Every time
Alfa Romeo
is mentioned , the one who knows cars by ear.
And those who don't know as much but could recognize one on the street also pay attention.
Despite the ups and downs it has had in its history, it continues to be a
style reference
in the automotive world.
And its
Giulia
sedan is a true reflection of that.
This model, one of those that the importer Centro Milano offers in Argentina, is attractive mainly for two reasons.
The first is because it is a four-door in an era dominated by SUVs and crossovers.
And the second, but more important, is its style.
Alfa Romeo is recognized as much for its sportiness as for its style and the Giulia makes this clear wherever it goes.
Whether pedestrians or drivers and passengers of other vehicles, thumbs magically rise as they pass.
Again, the secret is in its
style and details
, since it has the proportions of a “common” car;
It is not a coupe or a convertible that distinguishes it from the rest.
The key is how naturally the lines are drawn on the body.
Italian beauty
It does not require sharp edges or abrupt cuts.
And much less a big, tall grill.
Everything is born in the classic inverted triangle of Alfa (bigger than before, it is true) and from there everything flows harmoniously.
The figure of this model is supported by the naturalness with which its lines flow.
There are lines that tighten the figure more, such as those that flank the grill and run along the hood, or that curve quickly, such as the transition between the C-pillar and the third volume (trunk) that gently wraps around each lower vertex of the rear window. .
There are no stridencies.
The
harmony of the forms
is total.
There is sensuality in its lines.
And that makes it very different from rival models such as the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Even the license plate holder displaced from the center distinguishes it.
Inside, the Alpha heritage also says present.
To begin with, the Veloce version that
Clarín
tested was presented with a glamorous scarlet red upholstery that already predisposes you in a different way.
It stands out even more with the black interior roof.
Sporty, driver-oriented interior.
The rest also remains within the brand's parameters: a driver-oriented center console, without exaggerating with the touch screen, three-spoke steering wheel,
very low driving position
and details in black and imitation metal.
The space in the back is recommended for two adults, since the transmission tunnel is large.
The trunk has good capacity but the loading opening is small.
The finishes and materials show a great evolution that leaves it much closer to its German rivals.
First class mechanics
But what would an Alfa be without Coure Sportivo.
And this Giulia has it and much more.
It has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder (longitudinal arrangement, a rarity for this era) that delivers
280 horsepower
and 400 Nm of torque.
It is supported by an 8-speed automatic transmission that
transmits power to all four wheels
, although it always gives priority to the rear axle.
The start button is on one of the spokes of the steering wheel, Ferrari style.
Just sitting down is enough to understand that you are behind the wheel of a
different car
.
The tail is very low, the legs are almost parallel to the floor and something similar happens between the chest and the steering wheel.
Right in the center of the steering wheel is the start button,
Ferrari style.
Its ride is first surprising because it is much more comfortable than it seems (it has huge low-profile wheels: 225/40 R19).
However, the
aluminum suspensions
(double wishbone front and multi-link rear) do a remarkable job of having a comfortable ride on cobblestones.
But the best thing, as with any Alfa, is to drive it on the road, especially if there are possibilities of intertwining curves.
There it is advisable to select the Dynamic
driving mode
, with which the accelerator responds faster, as does the gearbox, and the steering becomes firmer.
The scarlet red upholstery creates a different atmosphere in the cabin.
By the way, it has a much lower gear ratio than any other model and that means that with less steering wheel turn the car turns more and makes it more precise.
Demanding the march, the entire assembly responds wonderfully, pushing with energy and with a remarkable dynamic balance.
The box offers a real manual mode (it does not change gears when reaching the cut-off, but it takes care of the engine), although it does not make much sense, since the work in
Dynamic
is very satisfactory.
Changes in trajectories are a pleasure, since the tail makes a small slip but the management of traction (which sends more force to the front axle) and the chassis allows it to leave very well accommodated.
In short, it is a car that is mainly enjoyed driving, but that also captivates with its image.
Versions and prices
Giulia Veloce:
US$79,000
Giulia QV 100th Anniversary:
US$232,000
Data sheet
Length: 4,643 mm
Width:1,860mm
Height: 1,436 mm
Wheelbase: 2,820 mm
Weight: 1,605 kg
Trunk: 480 dm3
Fuel tank: 58 liters
Engine: Naphtha, 2.0 Turbo
Power: 280 HP at 5,250 rpm
Torque: 400 Nm at 2,250 rpm
Traction: Integral
Transmission: Automatic, 8 speeds
Maximum speed: 240 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
Average consumption: 9.5 L/100 km
Main equipment
ABS and stability control
Front, side and curtain airbags
Autonomous emergency brake
adaptive cruise control
Blind spot radar
Lane change warning
8.8” touch screen
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Sports seats
Panoramic ceiling
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