradients (less than 8%),
with car laden, in which the Hill Holder
system may not activate, causing a
slight reversing motion and increasing
the risk of collision with another vehicle
or object. The driver is, in any case,
responsible for safe driving.
HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
45) 46) 47)
The HBA system is designed to
improve the car's braking capacity
during emergency braking. The system
detects emergency braking by
monitoring the speed and force with
which the brake pedal is pressed, and
consequently applies the optimal brake
pressure. This can reduce the braking
distance: the HBA system therefore
completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the HBA
system is obtained by pressing the
brake pedal very quickly. In addition,
the brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to get the most
out of the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is not necessary
anymore.The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
MSR (Motor
Schleppmoment
Regelung) SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the
ABS, that intervenes, if there is a
sudden downshifting, restoring torque
to the engine, thereby preventing
excessive drive at the drive wheels
which, especially in poor grip
conditions, could lead to a loss in
stability of the car.
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.“ELECTRONIC Q2”
SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The "Electronic Q2" system intervenes
during acceleration on corners, braking
the inner drive wheel and thus
increasing the traction of the outer
wheel (which bears more of the car’s
weight): the torque is thus distributed
optimally between the drive wheels
in accordance with the driving
conditions and road surface, permitting
particularly effective, sporty driving.
"PRE-FILL" SYSTEM
(RAB - Ready Alert
Brake)
(only with 'Dynamic" mode activated)
This function activates automatically
if the accelerator pedal is released
rapidly, reducing the brake pad travel
(both at front and back), with the aim of
preparing the braking system and
enhancing its responsiveness, thus
reducing the stopping distance in the
event of subsequent braking.
64
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
47) The capability of the HBA system
must never be tested irresponsibly
and dangerously, in such a way
as to compromise the safety of
the driver, the other occupants of
the car or any other road user.“Alfa DNA” SYSTEM
(Car dynamic
control system)
This device allows, using lever A fig. 75
(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. 75 is moved to “d”
position, the activation of “Dynamic”
mode is confirmed by a temporary
variation in the brightness (flashing) of
the instrument panel.
DRIVING MODES
Lever 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. 76 (display
image available for versions/markets,
where provided)
❒All Weather Modefig. 77
75A0K0612
76A0K0591
66
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
“Natural” mode
When “Natural” mode is selected, no
messages or symbols are shown on the
display.
ESC and ASR systems:intervention
thresholds aimed at comfort and safety
in normal grip and driving conditions.
"ELECTRONIC Q2" system:the
system is calibrated to ensure the best
driving comfort.
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” MODE
Engagement
Move lever A fig. 75 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. 78).Upon release, lever A returns to the
central position.
ESC and ASR:intervention thresholds
that allow more enjoyable, sportier
driving whilst guaranteeing stability of
the vehicle.
"ELECTRONIC Q2" system:the
system is calibrated to increase traction
whilst accelerating on bends,
improving the vehicle agility
Steering wheel tuning:uses the
sports mode function.
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).
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.
77A0K0592
78A0K1510
67
IMPORTANT For versions/markets,
where provided, switching to "Dynamic"
mode is automatically disabled in the
first kilometres in order to guarantee
correct settling of the mechanical
components. If an attempt to activate
the system is made before this limit, the
display will show a dedicated message
to remind the driver that this request
cannot be fulfilled.
“Kick-Down” function
To resume speed quickly, when the
accelerator pedal is pressed fully, the
transmission control system downshifts
("Kick-down" function).
IMPORTANT When driving on roads
with poor grip conditions (snow, ice,
etc.) avoid activating the kick-down
function.
Integration with "Alfa
DNA" system
Operating the “Alfa DNA” system fig.
134, three different driving modes can
be selected:
❒“Dynamic”: gear changes at higher
engine speeds. It enhances sporty
driving;❒“Natural”: gear changes at low
engine speeds. It enhances comfort
and reduces consumption;
❒“All Weather”: driving programme on
roads with poor grip (e.g. snow, ice,
mud, etc.).
Gearshifting suggestion
With the transmission in automatic
mode (selector lever in position D),
when gearshifting is required by the
paddles on the steering wheel (for
versions/markets, where provided), the
system shifts to "Sequential mode",
with relevant displaying of the gear
engaged, for about 5 second.
When this time has elapsed, if the
paddles are not operated anymore, the
system goes back to the automatic
mode (D), with following displaying.
SEQUENTIAL DRIVING
MODE
In sequential driving mode, the
transmission works like a manual
gearbox.Gearshifting through
gear lever
Move the lever sideways (to the left)
from position D to the sequential
position:
❒lever towards "+": engage higher
gear;
❒lever towards "−": engage lower gear.
The lever correct position in "Sequential
mode" is signalled when the symbols
"+" and "−" switch on and the symbol D
switches off on the display (the gear
engaged only is shown on the display).
Gearshifting through
steering wheel paddles
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On some versions, the steering wheel
paddles can be used to change gear
fig. 135.
106)
134A0K0612
135A0K0266
155
WARNING
106) Using the levers incorrectly
(levers pushed towards the
dashboard, see fig. 137) could
break them.
107) Never leave children
unattended in the car. Always
remove the ignition key when
leaving the car and take the key
with you.
108) The Launch control function is
only available in Dynamic mode.
Regardless of what is explicitly
indicated in the description of
these modes, the ESC and ASR
systems are deactivated during
operation of the Launch Control
function. This means that vehicle
dynamic control is the sole
responsibility of the driver.
Therefore pay the utmost
attention when using the Launch
Control. Take into account traffic
and road surface conditions and
during manoeuvres make sure
there is enough room in the area
concerned.
SAVING FUEL
Here are some suggestions which can
help you to save fuel and lower harmful
emissions.
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Checks and adjustments should be
carried out in accordance with the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan” (see
chapter “Maintenance and care”).
Tyres
Check the tyre pressures at least once
every four weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as
resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary 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 lower aerodynamic
penetration and adversely affect
consumption levels. When transporting
particularly large objects, use a trailer
if possible.
Electrical devices
Use the electrical devices only for the
necessary amount of time. The heated
rear window, additional headlights,
screen 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 temperature outside permits.
Devices for
aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for
aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and fuel consumption.
158
STARTING AND DRIVING