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Alfa Romeo
Country of Origin:
Italy
Models:
147
159
166
Brera
GT Coupe
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Key:
| * |
Top speed electronically limited |
| 2.5SC |
2.5-litre supercharged engine |
| 2.5TC |
2.5-litre turbocharged engine |
| 2.5D |
2.5-litre diesel engine |
| 2.5TD |
2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine |
| I4 |
4-cylinder engine in inline configuration |
| V6 |
6-cylinder engine in V-shaped configuration |
| FWD |
Front-wheel-drive platform |
| RWD |
Rear-wheel-drive platform |
| 4WD |
Four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive platform |
| 5M |
5-speed manual |
| 5A |
5-speed automatic |
| 5AM |
5-speed automanual |
| CVT |
Continuously variable auto transmission |
| l/100km |
Litres of fuel consumed every 100 kms |
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Alfa Romeo 147
The 147 is an elegant and sporty little number. The redesigned 147 gets a new front end that gives it a more streamlined look, and more in line with the new corporate look of Alfa Romeo. The aesthetics of the Alfa 147 includes eye catching details such as three air intakes at the front divided by three vertical elements, wheels flush with the body in gently bulging wheel arches, rear handles that virtually blend into the body, all contribute to achieve a mixture of soft lines and dynamic edges. Power comes from a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder "Twin Spark" engine, with the choice of a manual or Selespeed automanual. Unlike many automatic gearboxes with manual options, the Selespeed is a real manual transmission without a clutch. You change gear by flicking the gear knob back and forth or by using the paddles behind the wheel. Features include 16-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, ABS, traction control, sunroof, front, side and window airbags, auto air-conditioning, radio/CD player and dynamic stability control. Options include 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a choice between three and five doors.
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Premium Compact Hatchback
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Audi A3
Peugeot 307
Volkswagen Golf
|
Price Range |
Dhs 99300 - 117000 (US$ 27000 - 32000) |
Body Styles |
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback |
Weight (kg) |
1250 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 2.0 I4 FWD |
5M/5AM |
150 |
181 |
8.9 |
9.3 |
208 |
Good |
Looks, handling, interior |
Bad |
Price, power, maintenance |
Alfa Romeo 159
The 159 is the sharp new replacement for the enchanting 156, and we hope it is more reliable than the headache that was its predecessor. The Alfa 159 offers class-beating front-wheel-drive handling obtained by careful calibration of the sophisticated suspension and excellent torsional rigidity of the bodyshell. The JTS model is powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder that provides just enough power to move the car, but not enough to win drag races with most of its competitors. A 3.2-litre V6 is around for that, with all-wheel-drive too. Transmission choices include a manual or clutchless automanual for the inline-4, and a manual or automatic for the V6. Fiat-owned Alfa Romeo is boasting about the 159's safety features a lot, with as many as eight airbags, including special bags to protect the knees and sidebags that extend all along the window area, innovative restraint systems, and front seats with an “anti-whiplash” device that brings the head restraint nearer to the occupant’s neck in the event of a rear impact.
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Premium Compact Sedan
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Audi A4
BMW 3-Series
Volvo S40
|
Price Range |
Dhs 130000 - 165000 (US$ 35300 - 44800) |
Body Styles |
4-door sedan |
Weight (kg) |
1490 - 1775 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
2.2 I4 FWD
3.2 V6 4WD |
6M/6AM
6M/6A |
185
260 |
230
322 |
9.2-9.4
11.5-12.2 |
8.8
7.0-7.2 |
222
240 |
Good |
Looks, handling, improved quality |
Bad |
Unimpressive fuel economy, high price, heavy |
Alfa Romeo 166
The Alfa 166 is touted as the executive sports saloon for those who prefer to drive than to be driven in life. The Alfa 166 oozes innate breeding and style rooted in Italian flamboyance. It is powered by a 3.0-litre V6, it is mated with a tiptronic automatic, putting power down through the front wheels. The extensive equipment list includes 18-inch alloy wheels, ABS & EBD, dual front and side airbags, cruise control, parking sensors, alarm, built-in handsfree phone, Xenon headlights, integrated computer with 5” colour screen, radio/cassette/CD changer, automatic climate control system, leather upholstery, sunroof and an optional TI sports package. TI, Turismo Internazionale, is the name that Alfa Romeo gives to its thoroughbred racing cars. The TI pack offers a low ride set-up for a more entertaining drive and better handling. Exterior pack features include a special logo over both the wings, sportier 18-inch alloy wheels, embroidered logos on seats, TI symbol on aluminium sill plates, and red instrument lighting.
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Premium Midsize Sedan
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Infiniti G35
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Volvo S60
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Price Range |
Dhs 190000 - 200000 (US$ 51600 - 54300) |
Body Styles |
4-door sedan |
Weight (kg) |
1550 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 3.0 V6 FWD |
4A |
220 |
265 |
13.0 |
8.6 |
236 |
Good |
Looks, handling, interior |
Bad |
Slow, fuel economy, overpriced |
Alfa Romeo Brera
Giugiaro’s dream car that was once a futuristic prototype is now a mass-produced vehicle. Everyone who has driven one is enthusiastic about it. The production Brera
adopts one JTS petrol engine for the GCC, namely a V6 3.2-litre. In terms of safety Alfa Brera has up to eight airbags and all types of electronic systems, such as VDC stability control with ASR anti-skid system and MSR, HBA for emergency braking and the Hill Holder for trouble-free uphill starting. Generous dimensions enabled the designers to obtain a very spacious cockpit for a car in this class. Luggage compartment capacity can be increased from 300 to 610 litres by folding the rear seats to make room for bulky items such as golf clubs. The seats can be adjusted in every respect and can optionally be with electrical controls. The Alfa Brera clearly shows that it is possible to create a true sports car with unimpaired performance and road-holding mated to all the comfort of a luxury sedan. The dual-zone climate control is automatic, and electronic options include a Bose Hi-Fi Sound System, infomobility systems, parking sensors and cruise control.
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Premium Hatchback
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
BMW 1-Series
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Volvo C30
|
Price Range |
Dhs 160000 - 170000 (US$
43400 - 46200) |
Body Styles |
3-door hatchback |
Weight (kg) |
1470 - 1630 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 3.2 V6 4WD |
6M/6A |
260 |
322 |
11.5-12.2 |
6.8-7.0 |
240 |
Good |
Unique looks, interior, handling |
Bad |
Overpriced, faster competitors, heavy, rear space |
Alfa Romeo GT Coupe
According to Alfa Romeo, it is a perfect balance of passion and rationality, emotion and safety, style and versatility. We just hope it holds together, considering how much it costs. It is a distinctive car that offers a fun driving experience, with all the comfort of a saloon and generous interior space, at least for the front passengers. The engines are the same ones found in other Alfa models, namely a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder in JTS trim, and a 3.2-litre V6, both with standard manual transmissions, or in the case of the 2.0-litre, an optional Selespeed automanual with true manual shifting. Equipment and options include 18-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Dynamic Control System, ABS with EBD, anti-skid control, brake-assist, dual-zone climate control system, Bose Hi-Fi system with CD and MP3 player, cruise control, info-telematic system, rear parking sensors, and on the safety front, driver, passenger, side and window airbags. It is a very attractive car that performs admirably for a front-wheel-drive car, but with pricing that competes with BMW, it will have trouble finding buyers.
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Premium Sports Coupe
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
BMW 3-Series
Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
Volvo C70
|
Price Range |
Dhs 140000 - 160000 (US$ 38000 - 43500) |
Body Styles |
2-door coupe |
Weight (kg) |
1320 - 1410 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
2.0 I4 FWD
3.2 V6 FWD |
6M/5AM
6M |
165
239 |
206
300 |
8.7
12.4 |
8.6
6.7 |
216
243 |
Good |
Beautiful styling, interior, handling |
Bad |
Priced too high, slow 4-cylinder, V6 fuel economy |
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Drive Arabia serves Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates car markets, but is also relevant to the Middle East region, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Bahrain.
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