Alfa Romeo extends range in Australia

Alfa sold 73 cars in Australia last month and 587 in the year up to July 31, almost 100 down on the same time in 2009. The brand is struggling with an uneven and ageing lineup — ancient in the case of the 147 hatch which is as old as the century.

The GT coupe (based the 147 and the dead for five years 156) is in runout. The 159 had one of its worst ever months with just 14 sales in July, while the Spider and Brera move as few as one or two units each a month.

While the MiTo, long held back by its non-choice of manual transmission, gets the Fiat group's TCT twin clutch auto by year's end, Alfa's crucial — as in simply must not fail — Giulietta reaches local showrooms in December.  Australia is taking two models for now; the 1.4 MultiAir and the Cloverleaf with a 1750cc direct injection turbo petrol engine that Alfa Australia have so far been unable to secure at a realistic price in the 159.

There will be a choice of six speed manual or TCT transmissions. The Q2 electronic differential is standard.

Though ostensibly a 147 replacement, the Giulietta is appreciably bigger. And though considered a rival to Volkswagen's Golf in Europe — where the MultiAir model, in particular, has been well-received — spokesman for importer Ateco, Edward Rowe, says it will be marketed as a prestige hatch against Audi's A3 and BMW's 1 Series. These start in the mid- to high $30K range up to more than $50,000.

Reports indicate that the Giulia, the 159's replacement, will debut at next year's Frankfurt Motor Show and would be likely to reach Australia in the second half of 2012.