Well, it goes: Even if many Alfisti hardly a revival of Alfa Romeo The new Giulia, which has been available since June, testifies to the will to survive of the traditional Italian brand. We drove the mid-size sedan, which competes against the German top dogs of the hit of an A4, 3er or C-Class, among others, in the currently strongest diesel combination with 132 kW / 180 PS. At least 37.400 Euro are due for the Italian in the "Super" mentioned second equipment variant.
The first impression is positive. Fesch looks like the Giulia. She proudly displays her Scudetto with the discreetly modernized Alfa logo and her large air intakes. Corners, edges and curves are in the right places. Visually, the 4,64 meter long beauty does not have to hide behind a BMW. When looking at and scanning the interior materials, however, there are differences to the competition. Not that the Giulia would make a really bad impression here, but the Bavarian and Swabian competitors bring materials and shapes together more elegantly. Thus, for example, the 6,5-inch standard infotainment display in the dashboard looks puny, if you want it bigger (8,8 inches, so still not really huge), are required in conjunction with a Navi 2.500 Euro surcharge. If you look at the small screen, the navigation option costs only 1.100 Euro. The operation of radio or Navi via a central rotary push button and presents the user with no major challenges. Otherwise, the Alfa designers have thought along and provided separate switches for controlling the air conditioning or volume.
Less well, the thing with the place advised. If an 3er is already cut in such a way that people with standard sizes feel most comfortable, the Giulia is best suited to inmates who have no problems with Italian clothing specifications. If it does, it will quickly spack, especially in the back. Drivers with long legs also miss a seat cushion extension. The trunk holds 480 liters, a class usual value. However, you should definitely choose the option for an asymmetrically convertible rear seat (surcharge: 250 Euro), so that you can store longer items well.
But stood around enough: Let's go and do it with a finger press on the starter button on the steering wheel. This sports car reminiscence suits the top model of the model series, the Giulia Quadrifoglio with 510 PS and from 71.800 euros, certainly better, but also 180 horses can be led out of the stable in the proper style. The diesel horses, however, do not snort so elegantly - unmistakable for occupants and the neighbors. Since you can not hear the horsepower, of course: You can also choose from a 136- (from 33.100 euros) and 150-hp diesel (from 34.100 euros), a 210 hp diesel will soon add to the range of engines.
A light kick on the aluminum accelerator pedal and the 2,2-liter four-cylinder proves his temperament, especially since the vehicle brings only scarce 1,5 tons on the scales and thus comparatively little weight must be set in motion. The agile impression, which is briefly disturbed by a small turbo lag just at the beginning of the acceleration phase, is retained thanks to the decent torque of 380 Nm as well as the precise shifting and steering while driving.
It helps to be in dynamic mode to feel that agility. Although no dampers are sharpened here, throttle, brake and steering commands are implemented very directly. The driver's display changes to red illumination and who wants to, can see if a significant and measurable lateral acceleration has occurred. The latter can be reconstructed even with normal cornering a little; The rear-wheel drive supports a brisk through of bends. Although the Giulia is pleasantly tight, but waives pseudo-sporty harshness. But it is also clear that in Dynamic mode, the standard consumption of 4,2 liters is very far away. A seven before the comma is much more realistic here. If you want to save money, switch to the "Advanced Efficiency" mode - instead of being sporty, things are going to be economical here. Green animation screens inform about driving habits. A good compromise between the two diametrical modes is the middle mode called Natural. By the way, the nice combination of letters DNA results on the selection knob. By the way, on average, we needed 6,8 liters of fuel, not so bad value. Because admitted: Most of the time red was the dominant color while driving.
Speaking of color: only the color "Rosso Alfa" costs nothing extra. 490 Euro is required for simple uni-paint jobs, metallic paint must be paid with 930 Euro. Otherwise, there are, like the competitors in addition to the ordinary basic equipment - with "Super" including 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air conditioning and exhaust system with twin tailpipe - many opportunities when studying the price list checkmark and to bring the vehicle price up. A beautiful, sporty and well-equipped Giulia just has its price, just like its German competitor. (Elfriede Munsch / SP-X)