Alfa Romeo GT Coupe

The Alfa Romeo GT, a new sports coupé derived from the Alfa Romeo 156 and indisputable star of the recent Geneva and Frankfurt Motor Shows, is due to go on sale at the end of the year. The model, designed by the Bertone Style Centre, will be appreciated for its original, pleasing styling that promises all the satisfaction of a sporty drive with full respect for brand traditions. The Alfa Romeo GT also succeeds in packing the results of Alfa's superlative engineering heritage into a shape inspired by a sense of style and flair that could only be Italian. The stylists were also able to call on a great Alfa Romeo tradition that has brought us models that remain benchmarks for the category: from the 1900 SS to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint, from the Alfetta to the Giulia Sprint.

With a length of 4.48 metres, width of 1.76 metres and a height of 1.37 metres, the Alfa Romeo GT Coupé is aggressive and compact (its wheelbase is 2596 millimetres), with a shape marked by certain distinctive traits that define its strong personality and render it immediately recognisable as an Alfa. Hence the designers' decision to go for smooth, clean motifs and shapes marked by an unmistakable sense of Italian flair. The result is a strong, spare front end dominated by an Alfa Romeo family resemblance encapsulated by the distinctive three-lobed motif bearing a shield that is slightly larger in size than at present. The entire car appears to grow from this point to combine a slight edge of styling aggression with outstanding elegance of form. This impression is reinforced by two side air intakes and light clusters that are objects of beauty in their own right.

Dashing and solid but also dynamic and sturdy. It took a clever balancing act to wed such disparate features. This contrast is evident in the Alfa Romeo GT's profile where a side shelf unmistakably conveys the idea of a car that is agile but also anchored to the ground. And more.

The taut lines that meet at the rear and the small area of glass (compared to the large expanse of metal at the side) add elegance and also sturdiness.

The slightly raked and tapering tail design is brand new and paired with large, integral bumpers. The rear window is drop-shaped, while the light clusters are embedded in the body to create an attractive wraparound look.

The Alfa Romeo GT represents a brand new concept in sportiness, where comfort and elegance combine. The aim of the car is to offer all the driving satisfaction of a top-performing coupé without ever compromising over comfort and practicality, as often happens with this type of car. Suffice it to say that the luggage compartment offers a capacity of 320 dm3, one of the best results for this segment.

Like the exterior shape, the interior of the Alfa Romeo GT is as sporty as Alfa Romeos get. The steering wheel, pedals and gearbox, for example, are designed for maximum vehicle control. The instruments are also functional and easy to read, even at night. Red lighting is used as this is easier for the eyes to focus on as they adjust from the dark road to the bright dashboard. A multifunction display gives access to several menus (each with their own submenus) that speak the motorist's language and provide access to a large range of functions plus the trip computer.

The centre of the Alfa Romeo GT facia also houses a built-in radio and all the controls for the sophisticated-looking automatic dual zone climate control system. The radio, complemented by a CD player (or an MP3 player as an option), also offers outstanding sound quality and was designed and built for the passenger compartment. It consists of eight speakers and delivers a power output of 4x40 Watts. The Alfa Romeo GT adds a host of sophisticated devices and systems to this equipment array that make it a new benchmark in its segment.

Examples include: VDC, Xenon headlights and up to six airbags (under the heading of safety); CONNECT Nav+ with radio and phone controls on the steering wheel, Bose Hi-Fi system and CD-changer (for audio and infomobility); Cruise Control (for stress-free driving); 16" and 17" alloy wheels (for car customisation).

All these creature comforts are complemented by opulent interiors. The new sports coupé offers two interior specifications: a classic sports specification with black facia and panels and another brighter and more stylish specification that is still very sporty and features a two-tone black on grey colour scheme. The facia and door panel trim features a natural appearance with a special satinised effect. The top-quality, good-looking seats are specific to each version. And also: the trims are pleasant to touch and blend in well with the extensive grosgrain surfaces typical of Alfa Romeo cars. On mid-range versions, in particular, we have introduced Alfatex, a product patented by Alfa Romeo. This new hi-tech cloth is used on the seats and door panels and is available in grey and black.

Customers can also choose leather trim (available in black, blue, red, tan and grey) or one of three interiors hand-upholstered to standards of classic Italian craftsmanship (sports, elegant and classic) that feature sophisticated contrast stitching. One factor shared by all three interiors is top quality, fine-grained Prestige leather with a natural look and beautifully soft to the touch. The new model also features a gearknob in aluminium on petrol versions but leather-trimmed on the diesels and the powerful 3.2 V6 24v.

The Alfa Romeo GT has inherited all the attributes of the Alfa Romeo 156. Beginning with its specially configured suspension layout: high double-wishbone at the front, McPherson at the rear with transverse rods of different lengths. Other attractions include two generous power units, each offering one of the best specific power ratings in its cylinder capacity category: the 140 bhp 1.8 T. Spark (available after launch) and the 165 bhp 2.0 JTS. The 150 bhp 1.9 M-Jet 16v is exclusive to the Alfa Romeo GT. Customers who want the very best in terms of performance and sportiness can choose a GTA version equipped with a powerful 240 bhp 3.2 V6 24 valve engine. By combining these engines with a huge range of equipment, we have created an extensive new model range that offers specification packages including the most sought-after equipment in individual countries. The Alfa Romeo GT is available in three specifications in major European markets: Progression, Distinctive e Luxury. The first is reserved for 2.0 JTS and 1.9 M-Jet 16v versions; the second and third are both equipped with all the power units in the range, including the 2.0 JTS Selespeed. Next year, the product range will be further extended by a specification known as Impression, combined with a 1.8 Twin Spark 16v, a 2.0 JTS and a 1.9 M-Jet 16v power unit. The new sports coupé can also come in no fewer than 12 body-colours.

A whole host of versions for your very own Alfa Romeo GT. All offering great value for money and, above all, heirs to a motoring tradition that Alfa Romeo helped create and has now taken one step further: the stylish sports coupé and a worthy successor for the Alfa Romeo GTV.

Model: 2.0 JTS
Price: RM269,072.40
Road Tax: RM365.00
www.autoitalia.com.my

Alfa Romeo 166

The flagship Alfa Romeo 166, created at the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, expresses harmony of form and content while combining the elegance of a great saloon with the sports traits of a coupé. The new Alfa Romeo 166 complements these successful features with interior and exterior aesthetic motifs of great visual impact. The interior trim and exterior colour matches are also very sophisticated.

The car's imposing front end has been fully redesigned and now resembles its smaller brother - the Alfa Romeo 156. The tall shield, for example, now forms the traditional Alfa three-part motif in conjunction with the two side air intakes. This motif marks a family resemblance to more recent models while allowing the Alfa Romeo Style Centre to reclaim and reinterpret distinctive traits from the company's illustrious past.

As on the previous model, two converging ribs delimit and emphasise a central bulge that hints at the presence of the powerful, beefy engine beneath. The side view of the new Alfa Romeo 166 features some of the chrome trim that was present on the previous model: i.e. on the door handles, roof outline and door sills. Not to mention the fact the outline immediately conveys an impression of a car that is strong, compact and firmly anchored to the ground. At the same time, the extensive metal area prevails over the glass and makes the vehicle look like a coupé from the side.

Viewed from the rear, the Alfa Romeo 166 is immediately recognisable for its broad shoulders that make it look like an animal waiting to pounce - and for its short, fleeting tail. The slightly drooping tail evokes the sensation of a very agile car despite its large saloon dimensions. The relatively unchanged bumpers are still flush with the metal surface and blend into the vehicle body. The light clusters on the new Alfa Romeo 166 are among its most distinctive features and designer objects in their own right.

And so from the exterior to the interior. The same good looks are apparent inside, where lashings of space are backed by outstanding comfort, sophisticated trim and padding and careful attention to detail. The real attraction of the new model lies in a passenger compartment that has been made lighter through careful choice of colours and materials that are a pleasure to touch and look at. An extensive choice of materials (cloth and leather) and colours combine to create three different environments: sports, elegant or classic. Customers can also choose from four different types of facia according to version and trim level. Not to mention the fact that the option list includes exclusive upholstery of huge appeal, a superlative example of Italian craft tradition.

This model is set to trump the opposition with a winning blend of breeding and temperament. And more. Beneath its attractive exterior, the new vehicle boasts a temperament unique for its category that is complemented by an ability to dominate the road typical of an Alfa Romeo. This characteristic is particularly appreciated by those who expect driving satisfaction even from a big prestige saloon. The power unit comes in various engine-gearbox combinations that are among the most powerful and efficient currently on the market. The suspension layout is able to assure absolute command of the car in any situation. A host of electronic devices is also present to enable you to enjoy the great performance levels of which all Alfa Romeo 166 versions are capable in absolute safety: from an ABS with electronic load proportioning valve to antislip systems for automatic traction control.

In detail, the model offers six power units that present different characteristics and all together make up a comprehensive range able to meet the expectations of any customer, however well-informed and demanding. The four petrol units are the 150 bhp 2.0 TS, the 188 bhp 2.5 V6 24v, the 220 bhp 3.0 V6 and the 240 bhp 3.2 V6 24v. The two turbodiesels are the 150 bhp 2.4 JTD 10v and the 175 bhp 2.4 Multijet 20v. These units are all combined with a 6 speed manual gearbox, with the exception of the 220 bhp 3.0 V6 that is only available with an automatic transmission. The lively 175 bhp 2.4 Multijet 20v may also be paired with a sophisticated new generation 5-speed automatic transmission.

But power is not all. The Alfa Romeo flagship has also been designed with a view to pleasing its passengers. The new model immediately reveals itself as a car that is extremely satisfying to inhabit: as driver or passenger, over short trips or long motorway journeys. The interior environment is comfortable because it is so ergonomic. It is pleasing due to the gratifying sensations aroused by an advanced climate control system, outstanding sound-proofing and a very comfortable suspension. It is sophisticated because the in-car technology has been designed to make life easier: with an efficient electronic interface, Cruise Control that is useful on motorway routes, a smart radio that dynamically adjusts volume to the surrounding noise and a satellite navigation system to suggest the best way to a chosen destination. The new central console display delivers a stylish metallic effect.

The new Alfa Romeo 166 range is made up of three comprehensive specifications that offer great value for money: the new Impression, Progression and Distinctive packages. A new Alfa Romeo 166 TI option pack is also available with low ride for a more entertaining drive with better handling. On the outside, this particular version offers a special badge and 18" alloy wheels. Inside, the TI environment is identifiable by seats trimmed with black leather with an embroidered TI logo in red. The same sporty look extends to the TI logo on the aluminium sill plate and red button and instrument panel lighting.

All versions are extremely well-equipped, as you would expect from a top-class flagship. The host of options will satisfy even the most demanding of customers in this market band. Not forgetting the accessory range created to meet even the most specific customisation requirements.

Here are just a few of the numerous systems and devices available on the new model: active sensor ABS with electronic brakeforce distributor; VDC; front airbags, sidebags and windowbags; automatic climate control; Cruise Control; bi-Xenon headlights; rain and parking sensor; follow-me-home lights; radio controls on the steering wheel; satellite navigation system with maps and voice guide, GSM phone with handsfree set and Hi-Fi system with 10 speakers and CD changer. Lastly, five types of alloy wheels are available according to the version: two 16", two 17" and one 18".

Price: RM354,888.70
Road Tax: RM2,130.00

Alfa Romeo 156 GTA

In September 2001, the 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA were launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The GTA was named after the Alfa Romeo GTA from the 1960s, the letters GTA meaning Gran Turismo Alleggerita (English: lightened Grand Tourer). Even though the name suggests a light car, the GTA isn't any lighter than base 156. It was actually 91 kilograms (200 lb) heavier than 2.5 litre V6 engined version.[23] With its 3.2 litre engine its easy to get very varying fuel consumption figures, the EC urban fuel consumption is 15.6 miles per imperial gallon (18.1 L/100 km/13.0 mpg-US) and combined 23.3 mpg-imp (12.1 L/100 km/19.4 mpg-US), extra-urban consumption is 32.8 mpg-imp (8.61 L/100 km/27.3 mpg-US).

The very first GTA was sold on-line auction from September 13 to 23, the duration of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Winning bid was 48,691.26 euros, which was donated to "Telethon" charity fund.[25] Equipped with a 3.2 litre V6 with six-speed manual transmission or six-speed Selespeed (paddles in steering wheel, hydraulically operated clutchless manual gearbox), the GTA variants were aimed at the performance market. The GTA variants boasted 250 PS (180 kW), had a lowered and stiffened suspension, a distinctive body kit and leather interior. The suspension was specifically made for the GTA by Fiat Research Centre and Fiat Auto Design and Development Department.[26] Steering was also made faster, only 1.7 turns from lock to lock compared to 2.1 in normal models. The GTA had also much bigger brakes (Brembo), at front 305 millimetres (12 in) discs and rear 276 millimetres (10.8 in). The front discs were later updated to 330 millimetres (13 in). The GTA subsequently stopped production in October 2005 citing the upcoming replacement to the 156, the Alfa Romeo 159.

Price: RM 364,031.00
Road Tax: RM 3,030.00

Alfa Romeo 156

One date in Alfa Romeo's recent history was responsible for bringing about a revolution in Brand sales and image. The auspicious date, October 9 1997, was the day when the international press got its first glimpse of the Alfa Romeo 156 in Lisbon. At that moment, Alfa Romeo stepped up to reclaim its own tradition and also its place in the tight circle of prestige sports car manufacturers.

Later models were to build on this success: from the flagship Alfa Romeo 166 to the effervescent Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon and the newer, highly acclaimed compact Alfa Romeo 147. Yet the event that set Alfa Romeo on its new path was the appearance of the 156, a medium-sized car that encloses all Alfa's proud sporting and engineering heritage within one clean, stylish Italian-looking package.

We did not have to wait for long to see the results. The new car won acclaim from the press, who voted it 'Car of the Year 1998' (this award was followed by 35 more accolades) and motorists themselves, who ordered 90,000 units. The other motor manufacturers also had to sit up and take notice. It did not take long for them to follow suite and extend their ranges to include the common rail turbodiesel engines you first saw on the Alfa saloon.

The Alfa Romeo 156 has gone from strength to strength in the intervening four years. It has sold just under half a million saloon and Sportwagon units throughout the world. It now occupies an enviable position in European segment D, where it has easily tripled the Alfa Romeo share: from 0.7% in 1996 to 3.2% in 2001. It also boosted overall brand sales, which rose - in Europe - from 117,500 in 1996 (0.9%) to 202,100 in 2001 (1.4%), i.e. an increase of 72%.

The model now confirms its own vitality by offering the public the new Alfa Romeo 156 and Sportwagon. The only features that these two cars share with their predecessors are their external line (so appreciated by motorists around the world) and their intrinsic irrepressible personality and outstanding dynamic assets. Everything else has undergone deep-seated changes to offer: better performance, more safety, a comprehensive telematic array and more opulent interiors.

The new Alfa Romeo 156 also complements its range with two all-new cars. In other words, the Alfa Romeo 156 GTA and the Sportwagon GTA, cars that represent the quintessence of brand values and revive a legendary name that inspired the slogan 'A win a day for the car you drive to work' for the Giulia Sprint in the mid-Sixties.

The outcome is two good-looking, sporty cars that are designed for everyday use yet still able to ensure racetrack sensation under certain circumstances.

The new Alfa Romeo 156 and Sportwagon offer more performance. The model has another sophisticated automotive engineering ace up its sleeve in the form of a brand new power unit that is Alfa Romeo's interpretation of a direct injection petrol engine. The engine is referred to as a JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) and is the first direct injection petrol engine with a specific power greater than 60 kW/l and a specific torque higher than 100 Nm/l. It guarantees the performance of a 2.3 unit, yet consumes 10% less fuel.

This revolutionary new engine reduces fuel consumption by adopting a stratified charge lean burn system at speeds of up to 1500 rpm. Above this threshold, the engine harnesses all the engine's power to increase performance. Unlike other lean burn engines, the new unit is fitted with a normal trivalent catalytic converter and can use the normal unleaded fuel on sale today instead of low sulphur fuel. The engine already meets the strict Euro 4 emission limits due to come into force.

Power comes from a 2.0 Twinspark, an engine range that is bound to accentuate the car's outstanding performance. As is borne out by the performance results.

Model: 2.0 JTS
Price: RM 216,746.40
Road Tax: RM 365.00
www.autoitalia.com.my

Alfa Romeo 147

The new Alfa Romeo 147, first shown to the world at the recent Paris Motor Show, now makes its debut in Italy as heir to a winning model that, four years after its launch, has not only met its ambitious targets but exceeded them beyond all expectations. This is apparent in the praise of the specialised press, who have awarded the car no fewer than 27 prizes to date, thus confirming the success of a brand-new approach to sportiness that encompasses elegance, comfort, safety and sophisticated technology. The car has received the following critical plaudits: 'Car of the Year 2001', 'Volante d'Oro', 'Trophées du design 2000' and 'Auto Importado del Ańo en Brasil 2002'. And accolades from readers: 'Auto Europa 1' in 2001 and 'L'auto che preferisco' in 2001, 2003 and 2004.

Altogether the Alfa Romeo 147 has been a great critical success and this is borne out by the opinion of the nearly 360,000 motorists who chose the car between October 2000 and September 2004. This gratifying response is much better than we hoped for and shows that the Alfa Romeo 147 has completely fulfilled its mission: to improve on its predecessor in terms of quality and gain a firm foothold in the top part of the segment that is now the domain of a select band of prestige compact sports models.

The Alfa Romeo 147 has therefore lived up to its promise and managed to achieve major goals. The credit is definitely due to the model's solid grounding: the best of Italian design combined with state-of-the-art engineering and a very good mix of power units and gearboxes. These have been complemented by a steady flow of new features to hold the public's attention: the 5-door version, the mighty Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, the CONNECT versions and Alfa Romeo 147 TI versions and the adoption of JTD engines with a Selespeed gearbox. These significant products show us that any car's success is the result of a lucky break, a flash of stylistic intuition backed by research into new taste trends, emerging customer needs and projections relating to market and rival model trends. And then this complicated equation is judged by the harshest yardstick: time. True success will last and last: and now it is the turn of the New 147 to take up the baton.

The new model enhances everyday driving satisfaction to the point where an ordinary trip becomes an experience packed with emotion. All this comes naturally to a model with the will to race in its genes. These attributes are not expressed by any great showiness but rather by great roadholding in any situation and over any road surface. Grown-up sports aficionados will find that this exuberant compact car meets all their need for power and performance backed by total safety at all times. The new Alfa Romeo 147 complements its thoroughbred sports car attributes with a touch of style that allows it to thread its way through European city streets with aplomb. It is a car for those who love to make their mark quietly through well-bred quality rather than ostentation.

The new compact car guarantees thrilling performance with a touch of Italian flair that makes it a car with unmistakable styling: well-proportioned yet muscular. Compared to the previous model, the new Alfa Romeo 147's looks have been updated inside and out. It is also bigger and more powerful with more personality. It introduces a number of new products in the field of mechanicals and equipment, including a brand new robotised gearbox, a new Comfort suspension and the most sophisticated safety devices: including VDC, ASR, ABS with EBD and curtain-bags.

NEW, SPORTY STYLING

The new Alfa Romeo 147, available in 3-door or 5-door versions, forcefully expresses all the creative vitality of the brand, a special way of appreciating motor cars that is very far from thinking of them as simply useful means of transport. Alfa Romeos have always been designed for people with expectations that go beyond the strictly necessary into the realm of emotions: aesthetic taste, a passion for sophisticated engineering, the sheer pleasure of sitting behind the wheel and an expression of one's own personality. The Alfa Romeo stylists and engineers took these premises as the base for a car that is quite different from the present version.

A quick look at the outside tells you all you need to know. The car retains the tried and tested box shapes of the 147 and the biggest changes are reserved for the front end. The changes to the rear are more minor. The car features a new grille that is now bigger and enhanced by new design headlights. The final result is a front end that oozes sportiness and class. It also looks more aggressive because the grille has been lowered in relation to the bonnet. This impression is reinforced by the elongated appearance of the headlights - a lip of glass enclosing three round chrome elements on a black background - and the air intake that is divided by three vertical elements, one in the middle and two at the sides. The overhang is also longer while the bumpers and wing are new.

At the rear, the designers reworked the tailgate and made slight changes to the tail-lights to make them more stylish: the light clusters have now been lengthened into a more triangular shape emphasised by a chrome moulding. The triangular motif so typical of Alfa Romeo design is referred to explicitly in the New 147. For example, the protruding shield that describes a jutting corner when viewed from above is emphasised at the front by the design of the bumper. The stylistic changes are based on triangular shapes and sloping lines that increase the perception of dynamism and overall sleekness.

Inside the new Alfa Romeo 147 retains the same acclaimed driving position and the excellent balance between the compact, embracing boxes, uncluttered surfaces and smooth, spare lines. Some exterior traits have been changed to underscore the look of sporty elegance that we have come to expect from Alfa Romeo cars.

Firstly, a new combination (grey on grey) has been introduced for the two-tone facia which joins the existing classic combinations of black on black, black on grey and black on beige, though the latter have also been revised through the introduction of a more sophisticated 'water buffalo' embossing. The new Alfa Romeo 147 features new instrument and control graphics, on a silver or black background, designed for clarity and legibility, a new 'cannelloni' trim for the seats and door panels enhanced by a chrome frame that highlights the tweeters in the door handle panel - and a brand new design rear head-restraint that can be lowered for better visibility.

CUTTING-EDGE ENGINES AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

Offered with a 2.0 16v unit developing 150 bhp (torque of 18.5 kgm) again from the Twin Spark family that is so popular with all Alfa Romeo customers.

The gearboxes are also new. More specifically, the new Alfa Romeo 147 offers a new robotised gearbox that is a development of the renowned Selespeed. The interface of the new unit is even more user-friendly and intuitive but the driver does not have to give up the satisfaction and fun of a manual transmission.

The new Alfa Romeo 147 benefits for the first time from a Comfort specification that combines double wishbones at the front with an advanced MacPherson configuration at the rear. As far as the customer is concerned, all this means greater driving comfort without detracting from handling.

'Easy Speed' gearbox

The new robotised 'Easy Speed' gearbox is a development of the current Selespeed unit, now with a more user-friendly interface while still guaranteeing the satisfaction and entertainment of a manual transmission. As on the Selespeed, this system is designed to automate the clutch controls and gear lever of a manual gearbox through an electrohydraulic servo device.

Over and above the benefits of the Selespeed, the new device also offers drivers a particularly intuitive interface. Unlike the Selespeed, the lever is multistable, i.e. it allows the customer to check his position at any time (N Neutral - R Reverse - D Drive).

Two operating modes are available: in Manual mode, the driver engages the gears by means of a lever positioned on the tunnel. In Automatic mode, the electronic system takes control and decides when gear changes are required on the basis of two strategies, the first adjusted for driving comfort (NORMAL) and the second adjusted for a more sporty drive (SPORT).

In detail, this is how the new device works in Manual mode: a simple push on the lever is sufficient to ensure a fast, accurate gear change. Electric pulses from the lever satisfy the driver's gear shift wishes on the basis of commands issued by the control unit that controls the hydraulic kit.

The system operating software screens the above input and uses the information to make gear shifts designed for comfort or a sporty drive in manual or automatic mode with the application of a range of operating strategies. The control unit interprets the customer's requirements by mapping the pedal position and the engine rpm.

A simple lever request to move into a higher gear (by moving the lever toward '+') or lower gear (towards the '-' symbol) under the conditions described above allows the driver to obtain sporty and fast or smooth and comfortable gear shifts. This operating strategy also applies in automatic mode. These aims are achieved by implementing the shift by means of a hydraulic system that manages shift speed for performance or comfort without compromise and always assures maximum system performance. While in Automatic mode, two different operating strategies are available: NORMAL and SPORT. The first is used for driving comfort while the sports function guarantees effervescent lengthening and shifting under all conditions. With both options, the system stretches to a higher ratio once the rpm level has been reached, when the engine delivers maximum torque or power. The system also detects the road gradient while in this mode: a software algorithm measures the gradient increase and modifies the gear shift point so that the best compromise is always obtained between the driver's needs, the road condition and the vehicle's situation (speed and rpm).

Another specific function of the system is to assess vehicle deceleration and adjust downshifting according to the level of deceleration: while in manual, therefore, the system allows downshifting particularly when the driver wishes to change down to take a bend at speed during a sporty drive. In automatic, on the other hand, it anticipates the driver's will and makes available the most appropriate gear to maintain the required level of comfort or fuel saving.

The ease of interaction with the system and the performance increases assured by the new control strategies make the new robotised gearbox the best possible compromise for people who prefer to drive an automatic but do want to give up the satisfaction and fun of a manual transmission.

Comfort suspension

Another major new feature on the new Alfa Romeo 147 is the introduction of a Comfort suspension system. The new configuration combines a double wishbone front suspension with a MacPherson layout at the rear that guarantees greater levels of comfort without affecting handling. The front shock absorbers have therefore been modified, lengthening the rod to 13 mm (against the present 11.5) and the rod guide is in teflon. In addition, the use of these particular shocks has demanded a specific setting at both front and rear (standard production) in order to guarantee the correct suspension timing. This modification has also affected the architecture of the suspension system and not simply a specific setting with which only a damping effect is obtained. As far as customers are concerned, all these changes mean great stability and ease of control even at the limit of grip. Steering box movements are very smooth and balanced and great comfort is assured under all service and road surface conditions.

The entire range of the new car is fitted as standard with the layout that determined the success of the Alfa Romeo 156 and Alfa Romeo 147: high double wishbone at the front and a MacPherson strut layout at the rear. Then our engineers set to work to adjust the suspension to the car's specific weight distribution and individual characteristics. As far as the front wishbone configuration is concerned, the improvement was achieved by introducing a new spring type and setting and by the adoption of a new hollow anti-roll bar. Altogether these changes allow a weight reduction of 1.7 kilograms for the same stiffness and roll qualities.

The result is a compact car with a drive that combines the great control typical of a front wheel drive with the outstanding precision and response of a sports car. The new Alfa Romeo 147 offers maximum lateral hold, fast approaches to bends and a very effective, precise steering response. This excellent on-road behaviour is aided by the rear end (a MacPherson configuration with asymmetrical arms benefiting from improved elastokinematic properties) that ensures stability in high speed manoeuvres and agility over mixed routes.

Model: 2.0 JTS
Price: RM 191,096.40
Road Tax: RM 380.00
www.autoitalia.com.my

Alfa Romeo 147 GTA

Attractive styling, great temperament and outstanding automotive engineering: but also top-quality interiors and finish complemented by an ultra-comprehensive electronic and telematic package. These are the distinguishing features that underpin the success of the Alfa Romeo 147.

Those who love to drive will find this small Alfa is a compact car capable of outstanding performance over any route and one that always rewards its driver with that ultimate thrill.

Now imagine an Alfa Romeo 147 that maintains these attributes but also offers better performance, better braking capacity and the dynamic performance of a racing car. Imagine the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA version.

This aptly-chosen name identifies a range of vehicles that constitute the absolute quintessence of Brand sporting values. Models with a spirit that harks back to a great tradition of races and victories, coupled with a highly sophisticated, up-to-date engine and mechanical specification.

A few short months after the launch of the Alfa Romeo 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA, we welcomed the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA to the same family: the new car extends the product range of this type of car into a segment typified by a higher proportion of women and young people.

The model has been produced with the aim of creating an everyday car that can still offer its driver race-track performance and sensation under the right circumstances. For this reason, apart from a few tweaks to add dynamism and aggression, the body of the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA retains the original vehicle's acclaimed cool, stylish lines. But everything else has been radically changed.

The engine has been swapped for a sizzling 3.2 V6 24v unit. The suspension geometry and settings have been altered. And VDC - a highly sophisticated vehicle dynamic control system - has been added as standard.

The result is a car that is the most powerful and fastest representative of its segment (250 bhp - 184 kW) and capable of thrilling performance: 246 km/h top speed; 6.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and 26.1 to cover a kilometre from a standing start. Not to mention outstanding dynamism, ride and handling. These are the telling differences that ensure your Alfa will deliver a unique driving experience.

On the outside, the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA reveals new features that reflect the changes to its chassis and mechanicals. These are also important stylistically because they make the vehicle look broader, closer to the ground and more beefy while still ensuring instant recognisability.

Price: RM321,965.00
Road Tax: RM3,030.00
www.autoitalia.com.my