Alfa Romeo 2000 Reviews

Alfa Romeo is no stranger to style. The 2014 4C is evidence enough, though even the brand's economical hatchbacks have more presence than their price tags would suggest. Fortunately, the 4C has more than just good looks going for it. A turbocharged 1.75-litre four-cylinder engine sits just behind the occupants, generating 180kW, with a 221kW version also on the drawing board. With just 895kg to move around, the 4C should be quick -- and nimble. Alfa Romeo posts a 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds for the 4C, and a top speed of 258km/h -- although confirming either of those will shred their fuel economy claim of 6.8L/100km. Other enticing features from the luxurious little sports car include a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, a carbon monocoque chassis, and a sleek, minimalist cabin. The Alfa Romeo 4C spearheads a product-led revival for Fiat and Alfa Romeo which is expected to boost value and increase the model mix for the brands -- which are now twinned with Chrysler in Australia under the global merger. Fiat Chrysler Group Australia has already confirmed the Alfa Romeo 4C will arrive here after mid-2014. But it's likely to be a more expensive car here than in other markets, costing somewhere over the $100,000 mark. www.motorauthority.com  

The idea of an SUV or crossover in Alfa Romeo's stable of flowing lines and sleek forms might shock the systems of some, but it's anything but unexpected. However the rumours have now been confirmed.The head of Alfa Romeo UK told the Telegraph at its Festival of Motoring, "There will certainly be an SUV in the next two or three years."Alfa Romeo's most recent SUV concept dates back to 2003 with the Kamal, and while it won't likely form the basis of the new SUV's design, it may inform the general theme. Perhaps not coincidentally, the Maserati Kubang was also first shown in 2003 before being revived in 2011 with plans for construction in Detroit.The tie-up between Alfa's parent company Fiat and Chrysler opened doors for more speculation, especially when it was confirmed that some Jeep models would be built alongside Fiats in Melfi, Italy.As unsurprising as the confirmation of an Alfa Romeo SUV is, with Jeep-leveraged underpinnings and Alfa Romeo design, an SUV might not seem in character for the brand, but it might just be a very good vehicle.www.motorauthority.com 

Hard to stand out in a small car these days, what with every second diminutive hatch or sedan in sight being a Mazda3 and almost everything else looking alike. Try, if you can be bothered, picking out a Pulsar or a Cruze while walking past a crowded carpark.Anyone with a few extra bob to drop on their shopping trolley is dropping it on a new Volkswagen Golf. And why wouldn't you? There's nary a choice from this overpopulated segment (of which some 250,000 will sell this year) that isn't utterly dependable, safe, sound and resoundingly dull.One of the exceptions, a car so marginal as to barely impinge upon the collective consciousness, is Alfa Romeo's Guilietta. For a hatch, a vehicle type defined by practicality, it's something of a perverse pleasure. The entry level 1.4-litre Gulietta has been re-labelled as the Distinctive. That it is.VALUEDespite a drastic and overdue price slice, the Alfa Romeo is still a bit overpriced at a little under $30,000 next to the new Golf. It's another $2000 to get an auto (one of the twin-clutch variety), which is standard on all Golfs bar the very base model. And that is not so very base despite starting about $6000 under the Alfa.Moreover, VW brings capped price servicing and a big dealer network. In terms of equipment, the Alfa hasn't much to boast of. And the resale will eviscerate you.Yet if you're straying in the direction of these few and far between showrooms, it's reasonable to assume you're less interested in litres per 100km than the way in which you get to 100km/h. While those who style themselves as Alfisti tend to be focussed firmly on the past, here's a contemporary car worthy of Alfa's hallowed heritage. Put what price you will on that.TECHNOLOGYAnyone who still somehow doubts small turbo charged engines are not where it's at -- that only capacity counts -- will be dragged into this decade by the Guilietta's 1.4 MultiAir four.The International Engine of 2010 combines turbocharging with direct fuel injection and a system that opens the engine's valves to the optimum. The result is an instantly tappable wave of torque, almost all of which occurs at barely above idle.That can be regulated by the DNA switch, which in Dynamic mode produces yet more torque. In addition to beefing up the steering feel, it's this setting you'll engage at almost all times. Normal mode is that in which the diesel-challenging fuel consumption figure was obtained, but then you're not in the market for a Prius are you?All this makes the bigger capacity but free-breathing petrol plants most Japanese carmakers persist with look like the relics they are. If the cost is paid in premium unleaded, the Alfa's breadth of talent is worth every cent. Standard is the Q2 electronic differential which vectors the power to the front wheel with the most traction. Like that clever little engine, it works so seamlessly you're scarcely aware of it.DESIGNYou won't find many functional objects with so much form. The trad Alfa cues shield grille, Milanese badge, offset license plate and hidden rear door handles individualise this five door. This base model lacks the presence of the top line Guilietta QV. Lowered suspension, bigger wheels and leather trim can be optioned if you really must.Venture within and you're reminded Italy is a country that has struggled to consistently mass produce a decent affordable car. Oh, don't bother writing in. You know it's true. The Guilietta's inside story is as doleful and drab as the exterior is evocative. Fit, finish, materials and ergonimics aren't good enough. A $19,000 Cruze has better plastics.SAFETYAlfa has not Volkswagen's remorseless reputation, but its safety package is every bit as sound. Five stars from Euro NCAP are one thing, but it's the active ability component that will save you from putting that to the test.DRIVINGEngage ignition. Select Dynamic mode. Find first gear. And be engaged. With the exception of Ford's Focus Sport, there's not a small car this side of hot hatch money that entertains to this degree. In any case, the Australian issue Ford for the moment lacks a turbo four to compete.As things stand the entry Guilietta is a better all round device than the near $40,000 QV. A second slower to 100k/h it may be (7.8 seconds in the manual) but its ride serves vastly better when getting quickly across the busted blacktop that passes for a B road in this country.While the heavier QV would be impacting hard the same ruts the Distinctive skims, it's also running out of puff. Though formidable down low, the QV's 1.75 turbo simply doesn't want to know after 5800rpm -- a frustratingly low, diesel-like ceiling. The ostensibly lesser car has meaningful power to impart on top of its torque. It's usefully more flexible and enjoyable, with a tastier engine note to boot.VERDICTHardly the soundest small car choice, but at least you've made a choice.Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4Price: from $29,350Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale: 46 per cent (Glass's Guide)Service interval: 12 months/15,000kmCapped servicing: NoSafety: 5 starsEngine: 1.4-litre turbo petrol; 125kW/230/250NmTransmission: 6-speed man or twin clutch auto; FWDThirst: 5.9/5.2L/100kmDimensions: 4.3m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4 (h)Weight: 1290kgSpare: Space saver

Alfa Romeo’s tiny MiTo hatchback currently comes exclusively as a three-door -- and competes with other premium light models such as the Audi A1 and MINI Cooper hatch. Although the Alfa Romeo brand returns to US shores later this year, the MiTo won’t be making the trip as the car’s design is already several years old and predicted demand in the has been deemed too low. The good news is that a successor is planned and that it may add extra models. The information comes from Car and Driver, which reports that the next-generation MiTo will enter production around 2016 and will likely spawn more body styles including a possible crossover variant. The key is utilising the platform underpinning the Fiat 500L, which can accommodate all-wheel drive and crossover designs. In fact, this platform will soon spawn subcompact crossovers for Fiat and even Jeep.    Engines would also be shared with Fiat products, with the entry-level option being a turbocharged two-cylinder engine rated at roughly 74kW, and the range-topper getting a turbocharged four-cylinder unit with around 150kW on tap (the current MiTo develops between 62 and 125kW). There’s even talk of a plug-in hybrid model. www.motorauthority.com

Alfa Romeo has long been rumoured to be planning a new range-topping sedan serving as the replacement for its previous 166 and sharing a rear-wheel-drive platform with sister brand Maserati.  However, reports broke late last year claiming that the future Alfa flagship, referred to internally as the 169, would share the platform of the new 2014 Maserati Ghibli plus all that came with it, namely, a Ferrari-built V6 engine.  Things really heated up shortly after when the semi-official Alfa Romeo Gloria concept, penned by students at Italy’s Istituto Europeo di Design, made its debut at the recent 2013 Geneva Motor Show.  Here was a large, rear-wheel-drive concept billed as a “sports sedan with decisive lines” and said to be capable of packing V6 or V8 power. Crucially, the Gloria was also said to have been designed with direct input from Alfa Romeo. Fast forward to today, and Car and Driver is reporting that the new Alfa flagship, to be called the 6C, is now a top priority at the Fiat Chrysler Group. The 6C isn’t likely to be just a sedan, however, as a coupe is also mentioned.  The sedan would be the volume model and is reported to be arriving in showrooms by as early as 2015, most likely making it a 2016 model. Ambitious sales of 40,000 units per year have been touted. While the Ghibli hasn’t turned out to be the M5-rival we were all hoping for (the most powerful model develops just 297 kilowatts), the 6C should be. It’s said to receive a widened track, a dual clutch transmission and possibly even the rear-biased all-wheel-drive setup in the Ferrari FF. Of course, there will also be more mundane versions, including a diesel. www.motorauthority.com  

It's part of a full-scale Alfa model revival that begins with the gorgeous 4C supercar that's already confirmed for Australia.The Spider, according to the artists at Carparazzi, is ripe for 21st century revival. 

The 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C sports car has finally made its public debut in production trim, but the 4C shown in Geneva isn’t a regular model but a special ‘Launch Edition’ that will be built in a limited run of just 1000 cars. The 4C Launch Edition will sell in Europe for 60,000 euros (approximately $75,980 AUD), however there's now word on what pricing might be for Australia if it made it here -- and Alfa Romeo has already indicated we could wait years before seeing the 4C in any form. The Alfa Romeo 4C is a mid-engine, two-seat sports car built around a carbon fibre monocoque structure. Power comes from a turbocharged and direct-injected 1.75-litre four-cylinder engine, which is rated at 176 kilowatts and 350 Newton metre of torque, and paired to it is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Those numbers might not seem all that impressive at first, but remember that the 4C weighs about 952kg. With a curb weight this light, it’s no surprise that the car will cover the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds or less and easily reach a governed top speed of 250 km/h. Alfa Romeo says owners can also expect the car to support up to 1.1 g of side acceleration on corners and 1.25 g of braking force. The brakes, by the way, are from Brembo and feature four-piston aluminium callipers on the front axle. The 4C Launch Edition is identical to the regular 4C that will eventually be offered, except that it comes in the choice of two available colours: Carrara White or Alfa Red. It also comes with special badging, a dark finish on the rear diffuser, full LED headlights with blacked-out surrounds and special alloy wheels measuring 457mm up front and 483mm in the rear. The interior also gets some special touches, including Alcantara trim, a numbered plaque and contrast stitching. www.motorauthority.com  

It was at the Geneva Motor Show just two years ago where Alfa Romeo first unveiled its stunning 4C concept car. Now, just a week out from this year’s show, Alfa Romeo has revealed full specifications for the production 4C, which heralds the return of the illustrious Italian brand on U.S. soil when it lands in showrooms later this year. The production Alfa Romeo 4C, which will arrive as a 2014 model, looks every bit as breathtaking as the original concept, right down to its mid-engine layout and jet fighter-style cockpit. The 4C also maintains most of the concept’s drool-worthy specs, including the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 4 metre length and full carbon fiber monocoque chassis. Power comes from a direct-injected and turbocharged 1.75-litre four-cylinder engine, which rates at 178 kW. That may not seem like a lot but the power to weight ratio is impressive, which the final curb weight of just over 950 kilograms for the Alfa Romeo 4C. The 4C engine features an aluminium block and special intakes designed to deliver a sporty note and good throttle response. Alfa Romeo also boasts that the engine features a ‘scavenging control system’ that said to get rid of any turbo lag. Drive is sent to the rear wheels only, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission used to swap gears. The transmission offers full automatic mode as well as a manual mode that relies on paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel. Performance estimates include a 0-100 km/h time of around 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h. The handling, meanwhile, is taken care of thanks to lightweight aluminium suspension frames that get mounted to the car’s carbon tub. These feature double-wishbone and MacPherson strut designs. The Alfa Romeo 4C also comes with a driving ‘DNA’ selector, which will allow the driver to select from Dynamic, Natural and All Weather modes, plus a special Race mode. www.motorauthority.com  

...and now Carparazzi has caught the mid-engined road runner during testing in Italy. It's one of many future models to be previewed at the Geneva motor show on March 5 and is confirmed for Australia.

Concept cars are meant to be breathtaking examples of what’s possible, not necessarily what’s practical. Sometimes, concepts are designed for a specific reason in mind, like relaunching an iconic model from years past, or re-igniting a market’s passion for a particular automaker. Such is the case with the Alfa Romeo Gloria concept, which will debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Though styled by Master in Transportation Design students from the European Design Institute, in cooperation with the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the Gloria concept is meant to appeal specifically to customers in America and Asia. Billed as a “sport sedan with decisive lines,” the Gloria would be powered by a V-6 or biturbo V-8 engine. Its hood carries the shape of the traditional Alfa Romeo shield grille, while the leather straps flowing from the front fenders are meant to evoke the memory of historic Alfas past. In all, some 20 design students from around the world participated in the project, with one 1:4 scale clay model ultimately chosen for its close adherence to the initial design brief. The experience was meant to closely parallel a real work situation, giving the Masters program students valuable hands-on experience. Geneva Motor Show attendees will be able to see the full-scale Gloria concept model, and will also be able to “interact” with the design via iPad, changing colors and rims to suit their own tastes. While we’d love to see the Gloria debut as one of Alfa Romeo’s re-introductory models for the U.S. market, we suspect the design is just a bit too edgy and impractical to see production. Like the 2uettottanta roadster concept, however, we can hold out hope until Alfa Romeo (or its parent, Fiat) officially says no. www.motorauthority.com