Alfa Romeo has introduced its much-anticipated Giulia business class sedan in South Africa. Spearheaded by the Quadrifoglio model, of which limited numbers were pre-sold before the range’s arrival, the conventional Guiliamodels are powered by 147 kW 2.0-litre turbopetrolengines and come with 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plans.

Not only are alfistas eager to sample the newcomer because it is the Milanese marque’s first rear-wheel drive sedan since it returned to South Africa about 20 decades ago, the Giulia is also claimed to offer outstanding weight distribution, an innovative suspension (double wishbone setup with semi-virtual steering axis at the front and a 4.5-link configuration at the rear) and the most direct steering system in its segment.

To obtain an optimal weight-to-power ratio, the newcomer features ultralight materials such as carbon fibre – for the driveshaft – or aluminium – for the engine and suspension (including front domes and front and rear frames).

Shorn of the Quadrifoglio's aerodynamic addenda, the Gulialooks more elegant and composed.

Limited-edition Quadrifoglios sold out

Highly specified Launch and Race Edition versions of the Quadrifoglio, powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 kW and torque in excess of 600 Nm (performance claims of 307 kph, zero to 100 kph in only 3.9 seconds), were snapped up within three days of the order book opening at local dealerships, Alfa Romeo says. We tested drove the Quadrifoglio at Italy's Balocco track last year, click here to read the First Drive report.

Equipped with a host of additional technology, such as an active aero splitter, Alfa DNA Pro, torque vectoring and chassis domain control (active suspension), the flagship features a carbon fibre bonnet, roof, front splitter, rear body inserts; aluminium for doors and wheel arches. Furthermore, the braking system utilises aluminium elements and carbon ceramic discs (optional) and the seats have a carbon fibre structural frame (optional).

Even though the first consignment of Quadrifoglios were pre-sold, the top-of-the-range derivative remains available "in limited numbers".

Whereas a more moderately equipped Quadrifoglio derivative remains available in limited numbers, the 3 versions of the 2.0-litre derivative are the focus of the Giulia’s introduction. Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the all-aluminium 2.0-litre turbopetrol features high-compression direct injection technology and a MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve activation system. The peak performance outputs are 147 kW and 330 Nm.

Specification levels

The Basederivative features 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, auto headlamps and windscreen wipers, lane departure warning, cruise control as well as Stop / Start technology. TheSuper adds 17-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, shift paddles, twin exhausts, privacy glass and aluminium-trimmed scuff plates.

Combination of cloth and leather trim is available on the Super specification.

The top derivative, the Super withStile Pack, adds 18-inch alloy wheels, Uconnect 8.4 CD/DVD/MP3/Nav, a sports steering wheel, aluminium inserts on the dashboard, central tunnel and door panels, as well as Xenon headlights. The luxury pack includes a leather-upholstered dashboard and door panels, heated front seats electrically adjustable with 8settings, genuine oak or walnut wood inserts on the dashboard, central tunnel and door panels, plus chrome-plated exterior window frames and electrically folding door mirrors.

Interior finishes are available in cloth or leather on the Base derivative, cloth and leather combinations in single or two-tone on the Super and full leather on the Stile option. The QV version features three leather and alcantara combinations as well as the optional Sparco carbon fibre seat shells.

An 8.8-inch Connect 3D Nav system and 900 W 14-speaker, 12-channel Harman Kardon audio are optional.

The 2.0-litre derivatives are available with a cost of ally wheel options, from 16- to 18-inch with a multitude of designs to choose from.

Extensive safety equipment

Safety wise, over and above a full complement of airbags and stability control systems, the Giulia features an integrated brake system (an electromechanical braking setup that utilises a traditional servo brake), forward collision warning with autonomous emergency brake and pedestrian recognition, lane departure warning and cruise control with speed limiter. A blind-spot monitoring system, meanwhile, is an optional extra.

Alfa Romeo Giulia price list in South Africa

2.0 BaseR555000

2.0 SuperR625000

2.0 Super with Stile Pack R696 000

Quadrifoglio R1400 000

All Giulia derivatives come standard with 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

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