03.08.2004 The Alfa Romeo Crosswagon Q4 is on its way to the UK as independent Alfa Romeo retailer Smart Alfa is ABOut to start importing the exciting new 4x4 to satisfy demand

Earlier this month Alfa Romeo officially launched their two latest new models, the Crosswagon Q4 and Sportwagon Q4. Both of these exciting cars offer permanent four wheel drive traction, with the Crosswagon Q4 delivering genuine off-road capability to boot.

With their bold Q4 designations, they follow in the footsteps of past exciting, sporty four wheel drive Alfas, most recently embodied by the superbly handling 155 Q4.

In fact, the Crosswagon Q4 has already been described as “an agile off-road car that is self-avowedly an Alfa in its uncompromising sense of control and driving satisfaction.”

While these cars are now becoming available throughout Europe, there are no plans at present to produce a right hand drive version, so Alfa Romeo have will not, for the time being, be making the two Q4 models available in the UK through their dealer network.

However, with interest already strong on these shores, in has stepped Smart Alfa, the UK’s leading independent Alfa Romeo retailer. 

This forward thinking company, who like to keep their finger firmly on the car buyer’s pulse, clearly believe that the UK market is crying out for these cars.
 
“With the current demand for ‘crossover’ cars at an all time high, taking the gorgeous lines of the Giugaro-styled 156, beefing them up with an aggressive new rugged look, and raising the ride height to give it serious segment pretensions, cannot help but produce a winner,” comments Smart Alfa director Ned Kirkham.

“The off-road 4x4 market is set to become even more popular over the next few years,” he continues. “Customers are demanding higher and higher standards, both in terms of ability and luxury, and the Crosswagon Q4 is, without a doubt, a car that delivers this.”

So Smart Alfa, a company who know the true value of meeting their customer’s demands, will be importing the models into the UK, and have already started to take orders.

“Most recently the GT Coupe proved to be a real hit for us,” says Smart Alfa’s Felicity Utton, “and once we had sounded out potential customers over the two new models, the reaction confirmed to us that these cars are going to fly off the forecourt.” 

Both the Q4 models are equipped with permanent four wheel drive, delivered via the innovation, lightweight Torsen C-System, which dumps the power down through a cleverly thought out three differential setup.

The pumped-up Crosswagon Q4 features under door steel protection plates, special front and rear bumpers with steel inserts, aluminum carrier bars and sturdy wheel arch extensions, which all contribute to the cars stunning all-terrain look.

The car’s distinctive good looks, great all-round safety features, embedded sturdiness and outstanding comfort under all conditions make the new model perfectly at ease either around town or on unsurfaced roads.

The Crosswagon is offered in 3 specifications - Progression, Distinctive and Luxury; and nine new exterior colours.

Inside the Q4 offers a compass built into the mirror, special carpets and mats, a stylish new high-tech trim on the facia and a brand new treatment for the central console and steering wheel panels. Options include a top-quality interior with seats, facia and panels trimmed in grosgrain leather.

The powerful 110 kW (150 bhp) 1.9 JTD 16v M-Jet engine is combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 4 cylinder in line engine is capable of delivering a power output of 110 kW at 4000 rpm and a torque of 305 Nm (31 kgm) at 2000 rpm.

The Sportwagon Q4, the latest version of the Sportwagon, is also powered by a 150 bhp 1.9 JTD 16v M-Jet combined with a sporty six-speed manual gearbox that propels the car to a top speed of 200 km/h.

To add to the sportwagon’s already sporty looks a special exhaust tailpipe and 17" x 7 alloy wheels have been added. The 205/50 R17 Pirelli Pzero low profile tyres assure a sporty grip and excellent road holding. The range is made up of two specifications: Progression and Distinctive.

The Sportwagon Q4 is altogether the ideal car for people who are less interested in off-road values and more interested in the satisfaction of an even sportier drive in total safety.

Two high-specification demonstrators will be available shortly. For further details or to book a test drive telephone Smart Alfa on 0870 609 0147.