10.02.2004 FIRST LOOK AT THE ALFA ROMEO CROSSWAGON AHEAD OF ITS GENEVA PREMIERE

Alfa Romeo have offered a first look at the 156 Sportwagon based 'Crosswagon' ahead of its Geneva Motor Show premiere at the beginning of next month as four wheel drive make a return to the marque's range of options.

Visually, the new model has beefed up bumpers and angled side skirts, wrapped in protective underbody aluminium, while the theme is continued by the presence of alloy roof bars. The suspension, which has been revised, allows a ride height raised by 6cm.

Under the bonnet of the Crosswagon is the new 1.9 M-Jet. Alfa Romeo have chosen this power unit for its strong torque producing characteristics. This turbo diesel feeds to the wheels via a Torsen C-System dispersing power through three differentials.

The Crosswagon, arriving late in the production cycle of the 156, represents a return to four wheel drive for the marque after almost a decade's absence. The Crosswagon, very much a toe dipping exercise, Alfa hope will begin to link all wheel drive with the brand ahead of the new 158 which will offer this embedded into its platform.

The Crosswagon will go on sale throughout Europe in September.