Alfa Romeo 145

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Alfa Romeo 145 / 146
Manufacturer	Alfa Romeo
Production	1994–2001
Predecessor	Alfa Romeo 33 (Alfa Romeo Arna)
Successor	Alfa Romeo 147
Class	Small family car
Body style	3 and 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Engine	Petrol: 1.4 L flat-4 1.6 L flat-4 1.7 L flat-4 1.4 L straight-4 1.6 L straight-4 1.8 L straight-4 2.0 L straight-4 Diesel: 1.9 L straight-4
Length	145/146 4093/ 4257 mm (161.1/167.6 in.)
Width	1712 mm (67.4 in.)
Height	1427 mm (56.2 in.)
Similar	Audi A3 Citroën Xsara Citroën ZX Peugeot 306 Renault Mégane Volkswagen Golf
Designer	Walter de'Silva

The Alfa Romeo 145 and 146 is a small family car produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo between 1994 and 2001. The 145 and 146 both share common design plans and interior components from the B-pillar forwards; the 145 is a three-door hatchback, whereas the 146 is a five-door.

To replace its ageing 33 model, Alfa Romeo launched these two cars in 1994 (the 145) and 1995 (the 146) to compete in the extremely competitive mid-size hatchback market. A spacious and uniquely Italian interior was presented to the press at the launch, and by all accounts it was well received; its oddly shaped cut-away dashboard attracted much attention, but in fact the design was for safety and practicality rather than aesthetics.

Based on the Fiat Tipo chassis, the cars were widely praised for their handling, particularly the sharp, responsive steering. Early cars used boxer engines passed down from the old 33 in 1.3/1.4 (same engine, badge depends 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 Junior model in 1998. The sporty suspension set-up was harsher than most others in its category at the time, but this was likely an intentional decision in line with the Fiat Group's marketing of Alfa Romeo as a sporting brand and it did result in class leading handling.

In terms of styling, the themes introduced in the Alfa Romeo 164 were continued, and the lighting clusters of the 146 gave definite hints about 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 it seems was too avant guard for main stream acceptance; this was a shame as the design not only stood out from the crowd but was also very practical.

Both models have a strong following particularly in their top spec 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 is good, in most cases they are still available direct from Alfa Romeo. Owners clubs can often advise on multiple sources of parts or workarounds.

145s and 146s are particularly prized by owners of older Alfa Romeo Sprints, as their more advanced twin-spark engines can be freely transplanted into the older cars, by virtue of the early models utilising the old 1.7 L Boxer engines which are back-compatible with the older 33s and Sprints. In consequence, mounting and transmission interfaces are retained, allowing a Sprint to receive a 1.8 litre Twin Spark into its engine bay with minimal modification of the engine or the Sprint itself.

Eventually in 2000 the cars were superseded by the all new 147 which was a far bigger commercial success with its beautifully styled front end and improved quality but many feel that it lost a little bit of the special feel and "Alfaness" that the 145 and 146 had.

Contents 1 Specifications 2 Initial Release- Series I (145: 1994, 146: 1995) 3 Series II- First Revision (1997) 4 Timeline 5 External links

[edit] Specifications

Brake horsepower (bhp) Kerb weights in kilogrammes for the 145 / 146.

[edit] Initial Release- Series I (145: 1994, 146: 1995)

145/146 Boxer Engines:

1.4 8v: 90 bhp '*'

1.6 8v: 103 bhp, 1140 kg

1.7 16v: 129 bhp, 1190 kg

Diesel Engines:

1.9 Turbo Diesel: 90 bhp '*'

• Cloverleaf/Ti Release (1996):

145 Cloverleaf Twin Spark Engine:

2.0 16v: 150 bhp, 1240 kg

146 Ti Twin Spark Engine:

2.0 16v: 150 bhp, 1275 kg

[edit] Series II- First Revision (1997)

145 Twin Spark Engines:

1.4TS: 103 bhp, 1135 kg '**'

1.6TS: 120 bhp, 1165 kg

1.8TS: 144 bhp, 1195 kg

2.0TS: 155 bhp, 1240 kg

146 Twin Spark Engines:

1.4TS: 103 bhp '**'

1.6TS: 120 bhp, 1190 kg

1.8TS: 144 bhp, 1215 kg

2.0TS: 155 bhp, 1275 kg

'*' European markets only. '**' European and Irish markets only.

[edit] Timeline

• 1994 - 145 launched. Engines were 1.3 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 Spark engine.
• 1997 - All Boxer engines replaced by more powerful, more efficient Twin Spark engines.
• 1998 - New Twin Spark engines from the Alfa Romeo 156 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.

[edit] External links

• Alfa Romeo 145 / 146 Technical Centre

<- Previous	Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A., a subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A., car timeline, 1980s-present  v • d • e
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Supermini																													Junior
Small family car	Alfasud				33										145/146						147									149
					Arna
Compact executive car	Alfetta					75							155						156							159
	Nuova Giulietta
Executive car	Alfa 6				90			164											166											169
Coupé	Sprint															GTV (916)									GT
	GTV																									Brera
Cabriolet																Spider (916)										Spider (939)
Sportscar										SZ
Roadster	Spider
Supercar																												8C Competizione
Racing car	179/182/183T/184T/185T