Segment:
Compact Executive Car (D-segment)
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, premium sedan/wagon buyers seeking performance and style
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volkswagen Passat
Design Philosophy:
Italian styling, sporty handling, premium interior appointments
Platform Sharing:
Utilized the GM Epsilon II platform, shared with models like the Opel Vectra C and Cadillac BLS
Engine:
1.8L MPI I4 Petrol, 1.9L JTS I4 Petrol, 2.2L JTS I4 Petrol, 3.2L JTS V6 Petrol, 1.9L JTD I4 (8V & 16V) Diesel, 2.4L JTD I5 (20V) Diesel
Lubrication:
Lubrication System (Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, oil change procedures)
Cooling:
Cooling System (Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant types, fan operation)
Emission:
Emission Control (Catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP systems, emissions testing)
Fuel:
Fuel System (Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure, tank components)
Drivetrain:
Clutch, Manual Transmission, Axle
Braking:
Brake System (Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake pads, rotors, calipers, bleeding)
Steering:
Steering System (Power steering, steering rack, tie rods, alignment)
Suspension:
Suspension System (Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings)
Wheels Tires:
Wheel & Tire (Tire pressure, rotation, wheel balancing, bolt patterns)
Electrical:
Electrical Equipment (Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, sensors, ECU)
Body:
Body and Accessories, Panels & Frames (Bodywork, interior trim, doors, windows, structural components)
Wiring:
Wiring Diagrams (Complete electrical schematics for all systems)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plugs, timing belts/chains)
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting and diagnostics for all major systems, fault code interpretation
Engine Repair:
Engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all covered variants
Transmission Repair:
Manual transmission overhaul and repair procedures
Brake Service:
Brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush
Electrical Diagnosis:
Component testing, circuit tracing, repair of electrical faults
Suspension Steering Repair:
Component replacement (shocks, struts, bushings, tie rods), alignment procedures
Bodywork Repair:
Panel replacement, minor body repair, trim removal/installation
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics)
Engine 1.8L Mpi I4:
1.8L (1796cc) GM Ecotec Family II I4, ~140 PS (138 hp / 103 kW)
Engine 1.9L Jts I4:
1.9L (1856cc) JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) I4 Petrol, ~160 PS (158 hp / 118 kW)
Engine 2.2L Jts I4:
2.2L (2198cc) JTS I4 Petrol, ~185 PS (182 hp / 136 kW)
Engine 3.2L Jts V6:
3.2L (3197cc) JTS V6 Petrol, ~260 PS (256 hp / 191 kW)
Engine 1.9L Jtd I4 8V:
1.9L (1910cc) JTD (Turbocharged Direct Injection) I4 Diesel (8 Valve), ~115 PS (113 hp / 85 kW)
Engine 1.9L Jtd I4 16V:
1.9L (1910cc) JTD I4 Diesel (16 Valve), ~150 PS (148 hp / 110 kW)
Engine 2.4L Jtd I5 20V:
2.4L (2387cc) JTD I5 Diesel (20 Valve), ~200 PS (197 hp / 147 kW)
Fuel Type:
Petrol (Gasoline) and Diesel
Petrol Injection:
MPI (Multi-Point Injection) for 1.8L, JTS (Direct Injection for 1.9L, 2.2L, 3.2L V6)
Diesel Injection:
Common Rail Direct Injection (JTD/JTDm)
Turbocharging:
Turbocharged for all JTD diesel engines, and some petrol variants
Euro Ncap:
5 Stars (achieved in 2006)
Braking Systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Assist
Stability Control:
VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control - similar to ESP) standard on most models
Airbags:
Driver, front passenger, side airbags, curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
Pretensioner seat belts with load limiters
Oil Change Petrol:
Typically every 15,000-20,000 km or 12 months (refer to manual for exact specifications based on engine and usage)
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 20,000-30,000 km or 12 months (refer to manual for exact specifications)
Timing Belt Petrol:
1.8L MPI: ~60,000-120,000 km or 5-6 years (check manual); JTS engines may have chains or belts, requiring specific checks.
Timing Belt Diesel:
1.9L JTD 8V: Chain; 1.9L JTD 16V & 2.4L JTD 20V: Typically have timing belts requiring replacement around 100,000-150,000 km or 5-7 years.
Engine Oil Petrol Viscosity:
Commonly 5W-40 or 10W-40 (e.g., Selenia Star Pure Energy for JTS engines). Consult manual for exact ACEA/API specs.
Engine Oil Diesel Viscosity:
Commonly 5W-30 or 5W-40 (e.g., Selenia WR Pure Energy for JTDm engines). Consult manual for exact ACEA/API specs.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically Paraflu Up or equivalent, with specific Alfa Romeo or Fiat approval.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, specific viscosity grade depending on gearbox and temperature (e.g., Tutela Geartech JTD)
Common Faults:
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration issues, swirl flap actuator failures (JTD engines), injector issues, EGR valve problems, electrical gremlins, suspension component wear (especially ball joints and bushes), Alfa Romeo specific 'red oil' sensor faults.