Ergonomic and stvle studies aiming to enhance the sporting character and glamorous image of 164, led to maximum functionality and richness of equipment.
Driving the 164 is a great pleasure: the refined design and
materials used in its finish result in a interior of marked per
sonality, and provide high comfort and safe driving.
The ergonomic design of driving position enables easy
reach of all controls, and excellent reading of the Instruments.
The location of instruments and controls has been
dictated by functional criteria.
The large and comfortable seats, and the adjustable steering wheel,
enable drivers of any height to fully personalize
the driving position.
The dashboard, of traditional design, offers innovative functional concepts. The off-line assembly of this unit facilitates the functional testing of its components, resulting in higher quality standards and reliability.
The dashboard structure is made of ABS thermoplastic material covered with soft polyurethane. The ABS/PVC alloy lining oflers a soft exterior surface inhibiting reflection and is elegant in appearance. The above materials have been tested in a temperature range of -30o C to + 100o C (-22oF to +212oF), and are resistant to abrasion, rubbing, stains and fire. All the various elements of the dashboard (glovebox, knee protection panels, instruments dome, etc.), are made of the same materials used for the dashboard.
Accurate positioning of anti-friction felts and soundproofing elements prevent any relative motion between the dash- board and its components, which is the main cause of squeaking.
On S version, the leather finishing with its exclusive sewing, gives the dashboard a superior touch of refinement.
The instrument panel is located in front of the driver seat. The analog instruments can be red by sight in any condition. A mathematically calculated transparent "eyelid" protects the instruments and provides the best legibility.
The ALFA ROMEO CONTROL (A.R.C.) includes a series of
warning lamps which alert the driver of mafunctions that
could affect the vehicle's reliability and driving safety.
During the starting phase, the A.R.C. verifies the integrity of
all the warning lamp circuits (wiring and bulbs) by switching
the lamps on for a few seconds. The integrity of the warning
lamps can also be verified by the driver pressing the TEST
button.
The pushbutton are readily accessible and their actuation is indicated by signal lights.
The radio, which is located below the switchboard, has been selected and developed exclusively for this top class vehicle.
An ashtray and cigar lighter complete the front console and
joint it to the center console.
The center console, located between the front seats, includes
the power window lift and door locklunlock switches.
The switches have been ergonomically designed and are
readily accessible.
The seat adjustment and heating control switches are located beside each seat.
The rear dome and map lamp switches are located immediately below each lamp.
The door power window lift switches for the rear passengers are located on the door panels.
The external rearview mirror adjustment knob is easily accessible on the left front door panel.
The exclusive and ergonomic design of the steering wheel assures a positive grip in addition to a touch of elegance and refinement.
Four short and compact spokes support the center section, which is lined with a particular shock-absorbing material and encloses the Air Bag module. Two horn switches are easily accessible on the two upper spokes.
The steering wheel can be axially adjusted to suit drivers of differing height and driving style.
The steering wheel consists of a metal frame coated with
polyurethane; the elegant leather lining offers a comfortable
and safe grip, which is essential for safe and precise
steering.
The dual rod actuating system (engagement rod and stress compensating reaction rod) enables a fast and precise engagement of speeds, which is particularly important on a high performance vehicle like the 164.
On the S version, a shorter selector lever enables a faster and more precise engagement of speeds, resulting in more exciting and sporting driving.
The ergonomic design of the knob enables a precise and fast movement of the selector lever to any position.
Inadvertent speed shifting, causing possible critical operating conditions, is prevented by a lock device, which can be disengaged by pressing the pushbutton on the lever knob.
The parking brake lever disappears in a receptacle in the center console to prevent inadvertent and dangerous actua- tion, but its handgrip is easily visible and accessible to the driver for emergency use.
The seats have been designed through complex calculations aiming tb optimize the space, comfort, aesthetics and functionality.
The upholstery materials have been carefully selected and tested to provide the highest resistance to tears, wear, abrasion, stains and sun light decolorization.
The stuffing, made of polyurethane foam provides excellent absorption of vibrations of any frequency; it is soft at the center of the seat, and stifler at the sides to offer effective sideward control without compromising high comfort.
The seat frame consists of stamped plates and metal tubes, assuring high strength and long life even if subject to prolonged stress and vibrations.
The head restraints provide elegance and safety, and can be adjusted with continuity.
The infolding shape of the front seats provides high comfort and safety even when the vehicle is operated at limit performance, and particularly when the vehicle is subject to lateral stresses.
The wide adjustment along the three axes is fully motorized and is completed by the "lumbar" adjustment which stiffens the backrest and supports the driver's back to provide further comfort.
The seat adjustments are realized by means of independent electric motors with rack and pinion.
The seats slide on tracks and rollers which provide fast and silent adjustment.
On some models, further comfort is provided by heating pads enclosed in the seat cushion and backrest, which pleasantly heat the seat in cold weather.
The rear seats have been specially designed to provide high comfort to rear occupants. As an option, two comfortable independent seats are offered (split seats) with a large arm rest and motorized adjustment of cushion and backrest. The seat returns automatically to the fully retracted position as the relevant door is opened to facilitate entering or leaving the vehicle.
On request, the rear split seats can be provided with cushion and backrest heating pads. A useful passage towards the trunk is offered as an option. This passage, known as 'Skypassage", is very useful for the loading of very long objects in the trunk, and avoids the use of unaesthetic external carriers.
The passage is closed by a cover, and a sheeth prevents dirtying of upholstery.
The Anti-lock Brake System (A.B.S.), high body stiffness and suspensions designed to optimize road holding are the most evident results achieved by Alfa Romeo in active safety. Other minor but nevertheless important details show this special attention: high visibility from driver's position, proper distribution of weight and many oth~r details have been designed and realized with the vehicle's active safety as a priary target.
A high performance and elegant vehicle at the top of its category must guarantee the maximum passive safety to occupants.
With this in mind, Alfa Romeo not only provides the 164 with the devices required by law, but also offers an integrated restraint system consisting of retracting seat belts, Air Bag (S.R.S. Supplementary Restraint System) and high energy absorption knee protection panels ergonomically located below the dashboard.
Three point retracting belts are offered on the front seats, with height adjustment at the upper attachment point. The belts are made of polyester fiber conforming to the most demanding requirements. The two lateral rear seats are also equipped with three-point automatic retracting belts; a lap belt is provided for the center seat.
Following the most innovative technology, the driver's safety is further improved by 'the air bag system, which in conjunction with the three-point seat belts help to protect the driver from violent impact against the steering wheel, and provide hight energy absorption in the event of an accident. The air bag system is electronically controlled, and consists of an inflatable module stowed inside the steering wheel. When a serious collision occurs, a cartridge inside'the module discharges, the bag inflates in less than 0,05s and provides a buffer between the steering wheel and the driver.
After inflation, the air bag deflates rapidly to enable the driver to recover control of the vehicle.
The steering wheel and column geometry and setting have been specially designed to direct the Air Bag against the driver's chest thus optimizing the air bag sistem's potential to protect the driver.
The air bag electronic unit is located in the passenger compartment. The impact signals are delivered to the control unit by three accelerometers (sensor), two located in the engine compartment, and one located above the control unit. The control unit electrically actuates tne cartridge (inflating device) contained in the air bag module; an explosive reaction produces the gas to inflate the bag. The bag remains inflated for no more than a second, then deflates rapidly.
Proper air conditioning in the passenger compartment is fundamental to assure high comfort.
To this purpose, Alfa Romeo designed a sophisticated automatic air conditioning system of high performance even in the most critical environmental contidions.
The system includes a heater and air conditioner electronically controlled by a microprocessor which optimizes the system operation, and enables quick attainment of the temperature pre-selected by the occupants.
The temperature pre-selected by the occupants, and outside and passenger compartment temperatures are sensed by the control unit and processed to control the air conditicner, the heater, the electric fan and the air flow.
The temperature, direction and amount of the air flow are computed to obtain the required environment conditions, that are maintained regardless of variations in the vehicle's speed andlor exterior environmental conditions.
Several manual settings adapt the automatic setting of the system to the different requirements of occupants; particularly important are the recycling function whenever the outside air is polluted or unpleasant, the variable speed of the electric fan and variable distribution of the air flow (for deicing, defogging, etc.).
The utmost care has been given to the acoustic comfort of this executive class vehicle. A number of features have been specifically designed, resufting in an excellent sound-proofing of the engine hood, of all moving parts and of the passenger compartment.
All the above features, simple but effective, give the 164 the comfort and luxury of an executive class car which are rarely combined with high sporting characteristics.
A new design sound system is exclusively offered for this prestigious and elegant vehicle. The system includes a radio-cassette player (auto-reverse) with digital display, four two-way loudspeakers and an automatic power antenna. The digital display shows the time when the radio is switched off, or the tuned frequency when the radio is switched on.
The display mode can also be chosen by the occupants. The radio is installed in the front console, below the switchboard. The front loudspeakers are door - mounted, and the rear loudspeakers are installed on the rear window shelf.
An ashtray and cigar lighter are located in both the front and rear sides of the passenger compartment.
An emergency compartment on the rear window shelf can be fitted with a first aid kit, or as otherwise desired.
The comfortable passenger compartment lighting system consists of a central dome lamp and of two rear dome lamps. Each dome lamp includes a narrow beam map lamp to prevent disturbing the driver with strong light.
Two additional lamps are provided below the dashboard to illuminate the front occupants floor section.
The attention given by Alfa Romeo even to the smallest details reveals the accurate design of the 164. The 164 is equipped with a number of simple but elegant and functional accessories, all aiming to improve the comfort of occupants.
A glovebox with key-lock is located in the right side of dashboard; the dashboard lid opening is dampened.
A courtesy mirror with lighting is located on the front passenger sun visor. When not in use, the mirror is protected by a sliding cover.
A ground illumination lamp is installed on the lower edge of doors so that exiting the car in dark areas is easier and safer.
The fusebox is easily accessible and provided with lighting. A label on the fusebox lid shows the protected circuits and the amperage of each fuse, and makes the replacement of fuses a very simple procedure that could be carried-out even by inexperienced drivers.
A sophisticated electronic antitheft system is offered to prevent unpleasant but nevertheless possible inconveniences.
The system is operated by a remote control unit, and actuates all door locks and disables the engine fuel and ignition system.
A self-powered syren with on/off key is provided in the trunk. The electronic control unit and the system activation signal light are located in the passenger compartment.
This system provides state of the art antitheft protection.