Firstly, the braking system is powerful and prompt to respond. the front disc brakes are ventilated with a thickness of 22 mm and a diameter of 284; the rear brakes are 11 mm thick and measure 240 in diameter. 

As far as passive safety is concerned, the two new Alfa Romeo sports models offer two front airbags as standard throughout the range. On the active safety front, both models offer ABS with EBD (standard on all versions) and ASR (optional on cars with the 2.0 T.Spark engine). 

The ASR allows customers the satisfaction of driving in accordance with their own style and at the same time guarantees optimum safety during dynamic car control. The ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) optimises traction at any speed with the aid of brakes and engine control. 

The device computes degree of slip on the basis of wheel rpm calculated by the ABS sensors and activates two different control systems to restore grip. When excessive power demand causes both drive wheels to slip (e.g. in the case of aquaplaning or when accelerating over an unsurfaced, snowy or icy road), it reduces engine torque by reducing the throttle opening angle and thus air flow.

If only one wheel slips (e.g. the inside wheel following acceleration or dynamic load changes), this is automatically braked without the driver touching the brake pedal. The resulting effect is similar to that of a self-locking differential.

The ASR maintains vehicle safety as much as possible and is particularly useful when grip is lost (icy multi-storey car park ramps are one example) and whenever the asphalt does not guarantee even friction. 

Another not inconsiderable advantage of the ASR is the lower stress exerted on mechanical parts such as the differential and gearbox due to more effective control of low speed take-off and traction. The ASR is activated automatically whenever the engine is started but must be turned off by means of a switch on the central console to cut out. When the ASR is active, a warning light on the control panel flashes. A control panel warning light comes on (with the switch led off), to indicate system faults or irregularities. 

ASR deactivation is required when snow chains are used because the wheel must be able to slip by tiny amounts to pile up the snow so that force can be transmitted to the ground and the ASR tends to avoid this type of action.