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We tested the new Alfa Romeo Giulia

Last week we showed you the Alfa Romeo exhibition on the occasion of the launch of the new Giulia, And if you remember, we agreed that we would also tell you a little about this new saloon that represents neither more nor less than the refounding of the Portello brand on its traditional values ​​of sportsmanship and passionate driving.

A modern car in a classic magazine? This is the question that you, the reader, have probably asked yourself when you saw this news and to which we answer that every great car has a beginning. Our position is that, like the so-called classics from purgatory Attention should also be paid, as far as possible, to those vehicles that have had a certain historical relevance since their birth.

This is the Giulia that we are going to test, are you coming with us?
This is the Giulia that we are going to test, are you coming with us?

Even more so when it is not the typical 'washing machine' front-wheel drive and overflowing practicality but rather a 'bella macchina' at whose controls we have enjoyed a lot, which is the important thing. Whoever writes these lines - in which perhaps he may be going a bit to the dark side - worked as a tester in mass media dedicated to motor news and can say that he rarely finds, as in this case, a tourism with a truly classic spirit.

Justified the reasons for devoting a little attention to the new Alfa Romeo Giulia, And whether or not we have been seduced by the marketing maneuver of the Fiat Group -owner since 1986 of the Portello brand-, we are going to tell you a little about how it goes. Without the big numbers or the strident thecinisms of the 'spaceships', but with the essential.

Suggestive rear, hide the magic wheels
Suggestive rear, hide the magic wheels

What is the new Alfa Romeo Giulia like?

We had the opportunity to taste the new Giulia last Friday, when we were able to hang out with her and also briefly go out on the open road. Then, last Monday, they gave us a few laps at full speed around the Jarama circuit so that we could see what it is capable of doing without the constraints of the public road.

Both times we were struck by the undoubtedly Italian lines of the new saloon. 'Bella macchina', yes sir, it is what any passerby from the transalpine country would blurt out at a traffic light; and he would be right. Especially with inch-sized wheels, the car has a presence Which I consider difficult to match in segment D. On the outside it makes it clear that it has character.

When opening the door, the first thing that captivates the fan of classic vehicles is the transmission tunnel that crosses the cabin. Thank goodness this is a real Alfa Romeo, I mean, powered by rear wheels and governed by the common sense of its owner; He is not the heir to the extravagant Alfasud, but the funny 75.

The new Giulia takes up the tradition with its rear-wheel drive and performance engines
The new Giulia takes up the tradition with its rear-wheel drive and performance engines

The quality of the interior has become premium. The plastics and the rest of the materials are better and everything sounds solid, although it must be admitted that this is not too traditional within the Italian brand ... Welcome is the novelty as long as the spirit of the house that we mentioned at the beginning remains intact 😉

Perhaps the greatest success when it comes to interiors is driving position. We mount and adjust the seat down to discover that our legs are straight and ready to comfortably operate the pedals. The steering wheel and the gear lever make an almost perfect game to our hands.

Arguably the driving position is fantastic but not too Italian, that the knees bent and the duck feet they remain for posterity. Let's turn the key; damn it, there isn't, now everything goes with buttons ... The force of habit. I step on the brake and clutch and hit the start button of the steering wheel ...

The machine comes to life with an indisputable diesel buzz; and we say rumor because the engine Multijet 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder and 180 hp that will transport us to the weekend is quite silent. It is also spirited, since from the first touch to the accelerator it precipitates us, rather than deposits us, on the streets of Madrid. One has the feeling that it is going to be a great journey.

With the left hand at nine o'clock and the right resting on the mighty gearshift lever, the elbow rests on the glove compartment of the transmission tunnel. The guidance of the lever is very successful, firm and precise, we would spend the morning engaging gears while the suspension swallows without reservation the imperfections of the battered asphalt of the capital. The chassis is agile and the steering that drives it is direct, so much that it surprises us.

Giulia funny, Giulia insatiable

Let's go out onto the open road, onto the Zaragoza highway. The engine responds with enthusiasm from approximately 1.500 laps, even in sixth, to unleash around 3.000 and die near 4.500. If we had to highlight one feature of the 2.200 cc Multijet it would be your resilience and its good par dosage.

The Giulia conveys extreme confidence (Photo: Alfa Romeo)
The Giulia conveys extreme confidence (Photo: Alfa Romeo)

The Giulia is one of those cars that, like some BMWs, tease its driver to get involved in driving. We cross the Zaragoza highway on the left lane at 130 km / h; for a moment we go up to a reasonable 160, the speed at which the car flies below mid-range.

In view of an unforeseen retention, we eagerly step on the middle pedal and the IBS brakes nailed us to the ground. The security measures are numerous and overwhelming - albeit not invasive - but our reflexes are the same ... Where will these fast cars take us? The feelings of confidence and fun are total, although we go much faster than in a classic: fortunately, our common sense continues to count.

The Giulia's diesel engine pushes with ease from low revs (Photo: Alfa Romeo)
The Giulia's diesel engine pushes with ease from low revs (Photo: Alfa Romeo)

Let's settle the issue in El Jarama

Let's go to Jarama. On Monday morning we dropped by at the last minute invited by our friend Martin Horrocks, who generously lent his pair of classic Giulias at launch, namely a Giulia 1600 Super and a Bertone 1300 Junior coupe. We were coming from a photo and video session in the mountains of Madrid and it certainly seemed like a good time to record.

After the official presentation to the press on Friday, during the weekend and on Monday, fans of the Milanese brand were able to enjoy both the historical exhibition as from the dynamic test of the new Giulia in circuit. Made the presentations, and asked the permission of rigor to the professionals of sports drive, We got down to work…

Taking advantage of the good harmony that was breathed in the Madrid track, where potential customers were received with a snack and eager to have fun, we asked one of the monitors to give us a joyful return to the circuit. You know, to push the new creature to the limit a bit.

The response of the Giulia it was very positive. What struck us the most was the cornering, in which chassis, suspension and steering were allied to convey a rather spectacular sensation. Car goes where they say to slaughter and without the need for corrections; it is really accurate, which is what we needed to check to meet our expectations.

And if this is so with the version that equips the 180 hp diesel engine, how will it be in the Green four-leaf clover, the most radical version of the 510 hp range?

We will tell you later ...…

What do you think?

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Written by javier romagosa

My name is Javier Romagosa. My father has always been passionate about historic vehicles and I have inherited his hobby, while growing up among classic cars and motorcycles. I have studied journalism and continue to do so as I want to become a university professor and change the world ... Read more

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