Alfa Romeo 145
- This article also applies to the Alfa Romeo 146.
The Alfa Romeo 145 and Alfa Romeo 146 were two compact cars produced in the 1990s by the Italian Alfa Romeo manufacturer.
| Alfa Romeo 145 | |
| Alfa Romeo 145 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Alfa Romeo |
| Production: | 1994–2001 |
| Body Styles: | FF compact car |
| Engines: | 1.3 8v Boxer (1994-1997) 1.6 8v Boxer (1994-1997) 1.7 16v Boxer 1.9 Turbo Diesel (1994-1999) 1.9 JTD Turbo Diesel (1999-2001) 2.0 TS 16v (1994-1997) 1.4 TS 16v (1997-2001) 1.6 TS 16v (1997-2001) 1.8 TS 16v (1997-2001) |
| Predecessors: | Alfa Romeo 33 Alfa Romeo 75 |
| Successors: | Alfa Romeo 147 |
| Competitors: | Audi A3 Citroën Xsara Citroën ZX Ford Escort Peugeot 306 Renault Megane Toyota Corolla Volkswagen Golf |
| Alfa Romeo 146 | |
To replace its ageing 33 model and 75 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. The three door 145 and the five door 146 both share common design plans and interior components from the B-pillar forwards. Commonly referred to as the 'bread van' they both share the wedge-shaped frontal design of previous Alfa Romeos such as the 33 and 75 that they replace as well as the larger 155. 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 rather than aesthetic purposes.
Based on the Fiat Tipo chassis, the cars were widely praised for their handling, particularly the sharp, responsive steering. The 1.8l and 2.0l engine cars were equipped with a 'quick-rack' which improved steering responsiveness, but as a result the turning circle was compromised. 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.
In terms of styling, the styling cues introduced in the Alfa Romeo 164 were continued, and the lighting clusters of the 146 gave definite hints about the forthcoming Alfa Romeo 166.
While the volume of 145s and 146s sold was moderately low, parts availability is good in most respects. Owners clubs can often advise on multiple sources of parts or workarounds.
Dead 145s and 146s are particularly prized by modders of older Alfa Sprints, as their more advanced twin-spark engines can be freely transplanted into the older cars, by virtue of the earliest vehicles inheriting the older 1.7 L boxer engines, which are backwards compatible with the older 33's and Sprints. In consequence, mounting and transmission interfaces are retained, allowing a Sprint to receive a 1.8 litre Twinspark into its engine bay with minimal modifcation of the engine or receiver car !
Vehicle and Engine Statistics
Brake Horse Power (bhp) Kerb weights in kilogrammes for the 145 / 146.
- Initial Release- Series I (145: 1994, 146: 1995):
- 145/146 Boxer Engines:
- 1.3 8v: 90bhp '*'
- 1.6 8v: 103bhp, 1140kg
- 1.7 16v: 129bhp, 1190kg
- Diesel Engines:
- 1.9 Turbo Diesel: 90bhp '*'
- Cloverleaf/Ti Release (1996):
- 145 Cloverleaf Twin Spark Engine:
- 2.0 16v: 155bhp, 1240kg
- 146 Ti Twin Spark Engine:
- 2.0 16v: 155bhp, 1275kg
- Series II- First Revision (1997)
- 145 Twin Spark Engines:
- 1.4TS: 103bhp '**'
- 1.6TS: 120bhp, 1165kg
- 1.8TS: 144bhp, 1195kg
- 2.0TS: 155bhp, 1240kg
- 146 Twin Spark Engines:
- 1.4TS: 103bhp '**'
- 1.6TS: 120bhp, 1190kg
- 1.8TS: 144bhp, 1215kg
- 2.0TS: 155bhp, 1275kg
- Series II- Second Revison (1998):
- 1.9 JTD, 105bhp (in 1999)
- Taking a break... back to this in a matter of hours.
'*' European markets only. '**' European and Irish markets only.
Timeline
- 1994 - 145 launched. Engines were
- 1.3 8v Boxer (90bhp)
- 1.6 8v Boxer (103bhp)
- 1.7 16v Boxer (129bhp)
- 1.9 Turbo Diesel (90bhp)
- 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 (105bhp) replaced the old, non-common-rail, diesel engine.
- 2000 - Various minor revisions, including color-coded bumpers, door handles and mirrors.