Especificaciones y análisis del Alfa Romeo 146
Power
120HP
Torque
144Nm
Consumption
8.2l/100
Emissions
-g/km
0-100 km/h
10.2s
Top Speed
195km/h
Weight
1165kg
Price
14,695€
Technical summary
Gasolina
Manual 5v
FWD
5 / 5 doors
380 L
51 L
88 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Alfa Romeo 146 1.6 TS · 120 CV (2000-2001)
General description
The Alfa Romeo 146 1.6 TS is not just a compact car from the late 90s; it is a statement of intent, a gateway to the soul and passion of Alfa Romeo. In a practical five-door body, the Milanese brand encapsulated its famous 'Cuore Sportivo', offering a driving experience with character and emotion to an audience looking for more than just a means of transportation.
Driving experience
Driving the 146 1.6 TS is connecting with a purer era of motoring. Its 120-horsepower Twin Spark engine is the absolute star, a mechanical gem that begs to be taken to high revs. The sound it emits when exceeding 4500 rpm is addictive, a metallic melody that encourages you to squeeze every one of the five gears of its manual transmission. It's not the fastest in pure numbers, but the feeling of agility, the communication transmitted by its chassis, and the way the engine delivers its power involve you in the driving in a way that few cars in its class could achieve. It's a car that feels alive in your hands.
Design and aesthetics
Visually, the Alfa 146 is unmistakably Italian. Its sharp front end, presided over by the iconic 'Scudetto', gives it an aggressive and elegant look. The rising side line and its peculiar rear, with a subtly hinted third volume, differentiate it from any other hatchback of its time. It is a design by Walter de'Silva that combines edges and curves with a mastery that balances sportiness and functionality, creating a silhouette that, even today, exudes personality and refuses to go unnoticed.
Technology and features
The main technological feat of the 146 lies under the hood. The Twin Spark system, with two spark plugs per cylinder, was a hallmark of Alfa Romeo designed to optimize combustion, improving performance and efficiency. Beyond its brilliant engine, the technology is typical of its time: a solid base with McPherson-type front suspension and a focus on mechanical purity. It is an analog car, where the engineering is felt in the steering wheel and pedals, not through screens or electronic assistants.
Competition
In its time, the 146 faced giants of the segment such as the Volkswagen Golf, the benchmark for quality and solidity, and the Ford Focus, acclaimed for its exceptional dynamic behavior. It also competed with models like the Peugeot 306 or the Citroën Xsara. Against them, the Alfa Romeo did not play the card of maximum practicality or Germanic reliability, but that of the heart: its selling point was its captivating design and a driving experience full of emotion and Italian character.
Conclusion
The Alfa Romeo 146 1.6 TS is a car for those who understand driving as a pleasure and not an obligation. It represents a passionate choice, a vehicle that rewards its driver with authentic sensations and an unparalleled style. Although demanding in its maintenance, the bond it creates is deep. It is a memory of a time when cars had a soul, and the 'Cuore Sportivo' beat strongly in the heart of a family compact.