Alfa Romeo is capping off its centenary year celebrations with a showing of it gorgeous Golf-rivalling Giulietta, along with some of its iconic stable mates, in Johannesburg. In addition, the company has also announced the launch line-up and pricing for this model.
The latest incarnation of the Giulietta is probably one of the most eagerly-anticipated models to reach our shores in 2010. This stylish addition to the highly competitive C-segment will do battle with the likes of the VW Golf, Honda Civic and Audi A3 when it goes on sale in January 2011.
In the meantime, the Giulietta will celebrate 100 years of Alfa Romeo as part of an impressive display of models, past and present, at the glass-domed Alfa Romeo Centenary display at Melrose Arch Piazza, Johannesburg. It shares the stage with seven of its iconic predecessors, including a 1982 Giulietta 1,8 and an extremely rare 1959 Giulietta Sprint Speciale (Low Nose) owned by Dawn Manelis with an estimated value of around R1 million.
The DNA vehicle dynamics system first seen in the Mito will find its way into the Giulietta. This system offers three presets (All-weather, Normal and Dynamic) that adjust such systems and the gearshift pattern (in automatic models), suspension settings, VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system and the car's Q2 e-differential.
The launch line-up will comprise a trio of turbocharged four-cylinder petrol powerplants. First up will be the 1,4 TBi Progression with 88 kW at 5 000 r/min and 206 N.m at 1750 r/min, this is joined by a 1,4-litre MultiAir TBi Distinctive with 125 kW at 5 500 r/min 250 N.m of torque at a 2 500 r/min. As there are currently no plans to release a GTA version of this model, the halo car will be the 1750 TBi Quadrifoglio Verde. This model’s twin overhead camshaft, direct injection, variable valve timing engine develops a very respectable 173 kW at 5 500 r/min and 340 N.m of torque at 1 900 r/min. Both of the 1,4-litre models are fitted with a start/stop and a gearshift indicator.
In keeping with the Giulietta’s premium-placement, all of the aforementioned models are generously specified with such niceties as electric windows, remote central locking, high-end stereo system, steering wheel controls, and Blue&Me communication among the standard fitments.
Pricing:
1,4 TBi Progression R243 000
MultiAir 1,4 TBi Distinctive R279 900
1750 TBi Quadrifoglio Verde R330 275
All of the above prices include VAT and emissions tax, as well as a five years/150 000 km warranty with a six years/90 000 km service plan for the 1,4-litre models (with service intervals of 30 000km) and a six years/105 000 km service plan for the flagship 1750 TBi which features 35 000km service intervals.
