In recent years, the brand languished Alfa Romeo something to himself; There was a lack of exciting novelties, indeed novelties. But now the Fiat subsidiary has taken a fresh lease of life until 2020 is to follow eight new models. The first highlight is the mid-size sedan Giulia, which after a pre-premiere of the sports model at this year's Geneva Motor Show may finally showcase their entire range. Just a few days earlier, Alfa Romeo now put on the second novelty with the first revised Giulietta after five years. From 21.990 Euro poops the compact future in the golf class.
Listening to the plans of the Alfa strategists, one might think that the Giulietta was completely reinvented: 2.200 units sold by 2015 should grow this year to around 4.000 vehicles! However, if the compact is in front of you, you have to look carefully to see the lifted version - only the front and rear apron have been redesigned, quite discreetly. In addition, a redesigned company logo, redesigned lettering and inside an instrument cluster with now white instead of red numbers - all this is under "easy make-up" and is actually no reason to put on a doubling of the numbers.
"Of course, we hope that the new Giulia will have a positive impact on the entire brand," emphasizes Stefan Moldaner, responsible for Germany. And besides, the Giulietta still has an arrow in the quiver: Finally, even the smaller of three diesels can be coupled with the six-speed dual-clutch transmission (TCT) - a significant gain in comfort, which could well mess up the popularity of the aggregates. Currently, most buyers still opt for the 150 PS strong two-liter unit.
But the 120 PS strong entry-level diesel does not need to hide behind its bigger brother. With plenty of 280 Newtonmeters of torque he comes close to him on the bone and that he just missed a one-digit value with 10,5 seconds for the standard sprint, is a minor matter. The powerful draft and the quick onset make up for this double-digit shortcoming, the gently and quickly simultaneously switching automatic as well as the efficient noise reduction speak in addition for the 1.6er. It runs a maximum of 195 km / h, which is also sufficient on the highway. With at least 27.490 Euro, however, he is no bargain, but he saves at the gas station. Only 3,9 liters are burned in normal operation on 100 kilometers.
If you do not like 150 PS, you can take the 175-PS version from the upper end of the diesel scale; here is the TCT standard on board. On the gasoline side clears up with the facelift Alfa something and sweeps the 105-PS basics from the program; Now it starts with the 120 PS strong expansion of the 1,4-liter turbo, which is why the starting price also slightly climbs to 21.990 Euro. Also on offer are the 1.4er with multi-air technology and 150 or 170 PS as well as an 250 PS strong 1.8er; the latter two also drive as standard with dual-clutch transmission.
That the Giulietta in the battle for market share has no real chance against the class leader VW Golf, should also be aware of the people in charge in Turin. That's why the Italian is looking for her niche between the mass-produced in the compact segment - and focuses on sportiness and beauty. No question: The sensual curves of the body are much more charged with emotion than the smooth surfaces of the Wolfsburgers, and the instruments labeled with Benzina and Acqua look a lot more affectionate than with slovenly pictograms. In addition there is a taut chassis, which challenges the back, but also promotes driving pleasure; unfortunately there are not yet any adaptive dampers. But for a sport mode, the steering, engine characteristic and the dual-clutch transmission additionally tightens. And of course, a good portion of Dolce Vita, which every Alfa has as standard on board.