Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in South Africa has launched Alfa Romeo’s newest D-Segment offering, the Giulia and Giulia QV, following its highly publicised international debut.
In keeping with Alfa Romeo traditions, Giulia offers unique technology that makes it the benchmark for its segment. The more sophisticated features include the Integrated Brake System (IBS) for considerably reduced braking distance, and active suspension (QV) for exceptional comfort. Also exclusive to the QV, the Torque Vectoring technology affords outstanding torque distribution between the rear wheels, and the Active Aero Splitter actively controls downforce at high speed.
Four trim levels are available in the Giulia, coupled with the 2.0l Turbo petrol engined 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, the Super with Stile Pack, 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.
The Luxury Pack includes a leather upholstered dashboard and door panels, heated front seats electrically adjustable with eight settings, genuine oak or walnut wood inserts on the dashboard, central tunnel and door panels, plus chrome-plated exterior window frames and electrically folding door mirrors.
Two new engine versions
Giulia heralds the début of the new 2.0l petrol engine – a 4-cylinder engine made entirely of aluminium – which generates 147kW at 5,000 r/min and a maximum torque of 330Nm at 1,750 r/min. Of course the 2.0l 4-cylinder petrol engine is simply a precursor to the mighty 2.9l V6 Bi-Turbo engine that powers the top-of-the-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 skills, the six-cylinder BiTurbo petrol engine is made entirely of aluminium – to minimise the car’s absolute weight, especially on the front axle – and it delivers 375kW and torque in excess of 600Nm, for exhilarating performance; top speed of 307 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds and a maximum torque of 600Nm.
Despite the exceptional power and torque values, the 2.9l Bi-Turbo petrol engine is also best-in-class in terms of emission levels (189 g/km of CO2 with the standard 8-speed automatic gearbox) and is surprisingly efficient to run, thanks to the electronically-controlled cylinder disabling system.
All Giulia models come with an 8-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.
The new Alfa Romeo Giulia will be available locally from all Alfa Romeo dealerships with the 2.0l Base model starting at R555 000, the Super version will be available at R625 000 and the Super with Stile Pack will complete the range with a price of R695 000.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrafolio Verde will be available in limited numbers from R1 400 000.
All Alfa Romeo Giulia models come standard with a three year or 100 000 km warranty and six year or 100 000 km Maintenance Plan.
In other motoring related news, Volvo Cars recently revealed the long-awaited all-new XC60 premium SUV at the Geneva Motor Show.
