Alfa Romeo 2000 Reviews

The sexy Italian coupe is only revealed this week in Europe but is already booked for down under deliveries in 2014. The high-tech hero car leads a product-led revival for Fiat and Alfa Romeo in which is expected to boost value and increase the model mix for brands that are twinned with Chrysler in Australia under a global merger.  The 4C promises everything from a carbon fibre chassis and rorty 1.7-litre turbo petrol engine to final assembly in the same factory that builds upmarket Maserati models. But it's likely to be a costly car with a Porsche-style pricetag on the far side of $100,000. Confirmation of the 4C comes this week as Fiat Chrysler Group goes public with its plans from 2013 into the future. "The car will arrive in Australian dealerships in around Q3 2014," says Alex Tam, director of product strategy. "The wait is finally over for the 4C. The final production version will be revealed next month at the Geneva motor show." The 4C will set new standards ... and mark the renaissance of Alfa Romeo on the world stage." The 4C - with a name tapping the Alfa heritage back to the 1930s - is a pure two-seater that is spun out from the limited-edition 8C Competizione. It is less than four metres long, 200 millimetres wide and is rear mid-engined with rear-wheel drive. It is likely to go nose-to-nose with the Porsche Cayman as Alfa promises a power-to-weight ratio less than four kilos for every horsepower, as well as a twin-clutch gearbox incorporating a ‘race' mode.    

It was at the Geneva motor show just two years ago where Alfa Romeo first unveiled its stunning 4C concept car. Now, just a few weeks out from this year’s show, Alfa Romeo has revealed the production version of the 4C, which will herald the return of the illustrious Italian brand on U.S. soil when it lands in showrooms later this year. The production 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. It also maintains most of the concept’s drool-worthy specs, including the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, four metre length and full carbon fiber monocoque chassis. Alfa Romeo hasn’t revealed just how much power the new 4C will deliver. If previous reports of 125 to 130 kilowatts are to be believed, we could be looking at a curb weight of just over 900 kilograms. That power will be delivered by a turbocharged 1.75-litre engine, composed of aluminium and powering only the rear wheels. The engine gets direct-injection technology, Fiat Group’s MultiAir variable valve timing and a new "scavenging" system that's said to reduce turbo lag. Previous performance estimates included a 0-100 time of around 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Helping with those brisk performance numbers is the 4C’s new dual-clutch transmission, which offers full automatic or manual modes, the latter using paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel. 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 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. Inside, the 4C, understandably, has just two seats. The design is driver focused and is accented by carbon fibre and aluminium. The center column, which is actually part of the carbon structure, has been left in full view to enhance the sense of uniqueness, of technology and light weight. As previously reported, production will take place at a Maserati plant in Modena, Italy. Numbers will be limited, with some suggesting just 2,500 will be built for worldwide consumption, which means pricing could be set higher than the original estimates of around US$45k. Around 1,000 are expected for the North American market. The good news is that a 4C convertible is also planned and should arrive next year. With the 2013 Geneva Motor Show kicking off on March 5, we'll have the full details on the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C soon. www.motorauthority.com      

For some mysterious reason Alfa Romeo went all German for a while with its model names, using boring numbers instead of proper names. That aberration is thankfully a thing of the past and we have must spent a most enjoyable week road testing an Alfa Romeo Giulietta.We did our best to put an Italian accent into our voices when talking about ‘our’ Giulietta, all the more so when it sat alongside our own Fiat 500C bambino in the garage downstairs. Both Italian machines were bright red – there is no better colour for any Italian sports machine. The two little Italians seemed to enjoy each other’s company.VALUEPrices start from $36,990 (manual) and $38,990 (TCT automatic) for the MultiAir 1.4-litre five-door hatch. Followed by $40,990 (TCT automatic) for the JTDm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door hatch and $41,990 (manual) for the QV 1.8-litre five-door hatch.DESIGNAlfa Romeo Giulietta is all about style, particularly at the front where the bonnet flows upwards from the Alfa-shield grille. The five-door hatchback has been styled to look like a sports coupe thanks to cleverly hidden rear door handles. The result is a sporting look that hides what is in reality a practical family hatch.The Giulietta’s interior is reasonably spacious, although there are some compromises. Unless tall front-seat occupants are willing to give up some legroom those in the back seats will find themselves cramped. Headroom can also be tight for tall rear seat passengers, though it depends on body shape.As always, try for yourself by taking along potential passengers during your private pre-purchase road test. Though the Giulietta is configured as a five-seater, in the real world it is better suited to four, with an adult using the middle of the rear seat only in emergency situations.With no fifth passenger in the car, the armrest with fold out drink holders gives a feeling of luxury. The rear seats have a 60/40 split fold for when extra cargo area is needed above the standard 350 litres. Behind the rear seat centre armrest is a ski hatch.These days Alfa Romeos aren’t built only for drivers of Italian dimensions, rather multiple settings are offered in the way of a height adjustable driver’s seat and a steering column that can be adjusted in four directions. We had no trouble in finding driving positions to suit each of our road test crew.TECHNOLOGYAlfa Romeo imports Giulietta to Australia with a choice of two engines. Our test car had the 1.4-litre turbocharged MultiAir petrol unit with 125 kW of power. It can power the Giulietta from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds – again emphasising the sporting nature of the little car.Those who want even more performance can get a Giulietta QV with the turbocharged petrol 1750 TBi engine that produces up to 173 kW of power. Even more importantly this engine has torque of 340 Nm when the driver selects Dynamic mode.This torque reaches its peak at just 1900 rpm so there’s urge all the way through the range. Alfa Romeo Giulietta sprints to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds. There’s a 2.0-litre diesel engine if you feel that way inclined, can’t say we do...We found the consumption of the 1.4-litre Alfa petrol engine to be about six to seven litres per hundred kilometres on the highway and it seldom got over nine litres per hundred kilometres in town. These are impressive numbers for a car of this size with the performance characteristics that we love.Our test Giulietta was fitted with Alfa Romeo’s Twin Clutch Transmission (TCT), a self shifting manual gearbox with dual clutches for lightning fast gear changes.However, the response and actions of the TCT at very low speeds, particularly in stop-start traffic is frustratingly slow and lumpy at times and isn’t helped by turbo lag and a stop-start system that also gets in the way of decent response.Though we are great believers in minimising pollution we have to admit to turning off the Alfa’s stop-start. Give us a six-speed manual gearbox any day.DRIVINGThe moment you get behind the wheel the gorgeous little Giulietta feels just right. This is a true drivers’ car thanks to the willingness of the engine once it’s past the turbo-lag stage. There’s some torque steer under hard acceleration in first gear, but we rather enjoy this in a performance car.In hard cornering there’s a hint of understeer, as you’d expect from a front-wheel drive, but less than we had expected. The dash layout is contemporary. We liked the main switches that run across the centre of the dash for easy access. The tacho and speedo are large and easy to read, which is just as well with the free-revving engine, and Australia’s obsession with speed laws.SAFETYAlfa Romeo Giulietta has a EuroNCAP five-star safety rating thanks to a multitude of passive safety equipment. Even better is the crash minimisation technology. This includes ABS brakes with Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control, cornering brake control, dynamic steering torque and brake assist. Like many new cars from the Europe, the Alfa Giulietta has daytime running lights.VERDICTAlfa Romeo Giulietta is a great looking Italian machine from a company with a rich sporting heritage and will appeal to those looking for more than mere transport in their family hatch.Alfa Romeo Giulietta MultiAir 1.4-litre five-door hatchPrice: from $36,990Warranty: 3 years/ 100,000 kmWeight: 1290 kgEngine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 125kW/250NmTransmission: 6-speed manual and TCT Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litresTowing Ability: 1300 kg with braked trailerThirst: 7.8L/100km0-100 km/h Acceleration: 7.8 seconds

This is how Carparazzi sees the planned Giulia station wagon, with a predictable combination of mpracticality and Italian style.This journalist is on Twitter: @paulwardgover 

mechanical package is hidden beneath a raised Giulietta body in this Carparazzi shot but the final package will line up agains the Volkswagen TIguan and Ford Kuga.  

The decision by Chrysler Australia’s parent company, Fiat, to have Chrysler Australia take over the importation of Alfa Romeo and Fiat vehicles will no doubt be greeted enthusiastically.  Although it’s the largest carmaker in Italy and the ninth largest in the world, Fiat, is currently only a bit player on the Australian market with two diverse models in its range, the cute retro-styled Fiat 500 and the Ducato van.  Similarly the local Alfa Romeo range has been whittled down to just two models, MiTo and Giulietta. The two Italian brands will join the existing three American brands, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge in the portfolio operated by Chrysler Group Australia.  It’s too early for details of the expected model expansion to be known in full. During our recent visit to China we were able to sit down with Chrysler’s Australian CEO, Clyde Campbell, and speculate on some of the possibilities.  One model that is almost certain to come here is the Fiat 500L, a five-door hatchback/wagon that’s related to the 500 only by name. The 500L is significantly larger in all dimensions than the 500 and the 500C cabriolet. Launched with a big splash at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the Fiat 500L is due for release in Europe ate this year.  The expected demise of Dodge is likely to see the Fiat Freemont replace the Dodge Journey as the group’s people mover. The mid-sized Fiat Linea sedan is another that will come under consideration.  Alfistis will have their fingers crossed that the 4C sports car shown as concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show will find its way downunder when it goes into production in 2013.   There’s even some speculation that Lancia, another member of the Fiat group, and off the Australian scene since the mid-1980s, could return.   There are currently 39 Fiat and/or Alfa Romeo dealerships in Australia while Chrysler Group has 72. Mr Campbell explained that there will be a complete evaluation of the new combined dealer network to examine the best method of integrating the various brands.  The outgoing Fiat/Alfa Romeo distributor, Ateco Automotive Group, has played an important part in expanding the choice of Australian buyers. Ateco was responsible for reviving Alfa Romeo (in 1997) and Fiat (in 2006) when it looked as though the two iconic marques had been lost forever from this country.  All three of these brands were successfully re-established and subsequently taken over by their respective factory operations in a similar manner to the new Chrysler arrangement.  Most recently Ateco has become the first company to import Chinese vehicles to Australia, in the form of Chery and Great Wall. With over 200 motor vehicle manufacturers currently operating in China it seems likely that Ateco is eyeing off further expansion in this region.  Commenting on the change, Ateco governor, Neville Crichton, said: “As we say goodbye to Alfa Romeo and Fiat we will be welcoming into our company new brands and businesses that will benefit from the unique skills and talents we have to offer.” Ateco Automotive will also continue to distribute Fiat’s two upmarket Italian brands, Ferrari and Maserati, as well as the very French Citroen vehicles and the recently acquired British sportscar maker Lotus.  

Alfa will start production of the affordable rear-drive sports-coupe 4C next year But it won't be Alfa making the car - Maserati has been charged with adding the Giulietta-powered 4C to its production line at Modena from May next year.It is expected to sell for about $65,000 in Europe, equivalent to about $80,000 in Australia thanks to domestic taxes and distribution, with annual production of about 2500 cars. The 4C was unveiled as a concept car at the 2011 Geneva motor show.The two-seater has a mid-mounted 1.8-litre engine that was shown in turbocharged version. It is 4m long and has a 2.4m wheelbase and Alfa says it would weight about 850kg. However, production models are likely to be heavier as they may not have the concept car's carbon-fibre components.The 4C follows the theme of the outrageously expensive, Maserati-built 8C Competizione which, in its final Spider iteration, cost the equivalent of about $280,000 in Europe. The 8C models were made from 2007 to 2010.The 4C will be built alongside the Maserati GranCabrio and GranTurismo models in Maserati's centre-city Modena factoryAt less than one-quarter of the 8C's price, the 4C is expected to be a hit not only in Europe but in the US where a large slice of its sales are expected to head as a hero model to Alfa's 2013 foray into the American market.The 4C will be built alongside the Maserati GranCabrio and GranTurismo models in Maserati's centre-city Modena factory. Maserati's upcoming new-generation Quattroporte and E-class mid-size "baby Quattroporte'' sedan will be produced at the former Bertone plant at Turin.About 50,000 cars are expected to be made at the Turin facility, possibly including platforms for some Chrysler and Fiat Group vehicles. The Bertone plant has a maximum capacity of 100,000 vehicles a year. Maserati says with the two new sedans - and possibly an SUV - it plans to sell 50,000 cars a year by 2015 in its 65 markets.

... rival the prices on the BMW options' list for things like salad and spuds.So it's no surprise that the top end of town calls the shots at the Palexpo alongside Geneva Airport as Europe's carmakers go head-to-head for the first time in 2012. Ferrari and Lamborghini battle for go-faster bragging rights as Rolls-Royce and Bentley get serious about family motoring for the ultra-rich, while Infiniti pitches an new exotic coupe and even Ssangyong of Korea goes upmarket with a new concept. There are also dozens of one-off dream machines and hotrod tuner cars in Geneva, a show that is traditionally dominated by European design stars including Pininfarina and Giugiaro. But there is plenty, too, for ordinary car buyers as the Fiesta ST brakes cover, Hyundai updates the i20 and teases with the Veloster Turbo, Jaguar confirms an XF station wagon, Audi and Mercedes-Benz previews their A3 and A-Class, and Ford even updates its box-boring Transit workhorse. Picking the best of the best is tough with so much gorgeous stuff on the stands, but Alfa Romeo is the winner for 2012 and edges out the Infiniti Emerge-E with its Disco Volante.The pretty little red coupe is dreamy without being stupid and is already confirmed for production, although the slightly-retro body will be draped over Alfa's existing 8C Competizione chassis - 4.7-litre V8, 335kW, 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds - which means it's no chance for Australia with only left-hand drive.The Ferrari F12 is exactly what you expect from the fastest car to wear the badge - 340km/h and 0-100km/h in 3.1 seconds - including a swoopy body that taps the past as well as the influences that created the California convertible, but Lamborghini goes even better with an Aventador J preview car that is snapped up for a rumoured $2.8 million ahead of genuine production of an open-topped Aventador supercar.Rolls-Royce updates the Phantom with a new nose that still demands respect, as well as tweaking its colour choices with a two-tone approach that triggers memories of cheap seventies vinyl roofs, and Jaguar gets serious for families with an XF Sportbrake that will still struggle in a world of SUVs.Further down the food chain, the Audi A3 looks good but not as edgy as an A-Class that must break away from the bus pass generation into something closer to the Y-Gen futurists, and Volkswagen previews a more car-like Tiguan crossover with its Cross Coupe.Hyundai has a preview of a new flagship coupe called the i-oniq - did it mean ironic? - Kia shows a Track'ster that will become the new Soul, Honda shows the CR-V design that's coming to Australia, and the pocket rocket Ford Fiesta ST breaks cover with a confirmation for Australia.The action and excitement at Geneva goes on and on, and that is - really - the best thing about the show. Detroit in January hinted that the word's carmakers are finally emerging from the austerity and fear of the global financial crisis and the big-spending effort in Geneva confirms it, with good news for almost everyone from Euro billionaires to ordinary Aussie families.PG PICKS:1. Bentley EXP 9 F.Only one word fits - Ugly. With a big capital U. The hulking British bulldog might tick the boxes for cashed-up families, but this SUV makes a LandCruiser look elegant, and subtle.2. Giugiaro Brivido.Exactly what you expect to see in Geneva, as designers go all-out to impress the crowds - and each other. Not for production but a great looker with huge gullwing doors.3. Range Rover Evoque Convertible. A certainty for production as Land Rover milks its most successful design - ever. This one will never go bush but is being fast tracked for Double Bay and Toorak.4. Ssangyong XIV-2. Who knew the South Koreans could trump the Euros with a design that combines SUV practicality with a coupe-convertible body? A big surprise.5. Toyota FT-Bh: Just when you thought the uglies were done, Toyota lobbed with this. If it's the future for hybrid cars then sales will be slow. Very slow.

The Giulietta's new oiler aims for spirited performance but cuts fuel consumption to 4.5 litres/100 km on the combined fuel consumption test.  Alfa Australia reckons the new powertrains will account for most Guilietta sales because the market is dominated by self shifting gearboxes and diesels.  They claims the Giulietta's diesel is capable of dispatching the 0-100kmh sprint in 7.9 seconds for the turbodiesel.  Equipped with the next-generation twin clutch automatic transmission with shift paddles behind the steering wheel, the latest Giulietta is available with either the International Engine of Year Award Best New Engine 2010', the petrol 1.4 TB MultiAir 125kW, or the 2.0 JTDM-2 125kW turbodiesel, the ALFA TCT range increases the Giulietta's appeal in both the fleet and consumer sectors. The petrol consumes an average of 5.2 litres/100 km while the diesel betters that at 4.5 litres/100km.  The 2012 Alfa Romeo Giulietta range opens with the 1.4 TB in manual form at recommended retail price of $36,990 and TCT is $38,990. The new Giulietta JTDM-2 with the TCT gearbox as standard has a recommended retail price of $41,990. The range topping Giulietta QV is priced at $41,990 ..

The Alfa Romeo 4C in concept for has been doing the motor show rounds since the start of the year and will  go into series production some time this year with expected on sale dates next year. The 4C is designed to deliver on Alfa's core values - exhilarating performance and handling delivered by rear wheel drive. Designers also paid close attention to safety and driving pleasure. It's a lightweight vehicle powered by  Alfa's impressive 1750 TBi engine with around 180kW that pushes the stylish two door from 0-100 kmh in under five seconds and on to a 250 kmh top speed at the local air strip. Fuel economy and emissions are comparable to some economy cars. The 4C concept presents the classic formula of the two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupe with its engine at the centre, a length of approximately four metres and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres. These dimensions serve to emphasise the compact size of the car and to accentuate its agility. The graceful and clean external lines stand out in a crowded street and the interior is similarly ground breaking in styling terms. The 4C concept draws on technology and materials from the 8C Competizione - carbon, aluminium, rear-wheel drive and components lifted from other Alfa models currently on sale like the 1750 turbo petrol engine with direct injection, the "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA dynamic control selector. Its weight is reduced through the liberal use of carbon fibre in body structure and panel components  to give an advantageous power to weight ratio. Aluminium is similarly used throughout the vehicle. The final result is a sports car tipping the scales at "less than" 850kg with optimised centre of gravity. The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept has an extremely sophisticated suspension layout (high quadrilateral at the front, MacPherson at the rear) to ensure maximum agility and road handling. The 4C is tipped to hit the streets globally in 2012, some time later in Australia.