Australian Alfa-Romeo Diesel

[pastmaster]

I found this ad whilst reading my news from OZ. May be of interest. Pretty Car.

http://www.147diesel.com.au

[cmac2012]

Whoa, that does look like an interesting car. I'm wondering what kind of high mpg/good performance package could be had with say, a 1.5 diesel outfitted with the best in turbo and intercooler.

Did'ja notice how it seems to be a 4 door but there are no exterior handles on the rear doors?

I wonder if the diesel Alfa will ever make it here?

[tc20]

the 147 is a pretty car alright, though the trick 'hidden' rear door
handles first appeared on the Alfa 156 saloon. the handle is located
in the trim at the rear of the door frame.
havent heard of the 1.5 diesel option, here you can choose either 1.9
or 2.4 oil burners. petrol versions include 1.6, 2.0 upto fire-breathing
3.2 GTA model, tho' im not too sure about putting 250bhp thru the
front wheels.
Alfa have always made beautiful looking cars, and engines, tho' their rep
was always tarnished by their fondness for tinworm, structural integrity and reliability problems. a friend of mine who has driven a number of Alfas reckoned you would always be carrying a piece of the car around with you.
the 'new' generation of Alfas, beginning with the 156, went someway to addressing quality issues, and for sure their propensity to rust has been
sorted, however their reliabilty (mechanical/electrical) still leaves a lot to be desired. they do tend to languish at the lower end of the league tables when it comes to independent customer surveys (JD Power, Top Gear), pity.
They really are a car you buy with your heart, not your head.

[TX76513]

Isn't that (a version) of the diesel used in the US Jeep Liberty's currently?

[tc20]

Cant say if the same engine features in the Jeep you mention,
its a FIAT powerplant, and by all accounts is a superb lump (diesel).
When they launched the Alfa diesels, they used some cool advertising -
pic of gorgeous Alfa with the tagline (in huge print)
Alfa DIESEL DIESEL DIESEL, no matter how many times you sat it,
it just doesnt sound right.

nice avatar btw

Tony

[TX76513]

Originally Posted by tc20

Cant say if the same engine features in the Jeep you mention,
its a FIAT powerplant, and by all accounts is a superb lump (diesel).
When they launched the Alfa diesels, they used some cool advertising -
pic of gorgeous Alfa with the tagline (in huge print)
Alfa DIESEL DIESEL DIESEL, no matter how many times you sat it,
it just doesnt sound right.

nice avatar btw

Tony

Maybe I just have the fact - Italian Made Diesel planted in my head
The Alfa diesel is sweet. It's strange how attractions grow stronger to things that you cannot get

[tc20]

i have to agree with Alfa's advertising - Alfa diesel just doesnt sound right.
for such a nation of petrolheads as the Italians to make an oil-burner, and then to put it into their sexiest marque, for the masses, (i wouldnt rule out a diesel Lamborghini ) seemed like sacrilege. but i guess market forces, and the fact that the Fiat group are in severe financial trouble, led to its introduction. Even Jaguar are at it (diesels), but i think european car sales of diesels are are on a par with petrol engines, if not, then theres not much between them

[cmac2012]

Originally Posted by tc20

the 147 is a pretty car alright, though the trick 'hidden' rear door
handles first appeared on the Alfa 156 saloon. the handle is located
in the trim at the rear of the door frame.
havent heard of the 1.5 diesel option, here you can choose either 1.9
or 2.4 oil burners. petrol versions include 1.6, 2.0 upto fire-breathing
3.2 GTA model, tho' im not too sure about putting 250bhp thru the
front wheels.
Alfa have always made beautiful looking cars, and engines, tho' their rep
was always tarnished by their fondness for tinworm, structural integrity and reliability problems. a friend of mine who has driven a number of Alfas reckoned you would always be carrying a piece of the car around with you.
the 'new' generation of Alfas, beginning with the 156, went someway to addressing quality issues, and for sure their propensity to rust has been
sorted, however their reliabilty (mechanical/electrical) still leaves a lot to be desired. they do tend to languish at the lower end of the league tables when it comes to independent customer surveys (JD Power, Top Gear), pity.
They really are a car you buy with your heart, not your head.

That squares with a lot I've heard about Alfas. Sexy, exciting, but not real reliable. They've definitely got the busiest, most colorful logo of any car.

[Palangi]

Never buy anything made in Italy unless it contains at least 10% alcohol.

[cmac2012]

Can Ferraris run on ethanol?

[tc20]

Originally Posted by cmac2012

That squares with a lot I've heard about Alfas. Sexy, exciting, but not real reliable. They've definitely got the busiest, most colorful logo of any car.

yes, and an interesting history. i was a car show in Dublin a few years ago where, for most, the attraction was the appearance of a certain Mr Schumacher, in town on a Ferrari promo tour. altho i would have an interest in F1, for myself the prescence of an Alfa Romeo factory collection was the reason i went. i felt their was a spirit, a mood, just something about being in their (the cars) midst. they are simply gorgeous cars in the flesh, from their early racers to (at the time) Nuvloari concept. naturally, the Italian atmosphere was extended to the sharply suited, very friendly Alfistas, who were delighted to engage you in any detail, encouraging you to share in their passion.
as for the history of the badge, this will tell you all -
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/alfaromeo.com
follow headings for history, then under heritage. each decade is represented and under passion, it explains the history of the emblem