Let’s get to the core of the vehicle: seeing how you can exploit all
of its potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any situation, so that it can be
a welcome companion, with our comfort and our wallets in mind.
STARTING AND DRIVING
STARTING THE ENGINE . .........................90
PARKING THE VEHICLE ...........................91
USING THE MANUAL GEARBOX .....................92
USING ALFA TCT TRANSMISSION . . . . ................93
START&STOP SYSTEM. ..........................95
CRUISE CONTROL ..............................97
PARKING SENSORS .............................98
TOWING TRAILERS . . . . . . . . .....................99
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE . . .....................100
WARNING
101)When travelling with the device active,
never move the gear lever to neutral.
102)In case of a malfunction or failure of
the device, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
PARKING SENSORS
(where provided)
103) 104)
26)
The sensors are located in the vehicle
rear bumper fig. 75 and their function is
to inform the driver, through an
intermittent acoustic and visual signal,
about the presence of obstacles behind
the vehicle.
ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION
The sensors are turned on when reverse
gear is engaged. As the distance from the
obstacle behind the vehicle decreases,
the frequency of the acoustic signal
increases.
When the reverse gear is disengaged, the
sensors deactivate.
ACOUSTIC SIGNAL
When 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
vehicle 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.
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.
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.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
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
26)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.
TOWING TRAILERS
105) 106)
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.
99
INSTALLING A TOW HOOK
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to
install a tow hook.
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 VEHICLE
During refuelling procedure, switch off
the engine, engage handbrake, rotate the
ignition key to STOP and do not smoke.
PETROL ENGINES
Only use unleaded petrol. 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.
When using or parking the vehicle for a
long time in the mountains or cold areas,
it is advisable to refuel using locally
available Diesel. In this case, it is also
advisable to keep the tank over 50% full.
FUEL TANK CAP
107)
Opening
Open flap 1 fig. 76 pulling it outwards,
hold cap 2 still, insert the ignition key in
the lock and turn it anticlockwise. Then,turn the cap anticlockwise and remove it.
The cap has a loss prevention device
3 which secures it to the flap so that it
cannot be lost. Attach the cap to device
4 during refuelling.
Closing
Fit the cap (complete with key) and turn it
clockwise until it clicks once or more.
Then, turn the key clockwise and extract
it, then close the flap.
The sealing may cause a slight pressure
increase in the tank. A little breathing off,
while slackening the cap is absolutely
normal.
ENGINES WITH LPGSYSTEM
The gas filler is located next to the petrol
filler cap. It has a "non return", located in
the filler body itself.
To access the filler 2 fig. 77 open the
access flap 1.
76A0J0327C
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STARTING AND DRIVING
“VELOCE” versions: remove cap 1 by
pressing on the upper part, take tow hook
2 from its housing in the tool support and
screw it in fully on the threaded pin.
WARNING
127)For versions with key without remote
control, before towing, turn the ignition key
to MAR and then to STOP without removing
it. The steering column will automatically
lock when the key is removed and the wheels
cannot be steered. Also check that the
gearbox is in neutral (on versions equipped
with automatic transmission, check that the
gear lever is in N position). For versions with
electronic key, move the ignition device to
MAR and then to STOP, without opening the
door.128)The brake servo and the
electromechanical power steering will not
work while the vehicle is being towed. You
will therefore need to apply more force on
the brake pedal and steering wheel. Do not
use flexible ropes when towing, and avoid
jerky movements. During towing, make sure
that the trailer hitch does not damage any
components it is touching. When towing the
car, you must comply with all specific traffic
regulations and adopt an appropriate
driving behaviour. Do not start the engine
while towing the car. Before tightening the
ring, clean the threaded housing thoroughly.
Make sure that the ring is fully screwed into
the housing before towing the car.
129)The front and rear tow hooks should be
used only for emergencies on the road. You
are allowed to tow the vehicle for short
distances using an appropriate device in
accordance with the highway code (a rigid
bar), to move the vehicle on the road in
readiness for towing or transport via a
breakdown vehicle. Tow hooks MUST NOT be
used to tow vehicles off the road or where
there are obstacles and/or for towing
operations using cables or other non-rigid
devices. In compliance with the above
conditions, towing must take place with the
two vehicles (one towing, the other towed)
aligned as much as possible along the same
centre line.
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IN AN EMERGENCY
PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long trips
check and, if necessary, top up:
engine coolant, brake fluid and
windscreen washer fluid level;
tyre inflation pressure and condition;
operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.);
operation of screen wash/wipe system
and positioning/wear of windscreen/
rearscreen wiper blades
Every 3,000 km check and top up if
required: engine oil level.
IMPORTANT To find out the correct oil
quantity, always check using the dipstick.
Carry out the check with the vehicle
parked on level ground.
DEMANDING USE OF THE CAR
If the vehicle is used mainly under one of
the following conditions:
towing a trailer or caravan;
dusty roads;
short, repeated journeys (less than
7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long periods
of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried out
more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
check cleanliness of bonnet and
luggage compartment locks, cleanliness
and lubrication of linkage;
visually inspect condition of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and
rubber elements (boots - sleeves - bushes
- etc.);
check battery charge and battery fluid
level (electrolyte);
visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts;
check and, if necessary, change engine
oil and replace oil filter;
check and, if necessary, replace pollen
filter;
check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
136
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
IDENTIFICATION DATA
The identification data of the vehicle are:
VIN plate;
Chassis marking;
Bodywork paint identification plate;
Engine marking.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (VIN) PLATE
This plate is fitted to the engine
compartment front crossmember and
contains the following identification data
fig. 129:
TO: Name of Manufacturer
B: Type-approval number
C: Vehicle type identification code
D: Chassis number
E: Maximum permitted weight of vehicle
fully laden
F: Maximum permitted weight of vehicle
fully laden plus trailer
G: Maximum permitted weight on front
axle
H: Maximum permitted weight on second
(rear) axle
I: Engine type
L: Bodywork version codeM: Spares number
N: Smoke opacity index (for diesel
engines)
129A0J0161C
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHTS
Weights (kg) Turbo TwinAir 1.4-litre Petrol
Unladen weight (with all fluids, fuel tank filled to
90% and without optional equipment)1130 1080
Payload including the driver
(*)480(**)/ 560(***)480(**)/ 560(***)
Maximum permitted loads(****)
– front axle 950 850
– rear axle 850 850
– total
1610
(**)/ 1690(***)1560(**)/ 1640(***)
Towable loads
– braked trailer 500 500
– trailer without brakes 400 400
Maximum load on roof 40 40
Maximum load on tow hitch (trailer with brakes) 60 60
(*) If special equipment is fitted (sunroof, tow hitch, etc.) the unladen car weight increases, thus reducing the specified payload in relation to the
maximum permissible loads.
(**) 4-seater versions
(***) 5-seater versions
(****) Loads not to be exceeded. The user is responsible for arranging goods in the luggage compartment and/or load platform within the maximum
permitted loads.
166
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS