UK pricing and specs for Alfa's BMW 3 Series rival have been revealed; hot Quadrifoglio range-topper costs
£59,000 (just over R1mill)
UK pricing and specifications for the Alfa Romeo Giulia range have been revealed, confirming the new model starts at £29,180.
British buyers get to choose from five trim levels for Alfa's Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Jaguar XE rival. The range-topping Quadrifoglio version of the car, which features a Ferrari-derived 3.0-litre V6 with 503bhp, starts at £59,000.
Besides the Quadrifoglio model, three engines will be available in the Giulia. These include a 197bhp and 243lb ft turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol, which is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Next are two 2.2-litre diesels, the most powerful of which produces 178bhp and 332lb ft of torque. It’s capable of emitting less than 100g/km of CO2 in Eco specification. The other diesel comes with 148bhp and 280lb ft. Both engines can be had with either a six-speed manual transmission or the eight-speed auto 'box.
echnical specs
All models will be rear-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive will be available on some versions. Alfa Romeo says the car has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and features multi-link suspension at the rear and double wishbones at the front.
The Giulia has an unladen weight of 1374kg in 178bhp 2.2-litre diesel form.
Alfa Romeo says that electronic aids on the Giulia are used only to make the driving experience more exciting. For example, the new integrated braking system mixes the traditional stability control set-up with a servo brake, reducing weight and vibrations through the pedal.
Other safety and assistance systems include autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, optional adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.
Drivers can choose from three driving modes via Alfa’s DNA drive selector. In addition, range-topping Quadrifoglio models get a Race option.
The five-seat cabin features an 8.8in infotainment system, controlled via a rotary pad on the centre console. The system features compatibility for Apple and Android devices, Bluetooth and satellite navigation. Depending on specification, the Giulia gets either a 3.5in or 7.0in colour display as part of the instrument cluster.
Five-trim levels
Buyers can choose from five new trim levels: Giulia, Giulia Super, Giulia Tecnica, Giulia Speciale and the range topping Giulia Quadrifoglio.
In entry-level Giulia form, the car sits on 16in alloy wheels, and has LED rear lights, a fabric interior, 3.5in TFT driver’s information screen, 6.5in infotainment screen and a leather steering wheel. Super models add 17in alloys, twin exhaust pipes and part-leather seats.
The Quadrifoglio range-topper gets a far more aggressive look and an 8.8in infotainment screen. Personalisation packs bring features such as wheel-mounted paddle shifters, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors and electric front seats.
Alfa Romeo says the new Giulia “embodies the core elements which have made Alfa Romeo one of the world's best-loved automotive brands; distinctive Italian design; innovative powertrains, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and the best weight-to-power ratio".
Alfa's newly announced pricing ranks the Giulia above some of its key rivals, including the BMW 3 Series, which starts at £25,160, and the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which are priced at £26,350 and £27,665 respectively.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2016-alfa-romeo-giulia-pricing-starts-£29180
