
The ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
28) 29) 30) 31) 32)
The ESC system comprises the active
safety systems such as: ABS, EBD, ASR,
HILL HOLDER, etc.
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is started
and cannot be switched off.
System intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light
on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the car is in
critical stability and grip conditions.
CBC (Cornering Brake Control)SYSTEM
This system acts when braking on
corners, optimising the distribution of
brake pressure on the four wheels: the
system prevents the wheels on the inside
of the corner (less affected by the weight
of the car) from locking, ensuring better
stability and direction for the car.
HILL HOLDERSYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC system
and facilitates starting on uphill or
downhill slopes by operating the brakes:
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never
leave the car without having engaged the
handbrake, turned the engine off and
engaged first gear, so that it is parked in
safe conditions (for further information
read the "Parking" paragraph in the
"Starting and driving" chapter).
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.
“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.
WARNING
28)The ESC system cannot alter the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase grip,
which depends on the condition of the road.
29)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
30)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to compromise
personal safety and the safety of others.
31)For the correct operation of the ASR
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
32)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with the ESC and ASR
systems. Your driving style must always be
suited to the road conditions, visibility and
traffic. The driver is always responsible for
road safety.
61

33)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce the
pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake in the
shortest distance possible, depending on the
current road conditions.
34)To obtain the maximum efficiency of the
braking system, a bedding-in period of about
500 km is needed: during this period it is
better to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
35)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates that
the grip of the tyres on the road is nearing its
limit: you must slow down to a speed
compatible with the available grip.
36)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the grip
available according to the condition of the
road.
37)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
38)The capability of the ABS must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
39)For the correct operation of the ABS, the
tyres must of necessity be the same make
and type on all wheels, in perfect condition
and, above all, of the prescribed type and
dimensions.
40)The ASR cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the grip
available according to the condition of the
road.
41)The ASR system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.42)The capability of the ASR must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
43)The HBA system can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t increase
the grip available according to the condition
of the road.
44)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
45)The features of the HBA system must
never be tested in imprudent or dangerous
ways, with the possibility of putting the
safety of the driver, occupants or other road
users at risk.
46)DST is an aid for driving and does not
relieve the driver of responsibility for driving
the vehicle.iTPMS System (indirect Tyre
Pressure Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The car can be equipped with the iTPMS
(indirect Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System) which monitors the tyre inflation
status thanks to wheel speed sensors.
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by the dedicated
warning light
continuously on and a
warning message on the display.
If one tyre only is flat, the system can
indicate its position: it is in any case
recommended to check the pressure on
all four tyres.
This indication is displayed also when
turning the engine off and on again until
the RESET procedure is carried out.
RESET PROCEDURE
The iTPMS needs an initial "self-learning"
phase (with length depending on the
driving style and road conditions: optimal
conditions being driving on a straight
road at 80 km/h for at least 20 minutes)
which starts when the RESET procedure
is carried out.
The Reset procedure must be carried out:
each time tyre pressure is modified;
when even only one tyre is changed;
when tyres are rotated/inverted;
62
SAFETY

STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
If necessary, messages indicating the
starting procedure can be shown on the
display.
ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURE
92) 93) 94)
21) 22) 23)
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral;
turn the ignition key to the MAR-ON
position. ONLY FOR DIESEL VERSIONS:
The instrument panel
warning light
comes on and the
icon appears on
the display.
wait for the warning lights to switch
off;
fully depress the clutch pedal, without
touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.
If, with the ignition key turned to MAR,
the icon
on the display stays on
together with the warning light
, turn
the key to STOP and then back to MAR. If
the icon continues to stay on, try with the
other keys provided with the car. Contact
an Alfa Romeo Dealership if the engine
still does not start.
Never leave the ignition key in
MAR-ON position when the engine is
stopped.
ENGINE MINIMUM OIL LEVEL
INDICATION
(where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR
the display shows a warning message, for
a few seconds, if the engine oil is at the
minimum level.
IMPORTANT To perform the engine oil
reading correctly, after turning the
ignition key to MAR wait for about
2 seconds before starting the engine.
WARNING
92)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in oxygen
and releases carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and other toxic gases.
93)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to apply
much more force than usual to the brake
pedal.94)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
IMPORTANT
21)We recommend that during the initial
period, or during the first 1600 km
(1000 miles), you do not drive to full car
performance (e.g. excessive acceleration,
long journeys at top speed, sharp braking,
etc.).
22)When the engine is switched off never
leave the ignition device in the MAR position
to prevent useless current absorption from
draining the battery.
23)A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose; it wastes fuel and is
damaging for the engine.
24)Warning light
will flash after starting
or during prolonged cranking to indicate a
fault with the glow plug heating system. If
the engine starts, the vehicle can be regularly
used, but an Alfa Romeo Dealership must be
contacted as soon as possible.
82
STARTING AND DRIVING

CRUISE CONTROL
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is an electronically controlled driving
assistance device that allows the desired
vehicle speed to be maintained, without
having to press the accelerator pedal.
This device can be used at a speed above
30 km/h on long stretches of dry, straight
roads with few variations (e.g.
motorways). It is therefore not
recommended to use this device on
extra-urban roads with traffic. Do not use
it in town.
ACTIVATING THE DEVICE
Turn ring 1 fig. 67 to ON.
The device cannot be engaged in 1
stor
reverse gear: it is advisable to engage it
in 5
thgear or higher.When travelling downhill with the device
engaged, the car may slightly exceed the
stored speed.
Activation is indicated by the warning
light
.
SETTING THE DESIRED SPEED
Proceed as follows:
turn ring 1 fig. 67 to ON and press the
accelerator to reach the required speed;
move the stalk upwards (+) for at least
1 second, then release it: the car speed is
now stored and you can therefore release
the accelerator.
If needed (when overtaking for instance),
you can accelerate simply by pressing the
accelerator; when you release the pedal,
the vehicle goes back to the speed stored
previously.
RESTORING THE MEMORISED SPEED
If the device has been disengaged by
pressing the brake or clutch pedal, the
stored speed can be reset as follows:
accelerate gradually until a speed
approaching the one stored is reached;
engage the gear selected at the time
of speed storing;
press the RES button (2 fig. 67).
INCREASING THE MEMORISED SPEED
Once the electronic Cruise Control has
been activated, the speed can be
increased by pressing button SET +.
REDUCING THE MEMORISED SPEED
Once the electronic Cruise Control has
been activated, the speed can be reduced
by pressing the button SET -.
DEACTIVATING THE DEVICE
The device can be switched off in the
following ways:
by turning the ring 1 fig. 67 to the OFF
position;
by switching off the engine;
by pressing the brake pedal, the clutch
or the accelerator; in this last case the
system is not effectively deactivated but
the system gives priority to the
acceleration request. The device still
remains active, without the need to press
the RES button to return to the previous
conditions once acceleration is
concluded.
Automatic deactivation
The device is automatically switched off
in the following cases:
if the ABS or ESC systems intervene;
with the vehicle speed below the set
limit;
in the event of system failure.
101)67A0K0559C
89

When reverse gear is engaged an
acoustic signal is automatically activated
if there is an obstacle within the range of
operation.
The acoustic signal:
increasesas distance between the car
and the obstacle decreases;
becomes continuouswhen the
distance between the car and the
obstacle is less that 30 cm and stops
immediately if the distance increases;
is constantif the distance is unvaried;
if this situation occurs for the side
sensors, the signal will stop after about
3 seconds to avoid, for example,
indications in the event of manoeuvres
alongside walls.
OPERATION WITH A TRAILER
Parking sensor operation is automatically
turned off when the trailer electric cable
plug is fitted into the car tow hook
socket.
31)
The sensors are automatically
reactivated when the trailer's cable plug
is removed.
103) 104)
IMPORTANT NOTES
During parking manoeuvres, pay the
utmost attention to any obstacles that
could be located above or below the
sensors.
Objects set close to the car rear, under
certain circumstances are not detected and
could therefore cause damage to the car or
be damaged.
The following conditions may influence the
performance of the parking assistance
system:
reduced sensor sensitivity and a
reduction in the parking assistance
system performance could be due to the
presence on the surface of the sensor of:
ice, snow, mud, thick paint
The sensors may detect a non-existent
obstacle (echo interference) due to
mechanical interference, for example when
washing the car, in rain (strong wind), hail.
The signals sent by the sensors can also
be altered by the presence of ultrasonic
systems (e.g. pneumatic brake systems or
pneumatic drills) near the vehicle.
sensor performance can also be
influenced by the position of the sensors.
For example by a change in the ride setting
(caused by the wear of the shock
absorbers, suspension), overloading the car
and carrying out specific tuning operations
that require the car to be lowered;
The detection of obstacles at the top
part of the car may not be guaranteed
because the system detects obstacles that
could cause an impact with the car in the
bottom part.
IMPORTANT
31)The sensor must be free of mud, dirt,
snow or ice in order for the system to work.
Be careful not to scratch or damage the
sensors while cleaning them. Avoid using dry,
rough or hard cloths. The sensors must be
washed using clean water, with the addition
of vehicle shampoo if necessary. When using
special washing equipment such as high
pressure jets or steam cleaning, clean the
sensors very quickly keeping the jet more
than 10 cm away.
WARNING
103)Only have the bumpers repainted or
any retouches to the paintwork in the area of
the sensors carried out by an Alfa Romeo
Dealership. Incorrect paint application could
affect the operation of the parking sensors.
104)Parking and other dangerous
manoeuvres are, however, always the
driver’s responsibility. While carrying out
these manoeuvres, always make sure that
no people (especially children) or animals are
in the area concerned. The parking sensors
are an aid for the driver, but the driver must
never allow their attention to lapse during
potentially dangerous manoeuvres, even
those executed at low speeds.
91

TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The car must be provided with a
type-approved tow hook and adequate
electric system to tow caravans or
trailers. Installation must be carried out
by a specialist.
Install any specific and/or additional door
mirrors as specified by the Highway
Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the
braking spaces 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
accessories and luggage, to make sure
you do not exceed the maximum towable
weight (shown in the registration
document).
Do not exceed the speed limits specific
to each country you are driving in, in the
case of vehicles towing trailers. In any
case do not exceed 100 km/h.
INSTALLING A TOW HOOK
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to
install a tow hook.
105) 106)
WARNING
105)The ABS with which the car is equipped
will not control the braking system of the
trailer. Particular caution is therefore
required on slippery roads.
106)Do not, under any circumstances,
modify the vehicle's braking system to
control the trailer breaking system. The
towing braking system must be completely
independent of the vehicle's hydraulic
system.
REFUELLING THE CAR
Stop the engine before refuelling.
PETROL ENGINES
Only use unleaded petrol 95 R.O.N.
compliant with the European
specification EN228. The petrol octane
rating (RON) must not be lower than 95.
In order to prevent damage to the
catalytic converter never introduce even
the smallest amount of leaded petrol,
even in the event of an emergency.
DIESEL ENGINES
Only use diesel fuel compliant with
European specification EN590. The use
of other products or mixtures may
damage the engine beyond repair and
consequently invalidate the warranty,
due to the damage caused.
Operation at low temperatures
If the outside temperature is very low,
diesel thickens due to the formation of
paraffin clots with consequent defective
operation of the fuel supply system.
In order to avoid these problems,
different types of Diesel are distributed
according to the season: summer type,
winter type and arctic type (cold,
mountain areas).
If refuelling with diesel whose
specifications are not suitable for the
usage temperature, it is advisable to mix
92
STARTING AND DRIVING

Pulling the cord releases the flap lock: the
flap can then can be opened by pressing
it.
Closing
Release cap 1 from device 3 and insert it
in its housing. Then tighten the cap
clockwise until one or more clicks are
heard. Finally, close flap A checking that
it is correctly locked.
The sealing may cause a slight pressure
increase in the tank. A little breathing off,
while slackening the cap is absolutely
normal.
Fuel - Vehicle compatibility
identification Graphic symbol for
informing consumers in accordance
with EN16942
The symbols shown below facilitated
recognising the correct fuel type to be
used on your car.
Before proceeding with refuelling, check
the symbols inside the fuel filler flap
(where provided) and compare them with
the symbols shown on the fuel pump
(where provided).Symbols for petrol powered cars
E5: Unleaded petrol containing up to
2.7% (m/m) oxygen and with maximum
5.0% (V/V) ethanol compliant with
EN228
E10: Unleaded petrol containing up to
3.7% (m/m) oxygen and with maximum
10.0% (V/V) ethanol compliant with
EN228
Symbols for diesel powered cars
B7: Diesel containing up to 7% (V/V) of
FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters)
compliant with theEN590specification
B10: Diesel containing up to 10% (V/V)
of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters)
compliant with theEN16734
specificationSymbols for petrol/LPG bi-fuel cars
E5: Unleaded petrol containing up to
2.7% (m/m) oxygen and with maximum
5.0% (V/V) ethanol compliant with
EN228
E10: Unleaded petrol containing up to
3.7% (m/m) oxygen and with maximum
10.0% (V/V) ethanol compliant with
EN228
LPG: Automotive LPG compliant with
EN589WARNING
107)Do not bring naked flames or lit
cigarettes near to the fuel tank opening: fire
risk. Keep your face away from the fuel filler
to prevent breathing in harmful vapours.
94
STARTING AND DRIVING

REPLACING AN EXTERIOR BULB
FRONT LIGHT CLUSTERS
These contain the bulbs for the side
lights/daytime running lights (DRL),
dipped beams, main beams and direction
indicators. The bulbs are arranged as
follows fig. 72:
1: Dipped headlights
2: Side lights/daytime running lights and
main beam headlights
3: Direction indicators
SIDE LIGHTS/DAYTIME RUNNING
LIGHTS (DRL)
These are LEDs. For the replacement,
contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
To replace the bulb, proceed as follows:
remove the cover 2 fig. 72;
remove the connector 3 fig. 73 and
then open the tabs 1 pulling outwards;
extract the bulb 2 and replace it;
fit the new lamp, making sure that it is
locked correctly, re-engage the tabs
1 and reconnect the connector 3;
finally, refit the cover 2 fig. 72.
DIPPED HEADLIGHTS
To replace the bulb, proceed as follows:
remove the cover 1 fig. 72;
remove the connector 2 fig. 74, press
the tab 1 forward and then release by
pushing it towards the inside of the car;
extract the bulb 3 and replace it;
fit the new lamp, making sure that it is
locked correctly, secure the tab 1 again
and reconnect the connector 2;
finally, refit the cover 1 fig. 72.
DIRECTION INDICATORS
Front
To replace the bulb, proceed as follows:
turn the cover 3 fig. 72 anticlockwise
by ¼ of a turn;
72A0K0631C
73A0K0632C
74A0K0633C
75A0K0634C
100
IN AN EMERGENCY