Alfa Romeo 145
Encyclopedia
The Alfa Romeo 145 and 146 are small family cars produced by the Italian
automaker Alfa Romeo
between 1994 and 2001. They were launched at the 1994 Turin Motor Show. The 145 and 146 share design plans and interior components from the B-pillar forwards, but the 145 is a three-door hatchback, the 146 the four-door sedan model.
To replace its ageing 33 model, Alfa Romeo launched the 145 in 1994, followed by the 146 in 1995, to compete in an extremely competitive mid-size hatchback
market. A spacious and uniquely Italian interior was presented to the press at the 1994 launch, and by all accounts well received. The oddly shaped, cut-away dashboard attracted much attention, but in fact the design was for safety and practicality rather than aesthetics.
Based, as they were, on the Fiat Groups's Tipo platform, the cars were widely praised for their handling, particularly their sharp, responsive steering. Early cars used boxer engines passed down from the old 33 in 1.3/1.4 (same engine, badge depending on market--not sold in UK), 1.6 8 valve and 1.7 16 valve forms.
In 1996, the flagship Cloverleaf (145) and Ti (146) models were launched with the 2.0-litre Twin Spark engine already seen in the 155
sister car. 1.6 and 1.8 Twin Spark engines soon followed to replace the less powerful boxers.
The 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre engine cars were equipped with 'quick-rack' steering (also seen on the 155, GTV and Spider) which improved steering responsiveness, but as a result the turning circle was compromised. This was also featured on the 1.6-litre Junior model in 1998. The sporty suspension set-up was harsher than many others in its category at the time, but this was in line with the Fiat Group's marketing of Alfa Romeo as a sporting brand and it is said to have resulted in class leading handling.
Styling themes introduced in the Alfa Romeo 164
were continued, and the lighting clusters of the 146 provided a preview of the forthcoming Alfa Romeo 166
and 156
. The more conservatively styled 146 proved a bigger sales success than the edgy design of the 145, which in retrospect appears too avant-garde for main stream sales success.
Both the 145 and 146 have strong followings, particularly in top specification Cloverleaf and Ti guises, as they are seen by many as not only the last old school hot hatch
built by Alfa
but, arguably, by any car company.
While the volume of 145s and 146s sold was moderately low, parts availability remains good, in most cases direct from Alfa Romeo
. Owners clubs can often advise on multiple sources of parts or workarounds.
Eventually, in 2000, the cars were superseded by the all-new 147
, which was a far bigger commercial success, with its acclaimed styling front end and improved quality. Still, many enthusiasts feel that it lost a little of the special feel and Alfa Romeo
that the 145 and 146 had.
. As these cars were initially designed for use with the Alfasud boxer engines, and later updates with Twinspark units, it is technically feasible to take a late 16v boxer engine from these cars and directly transplant it into a Sprint, giving the car a tremendous performance upgrade in the process.
* Continental European markets only.
** Continental Europe and Ireland only.
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
automaker Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of cars. Founded as A.L.F.A. on June 24, 1910, in Milan, the company has been involved in car racing since 1911, and has a reputation for building expensive sports cars...
between 1994 and 2001. They were launched at the 1994 Turin Motor Show. The 145 and 146 share design plans and interior components from the B-pillar forwards, but the 145 is a three-door hatchback, the 146 the four-door sedan model.
History
Hatchback
A Hatchback is a car body style incorporating a shared passenger and cargo volume, with rearmost accessibility via a rear third or fifth door, typically a top-hinged liftgate—and features such as fold-down rear seats to enable flexibility within the shared passenger/cargo volume. As a two-box...
market. A spacious and uniquely Italian interior was presented to the press at the 1994 launch, and by all accounts well received. The oddly shaped, cut-away dashboard attracted much attention, but in fact the design was for safety and practicality rather than aesthetics.
Based, as they were, on the Fiat Groups's Tipo platform, the cars were widely praised for their handling, particularly their sharp, responsive steering. Early cars used boxer engines passed down from the old 33 in 1.3/1.4 (same engine, badge depending on market--not sold in UK), 1.6 8 valve and 1.7 16 valve forms.
In 1996, the flagship Cloverleaf (145) and Ti (146) models were launched with the 2.0-litre Twin Spark engine already seen in the 155
Alfa Romeo 155
The Alfa Romeo 155 is a compact executive car produced under the Italian Alfa Romeo marque between 1992 and 1998.-Design:Built to replace the 75 and based on the parent Fiat Group's Type Three platform, the 155 was somewhat larger in dimension than the 75 but evolved its styling from that of its...
sister car. 1.6 and 1.8 Twin Spark engines soon followed to replace the less powerful boxers.
The 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre engine cars were equipped with 'quick-rack' steering (also seen on the 155, GTV and Spider) which improved steering responsiveness, but as a result the turning circle was compromised. This was also featured on the 1.6-litre Junior model in 1998. The sporty suspension set-up was harsher than many others in its category at the time, but this was in line with the Fiat Group's marketing of Alfa Romeo as a sporting brand and it is said to have resulted in class leading handling.
Styling themes introduced in the Alfa Romeo 164
Alfa Romeo 164
The Alfa Romeo 164 is an executive car with saloon body, produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 1987 to 1998.The 164 was re-badged as the 168 for the Hong Kong and Malaysian markets, as the number "164" had a very negative connotation , and "168" has quite the opposite The Alfa Romeo 164...
were continued, and the lighting clusters of the 146 provided a preview of the forthcoming Alfa Romeo 166
Alfa Romeo 166
The Alfa Romeo 166 is an executive car that was produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo between 1998 and 2007.The car was designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo under the control of Walter de'Silva, and was facelifted in 2003.- History :...
and 156
Alfa Romeo 156
The Alfa Romeo 156 is a compact executive car introduced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show as the replacement for the Alfa Romeo 155...
. The more conservatively styled 146 proved a bigger sales success than the edgy design of the 145, which in retrospect appears too avant-garde for main stream sales success.
Both the 145 and 146 have strong followings, particularly in top specification Cloverleaf and Ti guises, as they are seen by many as not only the last old school hot hatch
Hot hatch
Hot hatch was originally an informal automotive industry term, shortened from hot hatchback, initially coined by the British motoring press in 1984, for a high-performance derivative of a car body style consisting of a three- or five-door hatchback automobile.Vehicles of this class are based on...
built by Alfa
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of cars. Founded as A.L.F.A. on June 24, 1910, in Milan, the company has been involved in car racing since 1911, and has a reputation for building expensive sports cars...
but, arguably, by any car company.
While the volume of 145s and 146s sold was moderately low, parts availability remains good, in most cases direct from Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of cars. Founded as A.L.F.A. on June 24, 1910, in Milan, the company has been involved in car racing since 1911, and has a reputation for building expensive sports cars...
. Owners clubs can often advise on multiple sources of parts or workarounds.
Eventually, in 2000, the cars were superseded by the all-new 147
Alfa Romeo 147
The Alfa Romeo 147 is a small family car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 2000 to 2010. The 147 was voted European Car of the Year for 2001, beating the Ford Mondeo and the Toyota Prius....
, which was a far bigger commercial success, with its acclaimed styling front end and improved quality. Still, many enthusiasts feel that it lost a little of the special feel and Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of cars. Founded as A.L.F.A. on June 24, 1910, in Milan, the company has been involved in car racing since 1911, and has a reputation for building expensive sports cars...
that the 145 and 146 had.
Performance adaptations
The 145 and 146 are prized by performance minded Alfisti as a source of performance upgrades for the earlier SprintAlfa Romeo Sprint
The Alfa Romeo Sprint is a coupé version of the Alfa Romeo Alfasud, produced from 1976 to 1989 by Alfa Romeo. 116,552 examples of the Alfasud Sprint and Alfa Romeo Sprint were built in total. The Sprint was sold in Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.-History:Until 1983, the car's name...
. As these cars were initially designed for use with the Alfasud boxer engines, and later updates with Twinspark units, it is technically feasible to take a late 16v boxer engine from these cars and directly transplant it into a Sprint, giving the car a tremendous performance upgrade in the process.
Petrol
| Model (145/146) | Layout | Displacement | Valves | Power | Torque | Production (145/146) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3* | H4 | 1,351 cc | 8 SOHC | 90 PS at 6,000 rpm | 115 newton metres (84.8 ft·lbf) at 4,400 rpm | 1994/1995-1997 |
| 1.6 | H4 | 1,596 cc | 8 SOHC | 103 PS at 6,000 rpm | 134 newton metres (98.8 ft·lbf) at 4,500 rpm | 1994/1995-1997 |
| 1.7 16V | H4 | 1,712 cc | 16 DOHC | 129 PS at 6,500 rpm | 149 newton metres (109.9 ft·lbf) at 4,300 rpm | 1994/1995-1997 |
| Cloverleaf / ti | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... 2BS TS |
1,970 cc | 16 DOHC VVT Variable valve timing In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine... VLIM Variable Length Intake Manifold In internal combustion engines, a variable length intake manifold , or variable intake manifold is an automobile internal combustion engine manifold technology... |
155 PS at 6,400 rpm | 187 newton metres (137.9 ft·lbf) at 3,500 rpm | 1996–2001 |
| 1.4 T.Spark 16V** | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... TS |
1,370 cc | 16 DOHC VVT Variable valve timing In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine... |
103 PS at 6,300 rpm | 124 newton metres (91.5 ft·lbf) at 4,600 rpm | 1997–2001 |
| 1.6 T.Spark 16V | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... TS |
1,598 cc | 16 DOHC VVT Variable valve timing In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine... |
120 PS at 6,300 rpm | 144 newton metres (106.2 ft·lbf) at 4,500 rpm | 1997–2001 |
| 1.8 T.Spark 16V | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... TS |
1,747 cc | 16 DOHC VVT Variable valve timing In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine... VLIM Variable Length Intake Manifold In internal combustion engines, a variable length intake manifold , or variable intake manifold is an automobile internal combustion engine manifold technology... |
144 PS at 6,500 rpm | 169 newton metres (124.6 ft·lbf) at 3,500 rpm | 1997–2001 |
Diesel
| Model (145/146) | Layout | Displacement | Valves | Power | Torque | Production (145/146) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 TD* | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... |
1,929 cc | 8 SOHC | 90 PS at 4,100 rpm | 191 newton metres (140.9 ft·lbf) at 2,400 rpm | 1994/1995-1997 |
| 1.9 JTD | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... |
1,910 cc | 8 SOHC | 105 PS at 4,000 rpm | 255 newton metres (188.1 ft·lbf) at 2,000 rpm | 1997–2001 |
Timeline
- 1994 - 145 launched. Engines were 1.4 8v Boxer, 1.6 8v Boxer, 1.7 16v Boxer & 1.9 Turbo Diesel
- 1995 - 146 launched, using same engines as 145.
- 1996 - 145 Cloverleaf and 146 TI models introduced, using 2.0 16v Twin SparkAlfa Romeo Twin Spark engineAlfa Romeo Twin Spark technology was used first time in Alfa Romeo Grand Prix car in 1914. In the early 1960s it was used in their race cars to enable it to achieve a higher power output from its engines...
engine. - 1997 - All Boxer engines replaced by more powerful, more efficient Twin Spark engines.
- 1998 - New Twin Spark engines from the Alfa Romeo 156Alfa Romeo 156The Alfa Romeo 156 is a compact executive car introduced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show as the replacement for the Alfa Romeo 155...
were imported into the 145/146 to replace the existing designs, due to the requirement to meet stricter emissions and noise regulations and for minor cost savings. Engine power was slightly lowered as a result. - 1999 - 1.9 JTD Turbo Diesel replaced existing diesel engine.
- 2000 - Various minor revisions, including color-coded bumpers, door handles and mirrors. Higher spec versions also gained side airbags.