ALFA ROMEO GIULIA SUPER

AT the very end of 2017, I was contacted by a representative from Alfa Romeo SA regarding my long-term test car. There was a software update for early model Giulias, such as this one, and they wanted to conduct the upgrade to the car.

Local Alfa Romeo/fiat dealer, William Simpson, would undertake the check-up and be responsible for the entire process. As I was about to leave on an international assignment, the timing was perfect. Mr Simpson himself made the arrangements for collection/delivery and kept me informed with ongoing status reports. After a day and a half in the Tokai-based dealership’s workshop, FS 56 VH GP was returned with a few new thoughtcontrol processes.

During the electronic medical, several systems were given the once-over, including the body-control module, instrument panel, HVAC system and electric power steering. The most noticeable changes, however, were undertaken on the infotainment system and integrated brake setup. On the former, there is now quick access to my favourite radio stations. Simply push downwards on the rotary controller and my ve preferred channels come up for quick selection. This comes in particularly handy when you consider the amount of tripe spoken by modern DJS.

The other signi cant change is in the operation of the brakeby-wire system and we have criticised the Giulia’s brake pedal for being too sensitive. The electronically actuated system was quite sensitive to inputs, requiring the smallest bit of effort to make the car slow dramatically. Thankfully, the software update has tempered the action somewhat, making it feel more like a regular hydraulic pedal.