Long drive accomplished over the weekend. 600+ kms there and back over two days. First point: the 159 is a much nicer cruiser than the GTA. Result of the transmission, cabin noise and gearing ratios. The GTA, however, wasn't at all bad. I never felt I needed to take a break and on the way back, I did close to four hours straight without feeling exhausted.
Fuel economy is better than the 159. Though the instruments indicate 9.0 l/100 kms, it was actually 9.7. This was cruise control pegged to 110 kph in top gear. The engine speed is just shy of 3,000 rpm, though.
It has bags of torque. In the Honda, I used to drop to third or even second before contemplating overtaking with any hurry. The GTA accomplished the same thing just by matting the throttle in top gear. Yes, it's not quite as fast as the mad Honda I4 wailing at 7,000 rpm but at 3,000 rpm the Busso V6 has a lovely growl and subtle roar.
The fires are pretty bad. And I passed through on a good day. On one section of the road smoke was completely obscuring vision. Visibility was cut down to 50m, maximum. Completely obliterated any vision. And it's not like a thick fog, either where details and outlines filter through. It's a wall of solid grey.
I didn't stop to take images of the bad visibility due to smoke because I passed some CFA engines going bush. I assumed I was somewhat near the front and made expedient use of the horsepower available, once I had cleared the smoke.
This photo is a little way upwind, when I stopped to let the car cool down. That haze coating the horizon is smoke from the fires. The entire region is blanketed in it and the smell is pretty strong. Think roaring log fire, but no matter where you go.
I don't think I was ever in any real danger, the CFA are pretty good about no-shit warnings and barring access to danger. So, given I was allowed on my merry way, I'll make that assumption.
Even so, I'm awarding the little GTA the ability to make expedient escapes from life-threatening situations.
One more thing, I've been informed that the GTA is an extremely antisocial car. I stayed overnight in a little motel with a courtyard. I was told in the morning that I woke a few people up when I arrived quite late.
I was related the story the following morning. One of my colleagues had brought along his wife who, after being woken, questioned, "What the hell is that?"
My colleague responded, "That's an Alfa Romeo."
That made me smile, a bit.