The secondary market is simply crowded with cars brought from abroad. However, in most cases these are either German or Japanese brands. But today we will consider a rather rare and extraordinary brand. This is Alfa Romeo. What is she like? We learn by the example of the car "Alfa Romeo 145".
Description
So what is this car? Alfa Romeo 145 is a front-wheel drive hatchback of a small class, which was produced in the period from 94th to 2000. The car was first presented at the Turin Motor Show in '94. The car was produced in several bodies. This is a three- and five-door hatchback. The model was built on a Fiat Tipo platform.
Design
Italians have extensive experience in the development of car designs. Therefore, it is not surprising that Alfa Romeo 145 has such a pleasant and at the same time daring silhouette. At the front are compact headlights, an inflated bumper and a compact triangular grille, the lines of which continue on the hood. The machine has good proportions and looks successful on either side. It looks like an Italian hatchback of the 90s, the reader can see in the photo below.
Despite the fact that the car was released in the 90s, the design cannot be called old. Perhaps this is one of the biggest advantages of Alpha, thanks to which the car is very popular among young people.
But back to reality. The design is nice, but the Italians lost the quality of the metal. The machine is very afraid of corrosion. And if in the southern regions this is more or less normal, then in the large cities of central and northern Russia Alfa will have a hard time. Thresholds and arches often rot.
Sizes, clearance
The car is quite compact, and therefore there are no parking problems. This is definitely a plus model. If we talk about numbers, the three-door version has a length of 4.09 meters, and the five-door version is 4.26 meters. Their width and height are the same - 1.71 and 1.43 meters, respectively. Of the shortcomings, reviews note a low clearance. Its size is only twelve centimeters. Despite the short base, the car feels hard in the pits. Often you can hook on the bottom. It is especially difficult to operate in small towns in winter.
Salon
The interior of the car is fully consistent with the exterior. He is just as sporty and unusual. The driver is offered comfortable seats with pronounced lateral support. The car has a comfortable three-spoke steering wheel with an airbag. The instrument panel is readable and informative. Of the shortcomings, reviews note poor sound insulation. However, many Italian cars have this minus.
Nevertheless, driving is very convenient. In terms of equipment, the car does not shine with luxury, but there is everything you need: power steering, power windows, music and air conditioning. There is enough space in the passenger compartment for the driver and front passenger, despite the fact that this is a small class car. But still the rear passengers will have to cramped.
Specifications
One of the most popular engines, which was placed on the "Alfa Romeo 145", - 1.4. This is a gasoline four-cylinder unit without a turbine. Of the features - the presence of two candles on each cylinder. Such a car can be recognized by the Twin Spark inscription on the back. The maximum power of the 1.4-liter Alfa Romeo 145 engine is 103 horsepower. The torque is 124 Nm. According to reviews, the motor is quite high-torque. The car accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour in 11.2 seconds.
It has a pleasant expense. For 100 kilometers, the car spends 7 liters in a combined cycle. Of the disadvantages of the engine, it is worth noting that during maintenance it is necessary to change not four, but all eight candles. The rest of the engine does not cause problems and inconveniences. Replacing the timing with an "Alfa Romeo 145" 1.4 liter is carried out as on other cars - once every 70 thousand kilometers.
A 1.6-liter engine is also quite popular on Alpha. This motor is already developing 120 horsepower, which is quite good for such a curb weight. The car accelerates to hundreds in 10.2 seconds. But the average consumption is already 8.5 liters, and in the city the car eats all 11.
Installed on a car "Alfa Romeo 145" and a diesel engine. This is a 1.9-liter turbocharged JTD unit. The maximum engine power is 105 horsepower, and the torque is 255 Nm. Due to a good moment, the car has good dynamics. Up to a hundred, the car accelerates in 10.4 seconds. The maximum speed is 186 kilometers per hour. In this case, the engine is very economical. In the city he spends 7.5 liters, on the highway - no more than 5.
As for the gearbox, all engines were equipped with five-stage non-alternative mechanics. The box is generally reliable, but with the aim of extending the resource, many owners change oil every 80-90 thousand kilometers.
Suspension
The front of the car has an independent suspension. Behind is a semi-independent beam. What do the reviews say about the suspension? The car is well managed. But due to the fact that the suspension moves are short, the car behaves stiffly in the pits. Repair of the rear beam "Alfa Romeo 145" will be required no earlier than 150-200 thousand kilometers. Before this period, wheel bearings and shock absorbers may fail.
Conclusion
"Alfa Romeo 145" is one of the most popular car models of this concern. The car at one time was widespread in Western Europe. However, in Russia there are only a few of them. Mostly they are afraid to take this car due to the lack of competent mechanics, since the engine has some features in terms of the ignition system. In addition, the car is prone to corrosion, and few owners are willing to invest in welding. Nevertheless, spare parts for this model can always be found, because the machine has the same platform as the Fiat Bravo.