Car reviews
Alfa Romeo Giulia makes its SA debut
The Giulia is Alfa Romeo's make or break car. It is built by the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Group.This is the same family that owns Ferrari and Maserati and it has prided itself on producing sporty Italian masterpieces that have a unique but strong following in South Africa. Of late, however, Alfa Romeo has faltered with its Noddy-eyed Mito and the equally benign Giulietta, which both sold in small numbers.
Desperate to remain viable and to regain lost “Alfisti” fans, Alfa Romeo has invoked memories of the early Giulia name by introducing what I believe is a combination of excellent dynamics in a sensational design package.
The new Alfa Romeo Giulia is the most authentic expression of the Alfa Romeo spirit, successfully combining all the elements that have made it one of the most desirable automotive brands.This includes distinctive Italian design, high-performance engines, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and supreme weightto-power ratio.
Four trim levels are available in the Giulia, coupled with the 2.0l Turbo petrol engine versions.The Giulia Base features a high level of standard equipment without compromising on the value for money this model offers.The Base models features 16” alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, Cruise Control as well as Stop/Start technology.
The intermediate model, the Super, extends the already high levels of specification of the Base by adding 17” alloy wheels, Adaptive Cruise Contol with STOP function, steering wheel mounted shift paddles, twin exhausts, privacy glass and decorative aluminium sill plates in the door entrances.
The top model in the 2.0l range is the Super with Stile Pack and it features everything available on its sibling plus the addition of 18” alloy wheels, Uconnect 8.4 CD/DVD/ MP3/Nav, Sports Pack and Convenience Pack for added uniqueness in the range.The Sport Pack includes a sports steering wheel, aluminium inserts on the dashboard, central tunnel and door panels, as well as Xenon headlights.
Giulia's distinctive interior and exterior style houses a wealth of
standard equipment including dual-zone climate control, the Alfa DNA system and 6.5" Connect infotainment system, as well as the new efficient active safety systems such as Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Brake and pedestrian recognition, the Integrated Brake System, Lane Departure Warning and cruise control with speed limiter.
Giulia heralds the début of the new 2.0l petrol engine – a 4-cylinder engine made entirely of aluminium which generates 147kW at 5 000r/min and a maximum torque of 330Nm at 1 750r/min. In addition to the multiair electro-hydraulic valve activation system, the particular features of this engine include the “2-in-1” turbocharger system and a 200-bar direct injection high pressure system which combine to deliver quick response to accelerator commands at all speeds while permitting highly efficient fuel consumption levels.
Of course the 2.0l four-cylinder petrol engine is simply a precursor to the mighty 2.9l V6 Bi-Turbo engine that powers the top-ofthe-range QV version.This unique engine is destined to become the new benchmark of the brand in terms of technology and performance.
Inspired by Ferrari technology and technical skill, the six-cylinder Bi-Turbo petrol engine is made entirely of aluminium to minimise the car's absolute weight, especially on the front axle. It delivers 375kW and torque in excess of 600Nm for exhilarating performance. It offers a top speed of 307 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds and a maximum torque of 600Nm.
All Giulia models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard and are powered by engines made in Italy in areas dedicated exclusively to Alfa Romeo engines, using state-of-the-art processes and methods affording them top performance and efficiency.
All Alfa Romeo Giulia models come standard with a three-year/ 100 000km warranty and six year/ 100 000km maintenance plan.