Said to have been developed by the best engineers, designers and stylists within Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the new Giulia embodies the core elements that have made Alfa Romeo one of the world’s best-loved automotive brands: distinctive Italian design, innovative powertrains, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and the best weight-to-power ratio.
The taut proportions of the Giulia have evolved from its all-new rear-wheel-drive architecture, which bestows the car with short overhangs, a long bonnet, muscular haunches and the longest wheelbase in its segment.
The Giulia also benefits from the careful management of weights and materials to obtain perfect 50/50 weight distribution across its axles, while the sophisticated four-arm Alfa Link rear suspension (with an Alfa Romeo-patented solution for toe adjustment) and new double-wishbone front setup have been specifically tuned to maximise its dynamic abilities and enhance driving comfort.
Also débuting on the Giulia is a new semi-virtual steering axis that optimises the filtering effect and guarantees rapid, accurate steering by keeping a constant caster trail in corners. It has the most direct steering ratio (11.8) in its segment. To obtain an excellent weight-to-power ratio and outstanding torsional rigidity, the new Giulia utilises an array of high-strength and ultra-lightweight materials.
The new 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine is made entirely of aluminium and features MultiAir electrohydraulic valve actuators, a 2-in-1 turbocharger and 200-bar direct injection, all of which translates into sharp throttle responsiveness as well as outstanding efficiency and low emissions. This engine produces 200bhp at 5000rpm and 330Nm from 1750rpm.
The 2-litre Giulia is equipped with a new Alfa DNA selector, which modifies the car’s dynamic behaviour according to the driver’s selection: Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency (a new energy efficiency mode). It adjust a multitude of settings, including those of the engine, suspension, steering, transmission, rear differential, instrument display, brakes and safety and driver aids, according to the mode selected by the driver. The range and breadth of adjustments vary depending on the engine and trim of the vehicle.
A new 8-speed automatic transmission makes its debut on the Giulia, linked to the Alfa Romeo DNA system and specifically tuned to deliver a comfortable and efficient-oriented drive when the car is in Natural and Advanced Efficiency mode, but still deliver exhilarating responsiveness and driver control when in Dynamic mode, either in automatic mode or when the driver choses to shift manually via the selector or paddle-shifters.
The cabin design of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia is every bit as crisp and clean as the exterior and, crucially, it is centred around the driver, with the main controls grouped together on the small steering wheel. The human-machine interface consists of two simple, user-friendly knobs for adjusting the Alfa DNA mode and the infotainment system. Premium materials, including carbon fibre and real wood, have been chosen for their visual and tactile pleasantness.
Depending on the trim level, a 3.5-inch or 7-inch colour instrument display offers the driver all the essential information about the car at-a-glance. Organised in four screenshots, the information on display changes according to the DNA mode selected by the driver, offering a variety of readings including lateral acceleration, fuel consumption and suggested gearshift points.
The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia will go on sale in right-hand-drive markets from September, with Singapore expected to receive the handsome 2-litre turbo saloon by Christmas.
(Click here for our review of the Alfa Romeo 4C, a basic “Ferrari”.)
(Click here for our comparison test of Alfa Romeo’s Giulietta QV and Volkswagen’s Golf GTI.)
