La Posizione
Sitting in the passenger seat of an immaculate 1970s Giulia 1600 Junior coupe while rolling through the Cape vineyards and eventually the gates of the Franchhoek Motor Museum to attend the launch of the new Giulia, there was never a moment’s hesitation that something very special was about to take place.
Stile Esterno
With the Giulia, you really do get a sense that no expense was spared in making it stand out. Styled by Marco Tencone, whose previous work includes the concept Alfa Romeo 4C and Maserati Alfieri concept, the Giulia cuts a striking yet aggressive figure with its combination of strong lines, sculpted bumper and wide air intakes, trademark shield-shaped honeycomb grille and angular-looking LED headlights.
Along with the sloping roofline, full LED taillights with hints of the 164, prominent rear bumper and twin exhausts, Alfa has not only succeeded in again bringing a touch of glamour to the otherwise staid luxury sedan segment, but moved the goal posts with the Giulia.
Underpinned by Fiat-Chrysler’s brand new Giorgio platform, the Giulia marks Alfa’s return to a rear-wheel drive layout for the first time since the 75 left production in 1992.
Decorazione D'interni
Step inside, the interior adopts a clean and uncluttered look with the sweeping dash housing, on higher spec models, a 8.4-inch UConnect infotainment system that is not only easy to use, but blends with the dash to create the impression of a one-piece display.
Criticised in the past for its cheap feeling materials and flimsy build quality, Alfa has suitability upped its game dramatically with soft-touch finishes on most surfaces, backed-up by swathes of leather, satin silver inserts and aluminium details. The Giulia will initially be offered in a choice of three trim levels with the much the hyped about fire-breathing Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) being the flagship.
Unlike the wide-range of powerplants available in Europe though, local models are, for now, restricted to a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 147 kW and 330 Nm of torque, with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic being the sole transmission option.
Specific Standard
In terms of standard kit, the base Giulia comes fitted with cruise control, dual-zone climate control, 6.5-inch UConnect and 16-inch alloy wheels, while the Super Spec adds 17-inch alloys, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, black, red and black or tobacco leather seats and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Safety items include Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Brake and pedestrian recognition, Integrated Brake System Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Assist.
Mostro Nürburgring
The current Nürburgring lap record holder with a time of seven minutes and 32 seconds, the QV features a Ferrari developed 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 making a mammoth 375 kW and 600 Nm of torque, which, combined with the standard Active Torque Vectoring system and a Magneti Marelli developed Chassis Domain Control, allows it to reach 100 km/h from standstill in 3.9 seconds, and on to a limited top speed of 307 km/h.
Fitted with a sports-optimised version of the regular Giulia’s eight-speed self-shifter, the QV made its intentions clear right from the off when tasked with the short but demanding nature of the closed race track located in the museum’s ground.
With Alfa’s DNA dial switched to Race mode, the level of response from the blown six-cylinder motor was about as instant as you could wish, while each tug of the devil’s horn-like paddle shifters was met by an immediate shudder-free gear change and intoxicating noise. It was however the sheer level of grip though the corners that impressed the most, with the same applying for the sharp steering and feel of the brakes, despite the latter being punished lap after lap.
Sampling the conventional Giulia afterwards with the speculator Franchhoek and demanding Bainskloof Passes as proving grounds, the steering was just as quick and the ride comfortable despite the numerous imperfections in-between.
In Dynamic mode and with manual control of the gearbox taken, the Giulia really came alive with inspiring levels of grip and lag free shifts, the former not on par with the QV it must be said, but bang-on for the segment.
Although it its without doubt able to take on the Germans at their game own, the sad truth is that the Alfa Romeo Giulia will remain a left-field choice with the likes of the Jaguar XE, Lexus IS and Volkswagen Passat to contend with. For those willing to step away from the norm though, it makes for a truly capable newcomer and the closest any rival has come to challenging the offerings from Ingolstadt, Munich and Stuttgart.
Pricing:
Giulia 2.0 base - R555 000
Giulia 2.0 Super - R625 000
Giulia 2.0 Super (Stile) - R695 000
Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde - R1 400 000
A three year / 100 000km warranty and six year / 100 000km maintenance plan is standard on all models.
