 |
| Photo
Gallery |
 |
|
|
|
| Review |
|
|
Introduction |
|
It has been a long time since we saw a new sports coupé from Alfa Romeo. With the new GT this thread is picked up again and the result is
very succesful.
The Italian is available with three different power units. The 1.9 JTD (150 bhp) from this test with 6-speed manual. The 2.0 JTS (165 bhp)
lets the choice between a 5-speed manual and a sequential gearbox. The range-topping model hoardes Alfa's powerful 3.2-litre V6 (240 bhp)
and has a 6-speed manual.
The 1.9 JTD and 2.0 JTS are available in two equipements. The basic version calls Progression and has a large amount of standard features. The more expensive
Distinctive has a superior specification including leather seats and internal trim as standard. The 3.2 V6 is only available in this top-version. Our test car with 1.9 JTD diesel engine
was equipped in Progression-version and had metallic paint as only option. |
|
Chassis |
|
|
The new GT is immediately recognizable as an Alfa Romeo. The GT was designed by Bertone in cooperation with Centro Stile Alfa Romeo. Compact and flowing
lines give the car the looks of a true coupé. It's own personality is already proved by the frontside because of the shield-shape of the radiatorgrid,
which is fitted between the headlights. The GT is also a very up-to-date presence thanks to the rising flanks. This amazing car really doesn't let go unnoted and
lots of passants made it clear that he appealed to their taste. Due to the small rear window the visibility to the back is limited. |
|
Interior |
|
Also the interior of the GT is typical Alfa, with its three-spoke
steering wheel and the three round clocks behind. The dashboard looks
somewhat plastic, but for those who want, there are optional leather
seats and interior
trim available. The driver
has further no reason to complain. The sport seats give
a perfect support and the steering wheel can be adjusted in
four directions.
The seats and door panels of the Progression are made of
Alfatex,
a new comfortable micro-fiber cloth developed by Alfa
Romeo.
At the back there's more space than you would suspect. The
headroom is rather limited, but most of its competitors have the
same problem. The GT is however also practical. He has a large
luggage compartment that, exploiting the many different combinations
of the split-fold rear seats, mushrooms to 905 dm³.
The
Progression is standard very well equipped. Besides a reliable
radio and CD player, he is equipped with cruise control, central-positioned
computer, air conditioning with climate control ... |
|
Engine & Performance
|
|
|
The 1.9 JTD 16v comes with a six-speed manual transmission. The maximum
power of 150 bhp is available at 4000 rpm. This straight 4-cylinder
power unit in which the M-JET system is combined with a new control
system that increases
the number of injections in the cylinder, assuring more gradual
combustion. This delivers surprising results: extraordinary power and
torque, reduced emissions,
improved fuel economy, all combined with improved silent running
and a consistent reduction in vibrations. The maximum torque of 305
Nm is available from just 2000 rpm, by which the 1.9
JTD makes smooth accelarations possible. The
GT sprints from 0 to 100 km/h
in 9,6 seconds. Remarkable phenomenon is that the diesel-version
costs less then the cheapest petrol-model.
|
|
Fuel
Consumption
|
|
|
During our road test we noted an average fuel consumption of 7,5 liter
per 100 km. According to Alfa Romeo, it is possibe to decrease
this figure to 5,4 liter on the freeway. In the city the consumption
raises again up to 8,7 liter per 100
km.
This engine offers very attractive fuel economy results, certainly
in accordance with the brilliant performance.
|
|
Driving
|
|
|
The Alfa GT gets the chassis of the 156, but in a more fixed configuration.
The result is an extremely sporty handling which guarantees maximum
stability and road-holding. With this car you don't always choose the
shortest way home. The driving pleasure is
owed to the hyperdirect steering mechanism which asks a minimum of
moves. Besides,
the dosage of the power steering is extremely well chosen. The large
turning circle rather reduces the handling in sharp bends.
|
|
Comfort
|
|
|
The GT doesn't have the ambition to be a comfortable cruiser. The suspension
is too fixed for that and sometimes even feels jumpy. The seats
are great and an automatic airco is standard. The engine is clearly
audible, but really doesn't bother. At higher speeds there's some
wind noise. The GT also has quite a lot of safety features. The
hydraulic brakes are assisted with ABS
and EBD - brake force distribution. In addition to this ASR and
MSR prevent the slipping of the wheels. This car further has six
standard airbags to protect its passengers efficient.
|
|
Price & Equipment
|
|
Without options, but with quite a few standard features the Alfa Romeo
1.9 JTD leaves the showroom for €26,800.
A very special price in comparison with most of its competitors: € 30,600
for a BMW 320cd (150 bhp) or €29,040 for a
Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI Sport Coupé (150 bhp) or €30,650 for a Peugeot
406 Coupé 2.2 HDi (133 bhp).
Our test car was also equipped with metal colour
which gave it a total price of €27,350. A reasonable price for
a true Italian sports coupé.
For the Distinctive-version you pay €28,600. This model completes
the Progression with the Bose hi-fi system with CD and
MP3 file player, radio and telephone controls on the steering-wheel
and leather seats and internal trim. |
| |
| Story
and images by Vercaemst Grégory. |
| |
| Specifications |
|
|
|
Engine
& Transmission
|
|
| Type |
Inline
4, 16-valves |
| Location |
Front,
transversely-mounted |
| Displacement |
1910
cc / 116.5 cu in |
| Bore |
82.0
x 3.23 in |
| Stroke |
90.4
x 3.56 in |
| Compression
ratio |
18.0:1 |
| Power |
111.9
kW / 150.0 bhp at 4000 rpm |
| Torque |
305.0
Nm / 225.0 ft lbs at 2000 rpm |
| Drive |
Front
wheel drive |
| Transmission |
6-speed
manual |
| Front
brakes |
Ventilated
discs |
| Rear
brakes |
Solid
discs |
| Steering |
Rack
and pinion w/ power assistance |
|
|
Performance
& Fuel Economy
|
|
| 0
- 62 mph |
9.6
seconds |
| 0
- 100 mph |
Not
Available |
| 0
- ¼ mile |
Not
Available |
| Top
Speed |
209.0
kph / 129.9 mph |
| EPA city |
8,7
l/100 km |
| EPA
highway |
5,4
l/100 km |
| EPA
combined |
6,7
l/100 km |
| Our
driving |
7,5
l/100 km |
|
|
Dimensions
& Weight
|
|
| Length |
4489
mm / 176.7 in |
| Width |
1763
mm / 69.4 in |
| Height |
1366
mm / 53.8 in |
| Wheelbase |
2596
mm / 102.2 in |
| Front
track |
1524
mm / 60.0 in |
| Rear
track |
1510
mm / 59.4 in |
| Front
tyres |
205/55-R16 |
| Rear
tyres |
205/55-R16 |
| Kerb
weigth |
1365
kg / 3009 lbs |
| Max.
permitted weigth |
Not
Available |
| Seating
capacity |
5 seats |
| Trunk
volume
min / max |
320
dm³ / 905 dm³ |
| Fuel
capacity |
63,0
liter |
| Spare
wheel |
Repair
kit for tyres |
|
|
Price
|
|
| Available
from |
€26,800
(1.9 JTD) |
| Base
price test car |
€26,800
(1.9 JTD Progression) |
| Price
as tested |
€27,350 |
|
|
Verdict
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Magnificent
styling |
| Interior
design |
| Large
luggage compartment |
| Fuel
economy & performance |
| |
|
|
|
Headroom
at the back |
| Large
turning circle |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
