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.February 18, 2004
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This Week:

• BMW World and European Debuts at the Geneva Motor Show

• The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class: Celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show

• World Premier of the the Alfa 156 Crosswagon at the Geneva auto show

• Open Air - the New MINI Convertible Making its world debut in Geneva

• Cinema for those on the move: New DVD system for Passat and Sharan

• smart fortwo coupé and cabrio models to be sold in Canada beginning in 2004

• World Premier of the 'Fiat Trepiłno' Concept Car at the Geneva auto show

• Assembly Of The Opel Astra Classic To Start In The Ukraine

• World Premier of the Lancia Musa at the Geneva auto show

• GM Appoints New GMAC President

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World Premier of the the Alfa 156 Crosswagon at the Geneva auto show

 

Turin - Alfa Romeo marks its return to the four wheel drive world with the world premier of the Alfa Crosswagon which will go on sale in the second half of 2004. Alfa Romeo has entered this segment with the aim of improving on the current crop of all road vehicles: the very Alfa dash of elegant sportiness it adds brings a completely new and unique dimension to the segment. This new stylistic approach is very apparent in the Station Wagon version. The model, designed by the Arese Style Centre, features an unmistakable Alfa Romeo shape. But the trait that really typifies the Crosswagon is crossover appeal since it combines the off-road performance of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) with the driving satisfaction and handling of a compact Alfa Romeo while offering a versatile, functional Station Wagon passenger compartment

Photos: Alfa Romeo/Fiat

The Crosswagon expresses its greater versatility (higher ground clearance with improved approach and exit angles when cornering), a strong aesthetic personality, great safety and overall solidity plus outstanding comfort in all service conditions. These features make the new model perfectly at ease around town or on unsurfaced roads yet do not detract from its sporty, stylish, clean-cut line: a trait common to all Alfa Romeos.

The Crosswagon owes its all-terrain look in particular to underdoor aluminium protections, special front and rear bumpers with aluminium inserts, an original bumper grille and carrier bars. In a word, the Crosswagon was created to overcome any road situation without ever stooping to compromises. This is also evident in a ride set-up that is nearly 6 centimetres higher than the Sportwagon's and the 225/55 R17 all season wheels with special compound and tread. The tyres are also designed to offer great comfort under normal driving conditions with good grip and a safe drive on snow, unsurfaced or uneven roads, mud or treacherous roads in general. Inside, the new model features an instrument panel with brand new design, a compass built into the mirror plus special carpets and mats, an elegant, new hi-tech trim for the central console and, optionally, new top quality leather upholstery. So much for the external appearance of the new Crosswagon. The real revolutionary aspect lies in its 4x4 drive system with three differentials and a Torsen C system that distributes variable torque over the front and rear wheels.

(Feb 17, 2004)