Alfa Romeo is about to get its groove back.
The Italian brand is planning a four-pronged attack on the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class when its new sporty sedan range launches in February.
The model line-up will consist of an entry-level Giulia model and progress through Super and Veloce variants before topping out with the high-performance Quadrifoglio.
The Giulia is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit that produces 147kW and 330Nm and sips a claimed 6.0L/100km. All Giulia models are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Standard kit for the Giulia includes leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, navigation, reversing camera and rear parking sensors.
Alfa has also included autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning as standard.
A 3.5-inch digital instrument display and a 6.5-inch infotainment screen are also standard on the Giulia.
The next model up is the Giulia Super which is available with either the same petrol engine found in the standard Giulia or a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel unit that is good for 132kW and 450Nm. The oil burner has a claimed fuel use of just 4.2L/100km.
The Giulia Super gains a heated steering wheel, active cruise control, blind spot warning, power adjustable seats and Alfa has kitted it out with more leather highlights throughout the cabin compared to the entry-level model.
The Giulia Veloce model is where things start to heat up, it is powered by an uprated version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit that now produces 206kW and 400Nm and is able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
Befitting its more sporty pedigree. the Veloce gains adjustable suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, 19-inch alloy wheels and bigger brakes with red calipers.
While inside the Veloce gains aluminium dash inserts and pedals, a leather sports seat and steering wheel and a better stereo.
Last but definitely not least is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. The Quadrifoglio has been given the ominous task of taking on Germany's best performance sedans.
It is powered by a Ferrari-inspired 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that pumps out 375kW and 600Nm, which puts the sporty four-door firmly in BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 territory.
With a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 300km/h the range-topper looks set to make its mark in Australia, where buyers purchase more performance models per capita than almost anywhere in the world.
Riding on 19-inch alloy wheels the Quadrifoglio also gains bi-xenon headlights, auto high beam along with sport exterior touches.
Inside the performance sedan gains leather and Alcantara front sport seats as well as leather and carbon fibre highlights throughout the cabin.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia range is set to hit Australian showrooms in February, 2017. Prices will be announced closer to the launch date.
5 Comments
MG788 | 2016-12-09 04:39:48
If Alfa Romeo don't ape the Germans with an Australia Tax, I'll be in the market for one of these.
stevecro | 2016-12-09 20:33:58
unfortunately for Alfa, they could make the best new car in the world for the price point and it'd still be a poor seller here. I don't think the German car companies' Australian CEOs will be bothering to figure out any counter strategies any time soon
Reggie | 2016-12-09 21:10:07
This mob hasn't struck a blow since the Alfetta 1.8, and as I recall, that is a while back.
dadoffrosty | 2016-12-10 02:22:36
Lets hope Alfa Romeo don't shoot themselves in the foot by not offering commensurate levels of after sales service and warranty support that is offered by the likes of BMW and AUDI, et. al... One hopes that they will provide sufficient levels of support for the brand to build up the re-sale values in the market so that used car values don't plummet as they have in the past. Most buyers will want some half-way decent retained value to go along with the other reasons to buy this new offering. I have had several Alfa's in the past and while I enjoy the driving experience and have not had any issues with the 156's and the 159 I bought, the ownership experience has been a bit less than optimum in re-sale terms.
DJM61 | 2016-12-10 09:06:41
If the Giulia Veloce can be priced appropriately it will sell in big numbers. The front end looks too insect Japan design inspired. The previous 159 is to my Euro eyes much nicer.