
ACTIVE SAFETYSYSTEMS
The vehicle may be equipped with the
following active safety devices:
ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes);
DTC (Drive Train Control);
ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
TC (Traction Control);
PBA (Panic Brake Assist);
HSA (Hill Start Assist);
AST (Alfa™ Steering Torque);
ATV (Alfa™ Active Torque Vectoring).
For the operation of the systems, see the
following pages.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
This system, which is an integral part of
the braking system, prevents one or more
wheels from locking and slipping in all
road surface conditions, irrespective of
the intensity of the braking action,
ensuring that the vehicle can be
controlled even during emergency
braking and optimising stopping
distances.
The system intervenes during braking
when the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may be
more frequent.
The system also improves control and
stability of the vehicle when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, or on corners.The Electronic Braking Force Distribution
(EBD) system completes the system
allowing the brake force to be distributed
between the front and rear wheels.
System intervention
The ABS equipped on this vehicle is
provided with the "Brake by wire"
(Integrated Brake System - IBS) function.
With this system, the brake pedal
command given by pressing the brake
pedal is not transmitted hydraulically but
electronically, therefore, the light
pulsation that could be felt on the pedal
with the traditional system is no longer
perceptible.33) 34) 35) 36) 37) 38)
DTC (Drive Train Control)SYSTEM(where provided)
Some versions of this vehicle are
equipped with an automatically
activated/deactivated four-wheel drive
system (AWD), which offers an optimal
drive for countless driving conditions and
road surfaces. The system reduces the
slipping of the tyres to a minimum,
automatically redistributing the torque
to the front and rear wheels, as needed.
To maximize fuel savings, the car with
AWD automatically passes to rear-wheel
drive (RWD) when the road and
environmental conditions are such that
they would not cause the tyres to slip.When the road and environmental
conditions require better traction, the
vehicle automatically goes to AWD mode.
39)
IMPORTANT If the system failure symbol
switches on, after starting the engine or
while driving, it means that the AWD
system is not working properly. If the
warning message activates frequently, it
is recommended to carry out the
maintenance operations.
40)
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
SYSTEM
The ESC system improves the directional
control and stability of the car in various
driving conditions.
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.
The ESC system uses sensors installed
on the car to determine the trajectory
that the driver intends to follow and
compares it with the car’s effective
trajectory. When the real trajectory
deviates from the desired trajectory, the
ESC system intervenes to counter the
vehicle’s understeer or oversteer.
Oversteer: occurs when the car is
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turning more than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
Understeer: occurs when the vehicle is
turning less than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel, to
inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
41) 42) 43) 44) 45)
TC (Traction Control)SYSTEM
The system automatically operates in the
event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (aquaplaning) and acceleration on
slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc. on one
or both drive wheels. Depending on the
slipping conditions, two different control
systems are activated:
if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the system intervenes, reducing
the power transmitted by the engine;
if the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, the BLD (Brake Limited
Differential) function is activated,
automatically braking the wheel which is
slipping (the behaviour of a self-locking
differential is simulated). This will
increase the engine torque transferred to
the wheel which isn't slipping.System intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel, to
inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
46) 47) 48) 49) 50)
PBA (Panic Brake Assist)SYSTEM
The PBA system is designed to improve
the vehicle’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 PBA system therefore
complements the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the PBA
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 no longer
necessary.
The PBA system is deactivated when the
brake pedal is released.
51) 52) 53)
HSA (Hill Start Assist)SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC system
and facilitates starting on slopes,
activating automatically in the following
cases:
uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and transmission
in neutral or gear other than reverse
engaged;
downhill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and reverse gear
engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system control
unit maintains the braking pressure on
the wheels until the engine torque
necessary for starting is reached, or in
any case for a maximum of 2 seconds,
allowing your right foot to be moved
easily from the brake pedal to the
accelerator.
When two seconds have elapsed, without
starting, the system is automatically
deactivated, gradually releasing the
braking pressure. During this release
stage it is possible to hear a typical
mechanical brake release noise,
indicating the imminent movement of the
car.
54) 55)
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AST (Alfa™ Steering Torque)SYSTEM
56)
The AST function uses the integration of
the ESC system with the electric power
steering to increase the safety level of
the whole vehicle.
In critical situations (braking on surfaces
with different grip conditions), through
the AST function the ESC system
controls the steering to implement an
additional torque contribution on the
steering wheel, to suggest the most
correct manoeuvre to the driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes and
steering increases the sensation of
safety and control of the vehicle.
ATV (Alfa™ Active Torque Vectoring)
SYSTEM
The dynamic drive control is used to
optimize and balance the drive torque
between the wheels of the same axis. The
ATV system improves the grip in turns,
sending more drive torque to the external
wheel.
Given that, in a turn, the external wheels
of the car travel more than the internal
ones and therefore turn faster, sending a
higher thrust to the external rear wheel
allows for the car to be more stable and
to not suffer a phenomenon called
"understeer". Understeer occurs when,
during a turn, a car tends to widen the settrajectory, in this situation the lateral
acceleration the car is subjected to
becomes higher that the grip of the tyres,
which are unable to maintain the car in
the trajectory set by the driver through
the steering angle determined by turning
the steering wheel.
WARNING
33)For maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about 500 km
(310 miles) is required: during this period it
is advisable to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
34)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.
35)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase the grip
available according to the condition of the
road.
36)The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
37)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.
38)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.
39)There may be a brief delay in shifting to
AWD mode after a tyre slipping event.40)When a DTC system failure symbol
appears, the driver must be aware of the
different driving reaction and therefore
reduce the speed. The symbol
warns the
driver not to drive in areas that require
four-wheel drive or on snow-covered roads.
41)The ESC system cannot alter the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase grip,
which depends on the condition of the road.
42)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
43)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.
44)For the correct operation of the ESC
system, the tyres must necessarily be of the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and size.
45)ESC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
46)For the correct operation of the TC
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.
47)TC performance features must not
induce the driver to take unnecessary or
unwarranted risks. Your driving style must
always be suited to the road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any
case, responsible for safe driving.
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operation when all the pressure sensors
have been detected again.
IMPORTANT If wheels without pressure
sensors (e.g. wheels with winter tyres)
have been installed on the vehicle and the
standard wheels (with sensors) are
stored close the vehicle, the system
could detect the pressures of the latter
and consequently display the fault cycle
again once its has left the sensitive area.
WARNING
57)The system is an aid for vehicle driving,
it DOES NOT warn the driver about incoming
vehicles outside of the detection areas. The
driver must always maintain a sufficient
level of attention to the traffic and road
conditions and for controlling the trajectory
of the vehicle.
58)The Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
system is automatically deactivated when
RACE mode is selected.
59)The system is an aid for the driver, who
must always pay full attention while driving.
The responsibility always rests with the
driver, who must take into account the
traffic conditions in order to drive in
complete safety. The driver must always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front.
60)If the driver depresses the brake pedal
fully or carries out a fast steering during
system operation, the automatic braking
function may stop (e.g. to allow a possible
manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle).61)The system intervenes on vehicles
travelling in the same lane. People, animals
and things (e.g. pushchairs) are not taken
into consideration.
62)If the car must be placed on a roller
bench for maintenance interventions or if it
is washed in an automatic roller washing
tunnel with an obstacle in the front part (e.g.
another car, a wall or another obstacle), the
system may detect its presence and
activate. In this case the system must be
deactivated through the settings of the
Connect system.
63)The presence of the TPMS does not
permit the driver to neglect regular checks
of the tyre pressure, including for the spare
tyre, and correct maintenance: the system is
not used to signalling a possible tyre fault.
64)Tyre pressure must be checked with
tyres rested and cold. Should it become
necessary for whatever reason to check
pressure with warm tyres, do not reduce
pressure even though it is higher than the
prescribed value. Repeat the check when the
tyres are cold.
65)Should one or more wheels be fitted
without sensors, the system will no longer be
available and a warning message will be
shown on the display, until wheels with
sensors are fitted again.
66)The TPMS cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (e.g. if a tyre bursts). In this
case, stop the vehicle, braking with caution
and avoiding abrupt steering.
67)Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressures to vary. The system
may temporarily indicate insufficient
pressure. In this case, check the tyre
pressure when cold and, if necessary,
restore the inflation values.68)Replacing standard tyres with winter
tyres and vice versa requires TPMS system
adjustment that must only be performed by
Alfa Romeo Dealerships.
69)When a tyre is removed, it is advisable
to replace the rubber valve seal as well:
contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership. The
fitting/removal of the tyres and/or rims
require special care. To avoid damaging or
fitting the sensors incorrectly, tyre and/or
rim fitting/removal operations should only
be carried out by specialised staff. Contact
an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IMPORTANT
22)The system may have limited or absent
operation due to weather conditions such as:
heavy rain, hail, thick fog, heavy snow.
23)The section of the bumper before the
sensor must not be covered with adhesives,
auxiliary headlights or any other object.
24)System intervention might be
unexpected or delayed when other vehicles
transport loads projecting from the side,
above or from the rear, with respect to the
normal size of the vehicle.
25)Operation can be adversely affected by
any structural change made to the vehicle,
such as a modification to the front geometry,
tyre change, or a heavier load than the
standard load of the vehicle.
26)Incorrect repairs made on the front part
of the vehicle (e.g. bumper, chassis) may alter
the position of the radar sensor, and
adversely affect its operation. Go to an Alfa
Romeo Dealership for any operation of this
type.
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start and stop independently for each
warning light if several seat belts are
unfastened.
The icon will turn green after the
corresponding seat belt has been
fastened.
The rear seat icons will go out, regardless
of the state of the belt (red icon or green
icon), approximately 30 seconds after
the last signal.
IMPORTANT NOTES
As far as the rear seats are concerned,
the SBR system will only indicate
whether the seat belts are unfastened
(red icon) or fastened (green icon), not
the presence of any passengers.
The warning lights/icons all stay off if all
seat belts (front and rear) are fastened
when the ignition device is set to ON.
For the rear seats, the icons will activate
a few seconds after the ignition device
has been turned to ON, regardless of the
status of the seat belts (even if the seat
belts are all fastened).
All the warning lights/icons will come on
when at least one belt changes from
fastened to unfastened status or vice
versa.PRETENSIONERS
The vehicle is equipped with front and
rear lateral seat belt pretensioners,
which draw back the seat belts by several
centimetres in the event of a strong
frontal impact. This guarantees the
perfect adherence of the seat belts to
the occupant's bodies before the
retention action begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
been activated when the belt withdraws
toward the retractor.
This car is also equipped with a second
pretensioner on the front seat belts
(fitted in the kick plate area). Its
activation is signalled by the shortening
of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication: any changes
to its original conditions will invalidate its
efficiency.
If, due to unusual natural events (floods,
sea storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and/or mud, contact an
Alfa Romeo Dealership to have it
replaced.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action ofthe pretensioner, wear the seat belt tight
to the torso and pelvis.
LOAD LIMITERS
72)
32)
To increase safety in the event of an
accident, the front and rear lateral seat
belt retractors contain a load limiter
which controls the force acting on the
chest and shoulders during the belt
restraining action in the event of a
head-on collision.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING
THE SEAT BELTS
73) 74) 75)
Respect and ensure that all the other
occupants of the vehicle comply with the
local laws in force regarding the use of
seat belts. Always fasten the seat belts
before setting off.
Seat belts must also be worn by pregnant
women: the risk of injury in the event of
an accident is reduced for them and the
unborn child if they are wearing a seat
belt.
Pregnant women must position the lower
part of the belt very low down so that it
passes over the pelvis and under the
abdomen fig. 73. While pregnancy
progresses, the driver must adjust both
seat and steering wheel to have full
control over the vehicle (pedals and
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SAFETY

steering wheel must be easy to access).
The maximum clearance should be kept
between the abdomen and the steering
wheel.
The seat belt must not be twisted. The
upper part must pass over the shoulder
and cross the chest diagonally. The lower
part must adhere to the pelvis fig. 74, not
to the abdomen of the occupant. Never
use devices (clips, clamps, etc.) that hold
the seat belt away from your body.Each seat belt must be used by only one
person. Never travel with a child sitting
on the passenger's lap and a single belt to
protect them both fig. 75. In general, do
not place any objects between the person
and the belt.SEAT BELTS MAINTENANCE
For keeping the seat belts in efficient
conditions, carefully observe the
following warnings:
always use the seat belt well
stretched and never twisted; make sure
that it is free to run without obstructions;
check seat belt operation as follows:
attach the seat belt and pull it hard;
replace the belt after an accident of a
certain severity even if it does not appear
to be damaged. Always replace the seat
belt if the pretensioners were deployed;
prevent the retractors from getting
wet: their correct operation is only
guaranteed if water does not get inside;
replace the seat belt when it shows
wear or cuts.
WARNING
72)The pretensioner may be used only once.
After its activation, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have it replaced.
73)Removing or otherwise tampering with
pretensioner and seat belt components is
strictly prohibited. Any intervention on these
components must be performed by qualified
and authorised technicians. Always contact
an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
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83)Always make sure that the chest section
of the seat belt does not pass under the
arms or behind the back of the child. In the
event of an accident the seat belt will not be
able to secure the child, with the risk of
injury, including fatal injury. Therefore the
child must always wear the seat belt
correctly.
84)Do not use the same lower anchorage to
install more than one child restraint system.
85)If a Universal ISOFIX child seat is not
fixed to all three anchorages, the child seat
will not be able to protect the child correctly.
In a crash, the child could be seriously or
fatally injured.
86)Fit the child restraint system when the
car is stationary. The child restraint system
is correctly fixed to the brackets when you
hear the click. Follow the instructions for
assembly, disassembly and positioning that
the Manufacturer must supply with the child
restraint system.
87)If the vehicle was involved in an accident
of a certain severity, have the ISOFIX
anchorages and the child restraint system
replaced.
88)If the vehicle was involved in an accident
of a certain severity, have both the child
restraint system and the seat belt it was
attached to replaced.SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) - AIRBAG
The vehicle is equipped with:
front driver airbag;
front passenger airbag;
driver and passenger front side bags
for pelvis, chest and shoulder protection
(Side bags);
side bags for head protection of front
seat passengers and rear side seat
passengers (window bag).
The location of the airbags on the vehicle
is marked by the word "AIRBAG" in the
middle of the steering wheel below the
Alfa Romeo emblem, on the dashboard,
on the side trim or on a label placed next
to the airbag deployment area.
FRONT AIRBAGS
The front (driver and passenger) airbags
protect the front seat occupants in the
event of head-on crashes of medium-high
severity, by placing the cushion between
the occupant and the steering wheel or
dashboard.
Therefore non-activation of airbags in
other types of collisions (side impacts,
rear shunts, roll-overs, etc.) does not
indicate a system malfunction.
Driver and passenger front airbags are
not a replacement of but complementary
to the seat belts, which should always be
worn, as specified by law in Europe and
most non-European countries.
In the event of impact, those not wearing
a seat belt are projected forwards and
may come into contact with the bag
which is still inflating. The protection
offered by the bag is compromised in
these circumstances.
Front airbags may not activate in the
following situations:
frontal impacts against highly
deformable objects not involving the
front surface of the vehicle (e.g. wing
collision against guard rail, etc.);
vehicle wedging under other vehicles
or protective barriers (e.g. trucks or
guard rails).
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Failure to activate in the conditions
described above is due to the fact that
they may not provide any additional
protection compared with seat belts, so
their activation would be inappropriate.
In these cases, non-deployment does not
indicate a system malfunction.
Driver's side front airbag
This consists of an instantly inflating bag
contained in a special compartment in the
centre of the steering wheel fig. 85.Passenger side front airbag
This consists of an instantly inflating bag
contained in a special recess in the
dashboard fig. 86; this bag has a larger
volume than that of the driver's.Passenger side front airbag and child
restraint systems
Rearward facing child restraint systems
mustNEVERbe fitted on the front seat
with an active passenger side airbag
since in the event of an impact the airbag
activation may cause fatal injuries to the
transported child.
ALWAYScomply with the instructions on
the label stuck on the passenger side sun
visor fig. 87, and shown in table fig. 90.
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