New Alfa Romeo Giulia set to take on Jaguar and the big German brands

Car companies in Ireland can only play the hand that they get in terms of product. Alfa Romeo have been well off the pace for some time, but things could be about to change for the better.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a name from the past that has historical resonance, and in its new form –launched in Ireland this week – it is the new white hope for the immediate future of the brand.

Anxious to let the brand stand out on its own, Alfa chiefs in Ireland know that this new car needs to take on the big German brands and Jaguar if it to make significant inroads into the market. It is pitched against the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Jaguar XE. That’s a hefty parade and new dealers and a series of good school reports is vital if it has the chance to make an impact.

It won’t happen immediately. There is work to be done on the dealer front, but the car looks stunning and drives beautifully and, as you would expect from any Alfa, the handling is superb, thanks mainly to its really sharp steering and sensitive suspension setup.

On a closer look at the levels of equipment, the lower price compared to the opposition and the fact that it is a new, different and exciting offering, there is good reason to believe that some drivers will be willing to take a chance on this Italian piece of art.

Externally, and internally too, the designers have had their way and have produced a real Alfa Romeo-styled car that catch the eye and delivers more space and comfort than you would anticipate.

Five trim levels are available – Giulia, Super, Super Sport, Super Lux and the top of the range Quadrifoglio – and a choice of four engine variants (two petrol and two diesel), all of which are paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

In Giulia trim it is available in two engines: a 2.2-litre JTD 150hp diesel and 2.0-litre 200hp turbo petrol, priced at €39,995 and €40,395 respectively.

Stepping up to the Super version, the specification gets additional interior and exterior features, exclusive alloy wheels, chromed exterior window surrounds and on the 2.2-litre JTD 180hp diesel, dual chrome exhaust tips.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.