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Alfa Crosswagon Q4: audacious vagabond
Written by: Jan Tuček
Italian automaker Alfa Romeo is synonymous
with sporty elegance and performance. But the new Alfa Crosswagon
Q4 can not only deftly sweep along highways, but also along country
roads and over light terrain.
THE ATTRACTIVE, 4.44 meter-long, five-seat Crosswagon Q4 station
wagon stands out, not only with its elegant exterior with elements
that reveal its inclusion in the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) category,
but mainly with its first-rate technology. The 65 mm-higher chassis
has all-wheel drive and three differentials, with the self-locking
interaxle Torsen C differential changing the ratio of torque to
the front and rear wheels according to the immediate situation.
During acceleration a full 80% of the torque goes to the rear axle,
and in situations where there is a danger of oversteering this
share drops to 40%, optimizing rear-wheel traction. Of course the
Crosswagon Q4 has a VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) stabilization
system like Alfa Romeo's ESP, which also includes ASR (Anti Slip
Regulation), which prevents wheel-spin. Thanks to this and four-wheel
drive, the car has excellent traction on even snowy or muddy roads,
providing the driver with the excitement of dynamic sports handling
along with a high degree of active safety.
The heart of this versatile station wagon with a variable interior
is a four-cylinder 1.9 JTD MultiJet diesel engine (150 hp/110 kW)
mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Special bumpers, lateral
steel protectors beneath the door sills, and cast wheels fitted
with special 225/55 R 17 All Seasons tires are all well suited
for this car's character. The Alfa Crosswagon Q4 Progression sells
for CZK 1,129,000, and the Alfa Crosswagon Q4, with enhanced equipment,
costs CZK 1,149,000.
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