Alfa Romeo is not a brand famed for targeting fleet drivers, but the new Giulia is likely to appeal to BMW, Audi and Mercedes drivers who are fed up with losing their car in the company car park.
With rear-wheel drive, a driver-centric interior and striking styling, the Italian firm hopes the new model will win over fleet drivers who want a more distinctive and fun-to-drive saloon. Four engines are available: two diesels and two petrols. Most affordable in terms of list price is the 200hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, followed by 150hp and 180hp 2.0-litre diesel models. The hot 2.9-litre V6 petrol sits above them all in the flagship Quadrifoglio model. All come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Higher BIK charges than German rivals
Emissions for both diesel models stand at 109g/km – two BIK bands above the most frugal Audi, BMW and Jaguar rivals – meaning 21 percent BIK charges. The starting price is higher than most rivals, too, so leasing costs are likely to be steeper than they could be, although these are yet to be finalised. This also will also inflate BIK charges for drivers, with a 40 percent taxpayer likely to have to shell out approximately £10 to £20 more per month in company car tax.
In tandem with emissions, claimed economy lags behind rivals at 67.3mpg for the diesels. Acceleration is strong, however, with the 150hp model accelerating to 62mph in 8.2 seconds, while the 180hp engine cuts this down to 7.1 seconds.
Available from less than £30,000
Prices start at £29,180 for the 200hp petrol, with the 150hp diesel available from £30,750. The 180hp diesel can be bought from £31,950, while the rapid, range-topping 2.9-litre petrol will cost £59,000.
Tecnica trim is likely to be most popular with company drivers, as it includes sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, electric front seats and front and rear USB ports. The less powerful diesel Tecnica model weighs in at £30,995, while the 180hp version costs £32,195 – just £245 more than Super trim, despite a raft of extra equipment.
Helping the Giulia to take on German rivals Alfa Romeo has focused on creating a high quality interior, while it is has received the highest ever crash test rating from testing body Euro NCAP. All models include active safety kit including forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian recognition.
Leasing costs and finance rates for the Giulia will be announced closer to the car’s launch this autumn.
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