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<lastBuildDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:57:40 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo MiTo MultiAir]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - In Frankfurt, Alfa will launch its new MultiAir engine technology; we've already driven it.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:57:40 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[MINI Cooper vs. Alfa Romeo MiTo]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Potential buyers will most likely have chosen between the MINI Cooper and the Alfa MiTo even before they've driven them, as the contest is all about style.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:43:29 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo Brera Range : THE BRERA OF GOOD NEWS?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Alfa Romeo hope their Brera can seduce a whole new generation of coupe customers. Andy Enright assesses its chances.Expectation can play havoc with objectivity. Had I never clapped eyes on the Alfa Romeo Brera prototype that was wheeled out at various motor shows, I'd probably be lauding the Brera production car as one of the best looking cars on the road today. Put pictures of the two versions of the same theme back to back, however, and it's instantly apparent that something has been lost in the translation to showroom reality.The undisputed star of the Geneva Motor Show in 2002, the Brera prototype wowed the crowds with a shape that managed to meld classic Alfa Romeo design cues with a bold, futuristic vision of what a post millennial successor to the classic GTV was all about. Nobody really believed the flip-up doors would make production and, for quite some time, Alfa Romeo stonewalled any questions as to whether the Brera would go into series production at all. Fast forward three years to the 2005 Geneva Show and the car that customers would be able to buy was on display. It still attracted huge crowds and remained a very good-looking car but some of the tension and drama of the original had leaked away, replaced by a finished article that worked better from some angles than others. From dead ahead, the Brera is still something very special with piercing triple circular headlamps that arc down to a simplified version of the show car grille. The bonnet swage lines and underbumper air intakes all serve to give the car a pinched, aggressive look that works superbly."Call it what you like, but the Brera is certainly anything but dull"Likewise from the rear, the Brera looks a million dollars. Softer and more rounded than the frontal treatment, the back end features a pair of wedge-shaped tail lamps that integrate into a curvaceous bumper assembly. The arrowhead rear window and quad tailpipes are very deft styling touches. It's in profile that the changes to the Brera production car can be best appreciated. Sitting on a shorter wheelbase than the 159 saloon, the Brera's overhangs aren't actually any longer than the show car, but appear to be so due to the short wheelbase. The distance between the leading edge of the door and the trailing edge of the front wheelarch is less than half that of the show car, losing the prototype's cartoonishly priapic bonnet length in the process. The roofline is raised as well and a conventional B-pillar has also been quietly inserted. Again, the short doors do little to enhance the elegance of the design. Let's retain some perspective though. This is still one of the best looking cars money can buy. Better looking than Alfa's rather beautiful GT coupe? That's a tough one. In terms of design cohesiveness, I'd say the GT has the edge, especially when specified with a decently sized set of alloys. It may edge the Brera in terms of beauty but the senior partner blows it into the weeds when it comes to visual drama. Alfa will need to give the Brera some breathing room when it comes to pricing and with prices starting from around £25,000, there's some clearance between the two models. The corollary of this is that it punts the Brera into competition with some very serious machinery. The entry-level 2.2-litre car will cost nearly £3,000 more than an entry-level Mazda RX-8 and comes head to head with the class leader, the Nissan 350Z. Losing 101bhp to the Nissan, there's no way the Alfa will win a competition as the sharper driving tool but as an object of desire, it could carve itself a solid niche. Taking 8.6 seconds to get to 60mph from rest and topping-out at 138mph makes this a brisk rather than concussive performer. The 2.2-litre petrol engine is likely to be the big seller and it's a very slick powerplant, if not hugely rapid in this installation. Alfa Romeo predicts that it will take 60 per cent of UK sales and it's not hard to see why. The 185bhp engine returns a decent 30.1mpg fuel figure and emissions aren't unreasonable at 221g/km. If you're not all about cornering a car on its door handles, then this makes a very interesting choice. With rear seats that will easily accept smaller children, it's even halfway practical. The next step up the Brera ladder is a 210bhp diesel version which, like the 2.2-litre car, directs power to the front wheels. The range-topping Brera variant is the storming 3.2-litre all-wheel drive Q4. This model will hit 60mph in 6.8 seconds and packs a 260bhp punch. There is also a choice of manual or QTRONIC gearboxes and for buyers seeking a sportier driving experience, the Brera S, which has been developed specifically for UK roads. The Brera's interior is a good deal better in terms of fit and finish than most rivals and it retains the by now almost obligatory Alfa sense of occasion. With plenty of metallic finishes to lift the fascia and driver-oriented instruments, the design makes a nod or two to tradition. How many other cars still retain an oil temperature gauge? The Brera has and it's a welcome touch. There's a voguish starter button and minor controls on the steering wheel. With plenty of adjustment in both the seat and the steering column, even taller drivers will easily find a comfortable driving position. As touched on before, rear seat space isn't stellar but there is a decently-sized boot which, like almost every car manufactured today, appears to have been designed with the main criterion of being able to carry a golf bag. The day I see a manufacturer proudly trumpet the fact that their product can't carry a golf bag is the day that I walk into the dealership and hand over a deposit cheque. The Brera is certainly an interesting car. It's a coupe that will have people walking around it, observing its every angle. A head turner, a controversy, a missed opportunity, the last of a line, a work of automotive art, call it what you will, the Brera is anything but dull. A coupe can be many things but the only inexcusable quality is dullness. Judged on that criterion, if nothing else, the Brera deserves success. A rather hefty price tag and some talented rivals may act as significant impediments but there's a charisma to this car that may well steamroller such trifling caveats. Alfa expectsâ€¦Facts At A Glance CAR: Alfa Romeo Brera range PRICES: £24,895-£30,395 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 15-18 CO2 EMISSIONS: 179-273g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.2] 0-60mph 8.6s Max Speed 138 mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.2] (urban) 21.7mpg / (extra urban) 38.7mpg / (combined) 30.1 mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and knee airbags, ABS, traction and stability control, ABS with brake assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4413,1830,1372mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 156, Typically Italian]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Even now there are few saloons as gorgeous as the Alfa 156. Like its predecessors, it still wasn't built properly - but that no longer mattered.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:23:32 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo Spider 2.4 JTDM : SPIDER STRIKES OIL]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Diesel engines and roadsters don't tend to mix well but Alfa Romeo's Spider 2.4-litre JTDM might be an exception. Steve Walker reports.It says something about how far the diesel engine has come that you can now get one in an open-topped sportscar from Alfa Romeo. The oil-burning Ferrari may still be some way off but the fact that those purveyors of effortless Italian cool at Alfa have given a diesel the box seat in their stylish roadster speaks volumes about how far the technology has advanced. Of course, the Alfa Romeo Spider 2.4 JDTM 20v could simply be a spectacular error of judgement on the manufacturer's part. What's not in doubt is that this is a car which provokes debate.Alfa Romeo and the roadster go back a long way. The Spider name has been attached to a succession of chic, desirable and usually red open-topped sportscars since the original melted hearts in the mid `60s. The latest Spider follows on in that tradition but it's also very much a product of the modern era. The car mixes its considerable beauty with a full complement of creature comforts and, in diesel form at least, maintains a focus on running costs as well as an environmental conscience. The JTD common-rail diesel engines offered by Alfa Romeo and parent company Fiat since 1997 have carved out a good reputation in the marketplace and the 2.4-litre unit in the Alfa Spider is of the second generation JTDM variety. It's what Alfa engineers call a MultiJet diesel. This means that it is capable of making multiple precisely-controlled injections of diesel into its cylinders during each cycle. It adjusts the timing and size of these squirts to maximise efficiency or performance as required. The result is a 210bhp power output and torque of 400Nm at 2,000rpm. That's more low-down grunt that the Spider's 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine but 0-60mph performance is over a second down at 8.4s. Regardless of the engine installation, the Alfa Spider isn't as fast as its exotic styling suggests so the diesel's languid style suits the car. A mild rumble gives the oil-burning game away and there's none of the aural drama when you plant the throttle that roadster fans yearn for, but the diesel isn't without its appeal on a sensible level."It's the styling that sells this carâ€¦"The front-wheel-drive layout of the Spider 2.4 JTDM doesn't lead you to expect a serious driver's car and certified performance nuts would be better with the four-wheel-drive V6 model if they pick an Alfa Spider at all. The car handles sharply enough with inputs through the over-large steering wheel prompting quick responses with tight body control. The ride is firm and the absence of the extra bracing that a fixed roof would afford results in poor surfaces sending shudders through the car. If you give the Spider some pristine asphalt and some clement weather, it definitely qualifies as an entertaining drive. It's not particularly at home on the UK's rutted B-roads but do you really want to stick to the backwaters in a car that looks like this? People thought the Brera coupe looked good but the Alfa Spider has to be even easier on the eye - especially with the fabric roof folded. That frontal treatment with the chrome bars across the raised triangular grille and those headlamps like jewels set against the darkness behind is fast becoming an Alfa Romeo trademark. The 159 used it as did the Brera but the Spider does so to even greater effect. At the back, the Brera's rather bulbous rear disappears with the hood folded, thus illuminating the fixed roof car's only major aesthetic Achilles heel. Actually folding the roof takes some 25 seconds, not quick by modern standards but it means more passers by will be able to witness the spectacle. Alfa chose not to include the ludicrously-tiny rear seats that show up so frequently in modern convertibles. Instead, you have a pair of lockable storage bins built-in behind the driver that supplement the 200-litre capacity of the boot with a further 100-litres and are a far more practical solution. The amount of usable storage as a whole is on a par with the likes of Audi's TT Roadster and the Nissan 350Z Roadster but you'll still need to travel light. The interior can't quite live up to the standards set but the Audi, despite some high quality materials and attractive aluminium detailing. The centre console is actually angled towards the driver, making its controls and displays that bit easier to use, while the overall feel is suitable special for a car of this type in this price bracket. If you simply must have a £30,000 roadster with a diesel engine, your options are limited. The Alfa Romeo Spider 2.4 JTDM comes in at around the £30,000 mark, which puts it in the ballpark of the Nissan 370z and the Audi TT but neither of those cars has a diesel option. In truth, the Spider doesn't shine in the company of such focused sportscars. If anything, the car's character has more in common with larger, plusher convertibles like Audi's A4 Cabriolet or BMW's 3-Series Coupe. Here, diesel power is on the agenda but these models are considerably more practical than the Spider with additional boot space and usable rear seats. What they can't match is the Spider's sleek bodywork. You get a good haul of features for the money. Safety provision runs to five airbags, rear parking sensors, ABS with brake assist, brakeforce distribution and Alfa's Vehicle Dynamic Control system that includes a useful hill holder function. Other desirables include leather trim, cruise control, a six-speaker stereo, dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors which come in handy as rear visibility with the hood up is severely limited. There is also a choice of manual or QTRONIC gearboxes with this model. It's the running costs that will attract buyers to the 2.4 JTDM engine in the Alfa Spider range. On the combined cycle, it achieves 41.5 mpg which is vastly superior to the 30mpg you can get from the next best 2.2-litre JTS petrol model. Granted, that car is £3,000 cheaper than the diesel but the oil-burner is fractionally faster and has massively more torque. The emissions figures tell a similar story with the 2.4 JTDM engine producing 179g/km compared to 221g/km. The car is also fitted with a particulate filter that collects the harmful dust particles contained without the exhaust and incinerates them. The Alfa's price point puts it head to head with rivals from Audi and BMW and it would be dangerous to expect the Italian car to hang on to its value with quite the iron fist that the Teutonic contingent do. The Brera's popularity has kept used values surprisingly high, however, and with the Alfa Romeo brand on the up in the UK, the Spider should follow suit to an extent. It may not drop the depreciation clanger than some envisaged. With diesel power installed, most out and out sports cars would lose their essential verve but Alfa's Spider isn't an out and out sports car. Because of this, its 2.4-litre JTDM powerplant's lack of searing performance and a sonorous engine note doesn't matter too much. The Alfa Spider is at its best making unhurried progress on a sunny day and letting the world at large revel in its gorgeous styling. For this kind of work, a muscular, fuel efficient diesel can be just the thing. There's no doubt that a diesel engine just wouldn't work in some of the more hardcore roadster offerings but the Alfa Romeo Spider's softer side means it carries the oil-burning engine off surprisingly well. It's the styling that sells this car not its handling prowess and if you're primarily concerned with looking good, why not do it in the most cost-effective way possible? The diesel is noisier than the petrol contingent but not by too much and the powerful low-end torque produces a relaxed driving experience that's also in-keeping with the car's character. The purists would never entertain the idea of a diesel roadster but Alfa's Spider 2.4 JTDM is evidence enough that perhaps you should.Facts At A Glance CAR: Alfa Romeo Spider 2.4 JTDM 20v PRICE: £30,395 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 17 CO2 EMISSIONS: 179g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.4s Max Speed 142mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 30.7mpg / (extra urban) 52.3mpg / (combined) 41.5mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and knee airbags, ABS, traction and stability control, ABS with brake assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4393/1830/1318mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 16:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TB : SMALL TURBO, BIG FUN]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Alfa's turbocharged 1.4 TB engines look a good fit in the MiTo range. Steve Walker takes a look.If the automotive industry brainboxes are to be believed, engines in our small cars are going to get smaller. It's a result of the push for greater efficiency and lower emissions but it doesn't have to mean that that the days of fun, fast hatchbacks are over. With the aid of a little turbocharging, a small capacity petrol engine can punch well above its weight, as the 1.4-litre TB unit in Alfa Romeo's MiTo aims to demonstrate.There's no doubt that the cost of buying and running a small car with lively performance can be prohibitive, especially for the younger drivers that tend to be attracted by such models. Once the lofty asking price has been met, the fun really starts as the insurance quotes come in and the fuel bills mount up. Suddenly the sluggish entry-level engine you turned your nose up at starts to look like a more viable option. So can the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TB buck this trend? It seems to have the right stuff. A good turbocharged engine can deliver performance and flexibility that belies its size and the best modern units are light on fuel to boot. The somewhat unfortunately titled 1.4 TB engine fits that description and is available in two guises when fitted to Alfa's MiTo. First up is the 120bhp option. Thanks to its turbo, it reaches peak power output at 5,000rpm which is lower in the rev range, and therefore more accessible, than you'd expect from a normally-aspirated engine with the same output. Maximum torque of 206Nm is also available low down at 1,750rpm, so you get the almost diesel-like thrust through the gears that adds to the enjoyment factor in a feisty small car. 0-60mph takes 8.8s which is respectable but not as quick as the 155bhp version which does the same in eight seconds dead. This unit hits its peak power at 5,500rpm and develops torque of 230Nm at 3,000rpm but in everyday driving doesn't feel massively quicker than the 120bhp car."The idea of a 1.4-litre supermini won't usually stir the souls of enthusiastic drivers but chuck in a turbo and things take on a different hue"Alfa Romeos are supposed to be entertaining to drive and the MiTo seeks to underline its sporting intentions with its DNA system. The technology can adapt the MiTo's steering, throttle response and stability control according to the conditions and the driver's preferences. It can be set in Normal, Dynamic or All-Weather modes to help drivers get the most out of their vehicle. In Dynamic mode, the turbo gives extra boost but the Normal setting takes the edge of the throttle response for more relaxed driving. The MiTo handles competently but can't match the fun factor of BMW's MINI with a ride that's on the fidgety side and a lack of steering feel. Also offered are a hill hold function and Alfa's Q2 technology that acts like a limited slip differential to divert engine torque to the wheel that has the grip to use it. Alfa Romeos are supposed to be pretty and the MiTo is definitely one of the more stylish small cars in today's marketplace. The car is based on the same platform as the Fiat Grande Punto and it shares that car's elegant dimensions while adding some attractive detailing of its own. The interior of the MiTo could well be best in the current Alfa Romeo range. It seems strongly built and the variety of racy trim materials employed to impressively up-market effect. The rocker switch behind the gear lever that controls the DNA system is particularly well executed. The driving position in the MiTo is lower and more sporty than you'll encounter in the majority of superminis but there's a good degree of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel so drivers can adapt it to their own tastes. The boot is fairly modest at 270-litres and there's quite a high lip which means items have to be lowered inside. Space in the rear is reasonable compared to other three-door superminis but a pair of tall adults wouldn't be very comfortable back there on a long journey. There are three trim levels available to buyers but while the 120bhp 1.4 TB engine is available in all of them, the 155bhp version only comes with the higher spec Lusso and Veloce versions. The entry-level Turismo trim includes features like the DNA system, the Q2 electronic differential, VDC stability control, remote central locking, a CD stereo and a full complement of airbags so it's hardly Spartan. Select a set of alloy wheels from the options list and it might be the best value package. The higher trim levels get alloy wheels as standard along with a number of features that make the MiTo look and feel a more upmarket proposition. The MiTo is campaigning at the trendier end of the supermini market, trading on the equity in the Alfa Romeo brand. The MINI is its most obvious rival and its prices look very attractive next to those of that car. Alfa has laid on a vast array of options for buyers wanting to personalise their vehicle and it would be quite easy to get carried away and bump your MiTo up well beyond the list price. The kind of performance that the 1.4-litre TB MiTo models serve up would normally come at a considerable running costs penalty but economy and emissions hold up very well thanks to the engine's advanced design. The 120bhp version manages over 46mpg on the combined cycle which is only 2mpg down on the 95bhp normally aspirated 1.4 that props up the MiTo range. With emissions of 145g/km and insurance in group 5, it should prove pleasantly inexpensive to run. The 155bhp engine returns 43.5mpg and 153g/km but its insurance jumps to group 10 which might deter younger buyers. Residual values for the MiTo are predicted to be strong initially, even rivalling those of the MINI. How they hold up longer term is less clear but it looks likely that the car will be able to justify its premium pricing over mainstream superminis with a less prestigious badge. The idea of a 1.4-litre supermini won't usually stir the souls of enthusiastic drivers but chuck in a turbo and things take on a different hue. The Alfa Romeo MiTo works a treat with its 1.4-litre TB turbocharged engines and they add a lot to the stylish, sporty package that Alfa has concocted. Sub-nine-second 0-60mph performance and 46mpg economy is extremely good going in this sector. The MiTo might not be the last word in handling poise or road-going refinement but it's a competent steer that's practical for a three-door supermini and it looks the part. The kudos bundled up with the Alfa brand will also play a large role in convincing buyers and a big proportion of them will pick out these lively, economical 1.4-litre TB engines which seem such a good fit for the car.Facts At A Glance CAR: Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TB PRICES: £11,919-£14,745 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 5-10 CO2 EMISSIONS: 145-153g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.4 TB 120bhp] 0-60mph 8.8s Max Speed 123mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.4 TB 120bhp] (urban) 34.9mpg / (extra urban) 56.5mpg / (combined) 46.3mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Seven airbags, ABS, EBD, VDC WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4063/1721/1446mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo MiTo Range : LITTLE ITALY]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Alfa's smallest model in a long while could be its biggest hit. Steve Walker reports.It's a mark of the strength of the Alfa Romeo brand that it still generates warm, fuzzy emotions in people who care about cars. That the firm has been going through a rocky patch of Himalayan proportions for a number of years is common knowledge. Profits have been tough to come by while gripes concerning reliability and dealer support haven't helped the Alfa brand's perception in the UK. Despite all this, Alfa Romeo cars are still in possession of that quality which other manufacturers would commit multiple homicide for - they make you smile. The style, the flair, the passion, it's all very much intact in the best Alfa Romeos but converting that emotional involvement into big sales is the challenge. The MiTo supermini could be the car to pull it off.The Alfa MiTo rides on the same underpinnings as the Fiat Grande Punto and Vauxhall's Corsa. On the one hand, this could dissuade some potential buyers from paying the premium that Alfa wants for its MiTo but on the other it might serve as reassurance of the MiTo's underlying qualities. After all, modern superminis don't come much better than the Fiat and the Vauxhall so the MiTo could do a lot worse than inheriting a little of their build quality and ergonomics. This car is built on solid, if mainstream foundations but Alfa's designers have taken steps to ensure that it looks and feels anything but run-of-the-mill. The MiTo has a wide range of engines to call upon divided into normally-aspirated petrol units, turbocharged petrols and common-rail diesels. The entry-level choice and the most affordable way to get yourself into Alfa's baby is the 1.4-litre 95bhp petrol. Then there's the 1.4-litre TB petrol engine that made its debut in Fiat's Bravo and is offered in 120 or 155bhp forms. These turbocharged options may be small but they're a great solution for a small, fast car in the modern marketplace. They even make a decent stab at following Alfa Romeo's tradition of sweet sounding, high-revving petrol powerplants. The 155bhp unit in particular urges you to close in on the 6,500rpm redline. The diesels are the excellent 1.3-litre 90bhp unit that's found in various Fiats and Vauxhalls, plus a powerful 1.6-litre that has 120bhp and a hefty 320Nm torque rating."The MiTo goes head to head with some of the trendiest small cars aroundâ€¦"Alfa Romeos are supposed to be entertaining to drive and the MiTo seeks to underline its sporting intentions with its DNA (Dynamic - Normal - All Weather) system. The technology can adapt the MiTo's steering, throttle response and stability control according to the conditions and the driver's preferences. It can be set in Normal, Dynamic or All-Weather modes to help drivers get the most out of their vehicle. Also offered are a hill hold function and Alfa's Q2 technology that acts like a limited slip differential to divert engine torque to the wheel that has the grip to use it. Alfa Romeos are supposed to be pretty and they're supposed to be red, very red. The MiTo is certainly available in red so a tentative tick can go in that box and you'd have to say that it's a bit of a looker as well. There is a hint of Grande Punto about the MiTo when it's viewed in profile but the three door version of that car is regularly lauded for its clean flowing lines and the Alfa inherits these while taking things further with some neat original detailing. Around at the front, Alfa fans will be reminded of a model from the opposite end of the motoring spectrum to any Fiat - the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The MiTo has a similar nose to Alfa's 450bhp supercar with its protruding grille and teardrop headlights. Apparently, from the inception of the limited run 8C, the plan was always for elements of its striking styling treatment to find their way on to Alfa's volume-selling small car. The stylists' work has not been merely for show either. With a drag coefficient of just 0.29, the MiTo is an extremely aerodynamic vehicle. The interior of the MiTo could well be best in the current Alfa Romeo range. It seems strongly built and the variety of racy trim materials employed to impressively up-market effect. The rear seats can accommodate two adults without much drama and the rocker switch in front of the gear lever that controls the DNA system is particularly well executed. The MiTo is offered in Turismo, Lusso or Veloce trim, in that order of plushness. All MiTo models come with a healthy safety provision that includes seven airbags while a whole host of electronic driver aids are available on various models. These include ABS brakes, EBD brakeforce distribution, VDC Vehicle Dynamic Control, ASR anti-skid control, CBC Cornering Brake Control and DST Dynamic Steering Torque. The MiTo goes head to head with some of the trendiest small cars around in its bid to fire Alfa Romeo on the greater things. BMW's MINI stands out as its most obvious challenger and with their retro themes and sporty focus, the two cars look evenly matched. Alfa's illustrious heritage should play a key role in persuading buyers to come on board and the car's proven underpinnings should also serve as a reassurance to the motoring public. The Mito's engines are an efficient bunch, the biggest amongst them being the 1.6-litre oil-burner. The star performer from an economy perspective will be the 1.3-litre oil burner from which buyers can expect close to 60mpg on the combined cycle. The feisty 155bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine will return 43.5mpg on the combined cycle while producing emissions of 153g/km, which is a decent showing considering its performance potential. The MiTo is a massively important car for Alfa Romeo but the manufacturer hasn't rushed into the potentially lucrative small car sector unprepared. The MiTo runs on mechanicals that are shared with two of the very best supermini products out there and with that all important touch of Alfa style added into its mix, there's every chance that the MiTo can succeed. Striking looks based on those of an exclusive 450bhp supercar, solid build quality, advanced engines and all that Alfa Romeo heritage to yank on the heartstrings of the buying public: the Mito would appear to have the ingredients it needs to succeed. The market for trendy small cars has really taken off in recent years and the baby Alfa looks perfectly placed to capitalise.Facts At A Glance CAR: Alfa Romeo MiTo range PRICES: £10,995-£14,995 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 3-10 CO2 EMISSIONS: 119-153g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.4 TB 120bhp] 0-60mph 8.8s Max Speed 123mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.4 TB] (urban) 34.9mpg / (extra urban) 56.5mpg / (combined) 46.3mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Seven airbags, ABS, EBD WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4063/1721/1446mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo MiTo : WHEREFORE ART THOU ROMEO?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Alfa has entered the supermini market with its MiTo. June Neary investigates.Alfa Romeo remains one of the most romantic names in the automotive world. To get a badge that holds a similar kind of emotional bond with enthusiasts, you've usually got to spend a lot more money than Alfa asks for its line-up of saloons hatchbacks, coupes and convertibles. So the image is good: the problem is that the reality has often been less so. The Italian marque hasn't performed as well as other companies with massively less public goodwill behind them. The hope is that the MiTo supermini can be the car to turn Alfa's heritage into profit. I've got to say, I love the idea of a small car from Alfa. If any brand can challenge the dominance of BMW's MINI in the market for trendy small cars, you'd bank on the effortless Italian cool of Alfa Romeo. The car will need to be good though and on first acquaintance it seems to tick the right boxes. This is a model that looks and feels special, which is half the battle in the fashion conscious corner of the market where it competes. The fact that it rides on the same underpinnings as the Vauxhall Corsa and Fiat Punto bode well for the rest of the package too.There is a hint of Grande Punto about the MiTo when it's viewed in profile but the three-door version of that car is regularly lauded for its clean flowing lines and the Alfa inherits these while taking things further with some neat original detailing. Around at the front, Alfa fans will be reminded of a model from the opposite end of the motoring spectrum to any Fiat - the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The MiTo has a similar nose to Alfa's 450bhp supercar with its protruding grille and teardrop headlights. Apparently, from the inception of the limited run 8C, the plan was always for elements of its striking styling treatment to find their way on to Alfa's volume-selling small car. The stylists' work has not been merely for show either. With a drag coefficient of just 0.29, the MiTo is an extremely aerodynamic vehicle. The interior of the MiTo could well be best in the current Alfa Romeo range. It seems strongly built and a variety of racy trim materials are employed to impressively up-market effect. The rear seats can accommodate two adults without much drama and the rocker switch in front of the gear lever that controls the DNA system is very nicely designed though the 270-litre boot is on the small side. The DNA technology can adapt the MiTo's steering, throttle response and stability control according to the conditions and the driver's preferences. It can be set in Normal, Dynamic or All-Weather modes to help drivers get the most out of their vehicle. All MiTo models come with a healthy safety provision that includes seven airbags, while a whole host of electronic driver aids are available on various models. These include ABS brakes, EBD brakeforce distribution, VDC Vehicle Dynamic Control, ASR anti-skid control, CBC Cornering Brake Control and DST Dynamic Steering Torque.The MiTo is good fun on the road, living up to its Alfa Romeo billing. There's a definite sporty feel to the way it stops, goes and steers but that comes with a ride that's on the firm side and may be too much so for some tastes. I didn't have too much of a problem with it and was impressed with the amount of grip and the lack of body roll when the car corners quickly. You can hear what the engines are up to and this might be off-putting for some but I felt it was all part of the Alfa experience. The car has character and there aren't many you can say that about these days. The MiTo has a wide range of engines to call upon, divided into normally-aspirated petrol units, turbocharged petrols and common-rail diesels. The entry-level choice and the most affordable way to get yourself into Alfa's baby is the 1.4-litre 95bhp petrol. Then there's the 1.4-litre TB petrol engine that made its debut in Fiat's Bravo and is offered in 120 or 155bhp forms. These turbocharged options may be small but they're a great solution for a small, fast car in the modern marketplace. They even make a decent stab at following Alfa Romeo's tradition of sweet sounding, high-revving petrol powerplants. The 155bhp unit in particular urges you to close in on the 6,500rpm redline. The diesels are the excellent 1.3-litre 90bhp unit that's found in various Fiats and Vauxhalls, plus a powerful 1.6-litre that has 120bhp and a hefty 320Nm torque rating.The MiTo is offered in Turismo, Lusso or Veloce trim, in that order of plushness. Even the basic models get air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows and a CD stereo but you'll need to upgrade to the Lusso if you want the alloy wheels which are really a must on a car like this. The Veloce model has lots of design touches added on to improve its looks and a Bluetooth hands-free phone kit. The Mito is predictably priced at a premium over mainstream superminis but not a huge one. From a value perspective, it makes a sound case for itself.I like the MiTo. At the very least it's a more original choice for those seeking a trendy supermini than the ubiquitous MINI. Ultimately, it's probably less accomplished than the MINI but the gap isn't as wide as you might think and the prospect of owning a genuine Alfa Romeo has got to count for something.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS : THAT PETROL EMOTION]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Although it may not leap from the spec sheet at you, the 2.2-Litre JTS engine in the Alfa 159 is easy to fall for. Andy Enright reportsAs a species, we have a weakness for superlatives. We love to know what the fastest, the biggest, the most expensive and the most beautiful cars are. By the same token we're also curious as to what the slowest, the smallest, the cheapest and the ugliest models are. Cars that come somewhere in the middle require a little more mental processing to pigeonhole and, as such, these essential compromises are often easy to overlook.Take Alfa Romeo's 159 2.2JTS model. It sits in the middle of their petrol line up between the 1.8 and 3.2-litre cars. In many respects it's the unexceptional model, the one you will most likely not buy. Go beyond the superficial, however, and there are some compelling reasons why this car makes all sorts of sense. Doing your homework when it comes to buying a new car is rarely time wasted. If you're in the market for a mid-range Alfa Romeo 159 and you've taken a quick look at the 2.2-litre JTS model, you've doubtless also glanced at the relative value propositions of the 1.8-litre MPI petrol and the 1.9-litre JTD MultiJet diesel. If I was spending my own money, the diesel-engined car would get the nod every time. Virtually as quick as the 2.2JTS, way more economical and £500 cheaper model for model, it would appear to be a no brainer. That ignores the significant percentage of buyers who won't countenance a diesel engine, even if it is as good as the JTD MultiJet unit. These customers prefer the broader spread of torque of a decent petrol engine, abhor the turbo lag that's inherent in even the best turbodiesel installations and also dislike the noise at start-up, the temperamental cold weather starting, the messy refuelling procedure and the absence of the stirring soundtrack that accompanies a tuneful petrol engine."As much sense as a diesel-engined 159 makes on the balance sheet, if there's ever a time to let head rule heart it's when buying an Alfa Romeo"If you've read this far, the chances are you're one of these people. You're willing to forgo a few hundred pounds in annual running costs in order to not drive a diesel. If that is indeed the scenario, the 2.2-litre JTS model's case becomes really rather convincing. Compared to its 1.8-litre MPI petrol sibling, it's only marginally thirstier (a combined economy figure of 30.1 compared to 36.7mpg), quicker out of the blocks (getting from rest to 60mph in 8.5s as opposed to 10.2) and you get this extra urge for the relatively affordable premium of about £2,750. That money buys you an extra 45bhp, the 1.9-litre car knocking out 140bhp whereas the 2.2 nets you a hefty 185bhp and torque is much improved too, the 2.2-litre JTS engine serving up 230NM as opposed to the 1.8-litre's 175Nm showing. Otherwise there's not a huge difference between these two petrol cars. They share a lot of common parts including brakes and gearbox, but the 2.2-litre model can be identified from a distance by its twin chromed exhausts whereas the 1.8-litre model just sports the one tail pipe. Available in either standard, Lusso or TI trims, the range opens at just under £22,000 and tops out at just over £24,000 for the saloon models. The Sportwagon estates are also well worth investigating. Lusso trim gets you extras like leather, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Joint Thrust Stoichiometric (JTS) engine uses the principle of direct gasoline injection as used by Mitsubishi with their GDI powerplants and Renault with their HPI range of units. These fire fuel into the cylinder on the inlet stroke and meter their petrol ration minutely for optimum swirl, burn and a happy customer. This lean running results in superb economy, but these engines have traditionally had an Achilles heel. The pistons and inlet ports are designed for low-down economy, and the engine reverts to a normal - or stoichiometric - mix of air and fuel when you plant the loud pedal. Research has shown that Alfa owners enjoy doing this. A lot. Therefore, the normal gasoline direct engine just wouldn't wash. The JTS engine, on the other hand, uses relatively normal shaped pistons and inlet ports and relies on the actual fuel jet and a sky-high compression rate to do the job instead. Therefore, the JTS engine runs super-lean only up to around 1,500rpm, and normally thereafter. To the untrained eye, this would suggest that this 159 is the perfect sporting car for those who spend most of their time stuck in nose to tail traffic but there's more to it than that. Although it doesn't possess that addictive metallic zing of the old Twin Spark unit fitted to the 156, the JTS engine is refined and smooth even at higher revs. Continuous dual variable valve timing (ie. on both inlet and exhaust) gives decent torque at lower revs and a better power response at higher engine speeds. Watching one appear in my rear-view at the Nurburgring, I can assure you this vehicle has more overtaking presence than almost any BMW, the gimlet-eyed headlamps and razor-sharp front grille looking rather intimidating. The rear end is genuinely tricky to differentiate from the 156 at first glance, but the side view shows sharper creasing and swage lines with a longer front end. As cohesive a piece of penmanship as the 156 was, the 159 is a better balanced car. You'll only really consider buying the 159 2.2-litre JTS if you are dead set against buying a diesel because, on most objective criteria, the 1.9-litre JTD MultiJet is the better car. The thing is, we don't always buy our vehicles on strictly rational grounds and especially cars that are as sumptuously styled as Alfa`s 159. There will be a fair proportion of buyers who don't want to inject a prosaic dose of practicality into their buying decision. The 2.2-litre JTS engine allows just about the right sized dose of Latin hedonism.Facts At A Glance CAR: Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS range PRICE: £21,200-£22,700 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 13E CO2 EMISSIONS: 221g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.5s Max Speed 138 mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 30.1 mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and knee airbags, ABS, traction and stability control, ABS with brake assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4660/1828/1417mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 159 Range : YOUR NUMBER'S UP]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Alfa Romeo's 159 looks well able to shake the German establishment. Andy Enright assesses its chancesThe senior suits in charge at Alfa Romeo are on a mission. Challenges don't come a lot bigger than restoring this sleeping giant's global fortunes and the 159 is the company's bold new vision of the way an Italian executive saloon should look. And it looks good. This car replaced the successful old Alfa 156, but it'll do well to top that car's sales figures.Alfa are resolutely bullish, looking to sell 300,000 cars annually, eventually reintroducing the brand to the US, but for the time being the task at hand is too improve Alfa's sales performance in the UK. The 159 should be a key component in improving the marque's fortunes here. Only recently one of the big UK success stories, a stagnating line up caused Alfa's fortunes to dwindle. Despite some excellent engines, the shapes were no longer as alluring. With cars like this one and some exciting new models in the pipeline, Alfa should soon be back on the good foot. The 159, priced from just under £19,000 or £20,000 for the Sportwagon estate, has perhaps the toughest task of any model in the Alfa stable, taking the fight directly to cars like BMW's 3 Series. This market sector has changed a good deal in the past few years. Whereas a compact executive car was once an exclusive vehicle with quite some cachet, the collapse of the traditional fleet market took many customers out of Mondeos and Vectras and many of them have opted for BMWs. Alfa Romeo initially took advantage of this trend with the 156 but it's a fast moving market and the company's uncertain dalliance with General Motors perhaps stalled the introduction of the 159 for long enough to dent the company's bottom line. An Alfa executive recently bemoaned the lack of fiscal prurience, noting that "you can't find financially-minded people in this company - it's full of engineers who all want to launch new cars and don't want to deal with the boring bits in between. Perhaps Alfa has a little too much spirit for non-Alfisti, in its appearance, driving style and temperament.""The 159 has the ability to make a BMW 3 Series or an Audi A4 look like a lumpen frump"Read between the lines and you could easily conclude that in response to this, the 159 offers a watered-down dose of Alfa's `Cuore Sportivo'. Fortunately, that's a long way from the truth. Yes, it has grown in virtually every dimension compared to the 156, but it's still a very sharp piece of styling. Watching one appear in my rear-view at the Nurburgring, I can assure you this vehicle has more overtaking presence than almost any BMW, the gimlet-eyed headlamps and razor-sharp front grille looking rather intimidating. The rear end is genuinely tricky to differentiate from the 156 at first glance, but the side view shows sharper creasing and swage lines and a longer front end. As cohesive a piece of penmanship as the 156 was, the 159 is a better balanced car. It's not worth pretending that the Alfa 159 can hold a candle to a BMW 3 Series as an enthusiast's performance car. Its front wheel drive chassis precludes that but with all-wheel drive versions set to be introduced, the 159 has an advantage when it comes to all-weather security. How Audi must be galled. First Jaguar steal their thunder with the all-wheel drive X-TYPE, Volvo show their S60 with drive to both ends and then Alfa unveil the Q4 four-wheel drive variants of the 159. Perhaps the 3 Series is the wrong car against which to benchmark the 159. It seems a more natural competitor to top-end Honda Accords and Saab 9-3s. This `sub premium' compact executive sector still yields significant returns and is populated by cars like the Volvo S60 and the Jaguar X-TYPE, cars which the Alfa compares very favourably to. Five engines are on offer, split between two diesels and three petrol powerplants. The entry-level diesel option is the 150bhp 1.9-litre Multijet unit, while the range-topping diesel variant is the 2.4-litre 200bhp Multijet JTD. This is an absolute stormer, capable of zipping to 60mph in a tad over 8 seconds. Petrol engines start with a 1.8-litre 140bhp four, with a 2.2-litre 185bhp JTS powerplant above that. Of more interest to serious petrol heads is the 260bhp 3.2-litre V6, based on a Holden unit from Australia and rebuilt to a special Alfa recipe. Four wheel drive is an option for V6 buyers. The manual transmission offered has been improved from the lazy, long-throw change of the 156 but there's also the choice of a six-speed automatic and a six-speed Selespeed sequential manual. The architecture of the 159's cabin is perhaps a little disappointing, offering an evolution of the 156's fascia which looked great in '98 but which now looks a little dated compared to the more imaginative designs. Build quality seems better than before and rear legroom and headroom have both improved, although you'd opt for a Saab or Volvo if this was a priority. The boot, however, is way bigger than you'd have any right to expect and the folding rear seats endow the 159 with an admirable load carrying ability. If Alfa Romeo can turn round their hit and miss dealer network and continue to price the 159 aggressively, it's certain to make quite a few conquest sales. That's a tough task for a company limited on budget, however, and it would be a shame to see the 159 come and go as a missed opportunity. The raw materials are there. All it needs now is the polish.Facts At A Glance CAR: Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS range PRICES: £21,200-£24,750 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 13E CO2 EMISSIONS: 221g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.5s Max Speed 138 mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 30.1 mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and knee airbags, ABS, traction and stability control, ABS with brake assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4660/1828/1417mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 147 Collezione Range : PLUSH WITHOUT THE PREMIUM]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 147 Ducati Corse Special Edition : PAR FOR THE CORSE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo GT Cloverleaf Range : CLOVER'S RETURN]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo Brera S Range : A VERY BRITISH BRERA]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 159 Limited Edition : UNLIMITED AMBITION]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 147 Five-Door Range : IN BY THE BACK DOOR]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo GT 1.9 JTDm 16v : SLEEK BUT SENSIBLE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa's hot hatch leaked]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Geneva will see the MiTo GTA take centre stage on the Alfa stand - and a picture of the amazing city car has leaked early. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:09:52 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo Brera 2.2 JTS : STYLE TRIAL]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 147 : GOING FOR AN ITALIAN?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo Spider 2.2 JTS : THE LOOK OF LOVE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo GT Range : A NEW TWIST ON AN OLD FORMULA]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 : 159 V6 TO THE POWER OF FOUR]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTDM 16V : ALFA'S 147 BREAKTHROUGH]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 159 Turismo Internazionale : GOING FOR AN ITALIAN]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 159 JTD Range : THE BRAINS AND THE LOOKS]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
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