Alfa Romeo Arna

Arna in brief

Arna created in collaboration with Nissan: the body and much of the construction are related to the Nissan Pulsar, while the engines and gearbox are from Alfa Romeo. This car combined a Japanese body with an Italian boxer engine.

The Arna was offered as a 3 or 5-door hatchback. Today, it's a rare car, more likely to be found in collectors' hands than in the garages of everyday drivers.

Which version to choose

The Arna was produced just once and for only a few years, so the choice mainly depends on the body style (3 or 5 doors), the engine, and, most importantly, the condition of the specific example.

Since so few of these cars remain, it's more important than the trim level or engine whether the car is original, unmodified, and has a clear history.

Engines and gearboxes

The Arna is powered by four-cylinder boxer petrol engines derived from the Alfasud: usually 1.2 l and 1.3 l, with a sportier version featuring a 1.3 l engine with more power (around 86 hp). Smaller engines produce around 63–79 hp.

The gearbox is manual, with 4 or 5 speeds. Automatic gearboxes were not offered for this model.

What to check when buying a used Arna

The biggest issue with an older car like this is rust. Check the sills, wheel arches, floor, front bumper, and boot floor. This part of the car is often the most expensive and complicated to fix.

The boxer engine should be checked for oil leaks, uneven running, and the condition of the timing belt. Finding spare parts can be tricky, so before you buy, find out where you can source them.

Since the car is rare, it's worth consulting with members of the Alfa Romeo classic car club or specialists who can evaluate specific examples.

Trim levels

Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.

Comparing versions

The Arna is a car for enthusiasts, not for practical daily use. The key is to find one with as little corrosion as possible, ideally an original example.

Frequently asked questions