New 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia revealed: Alfa’s make-or-break BMW rival

Can this new Alfa Romeo saloon really challenge the BMW 3 Series and Jaguar XE?

2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa Romeo’s vital new Giulia four-door saloon has been revealed in a massive event in Italy. The car with the entire future of the brand resting on its shoulders, it’s been more than half a decade in the making, but finally revealed here – in full!

Revealed in full: the new 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia

2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia

And this is how Alfa Romeo will take on the 3 Series: with the striking new Giulia saloon. Unashamedly sporting, it’s a very striking machine that is certain to give the competition something to think about. First impressions? Very positive indeed…

What does the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia look like?

2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Just one look tells you the Giulia is a proper sports saloon. None of the subtlety of the German (and British) competition – Alfa’s gone all out with a long bonnet, short overhangs, huge air intakes and outlets, muscular wheelarches, a big grille and, for the range-topper, a genuine competition-style cloverleaf on the front wing.

What sort of car is the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia?

2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia

The Alfa Giulia is, joy of joys, a rear-wheel drive four-door saloon, in the classic manner followed by BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. There’s an all-wheel drive version too, but even here, the focus will be on sportiness.

So this is Alfa Romeo’s BMW 3 Series?

2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia

We should indeed call the Giulia Alfa’s 3 Series. And Alfa’s being bold in claiming it can take on the 3 Series in the area it masters – driving dynamics.

What will the Alfa Romeo Giulia drive like?

2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia

With the fastest steering in its sector, bespoke double wishbone front suspension, perfect 50/50 weight distribution and the best power-to-weight ratio in this class, the ingredients are certainly there. Alfa’s disappointed in the past with how it’s tuned its cars, though: this has to be right.

Is Alfa targeting the BMW M3?

BMW M3

Surprise of the launch is the fact Alfa Romeo already has the BMW M3 in its sights! How? With a Ferrari-built 3.0-litre biturbo V6 Quadrifoglio Verde model, producing 510hp for 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, that’s how. Wow!

Does the Giulia use any advanced materials?

2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa’s not spared any expense with the Giulia. To keep weight both down and well distributed, it has a carbon fibre propeller shaft, bonnet and roof, plus aluminium suspension, doors and wings. And expensive, thus promising, commitment.

What car does the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia replace?

Alfa Romeo 159

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia replaces the long-deceased 159. Although not a bad car, it still disappeared ahead of time in Britain in 2011, through simple lack of buyer interest.

Hey – what’s Alfa done to its badge?

Alfa Romeo

Alfa’s redesigned its badge, but don’t worry – the little man is still there being eaten by the serpent. Around the outside, though, the Alfa Romeo script has been modernised.

What about the Giulia name?

Original Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa’s been through its back catalogue for the Giulia name – pronounce it as you’d say ‘Julia’. THe firm’s hoping this modern version will have the same success as the lovely original.

How important is the Giulia to Alfa Romeo?

2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia

This car is absolutely crucial to Alfa. If it fails, so too does the brand. Alfa wants it to lead a sales charge to 400,000 by 2018 – from today’s meagre 70k level. It has to be right…

When does the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia go on sale?

2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia

The new Giulia goes on sale in early 2016. Perfectly timed to take advantage of familiarity with the current crop of 3 Series, A4, C-Class and XE?

Anything else we need to know about the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia?

2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Simply put, this is the single most important car Alfa has ever made in its 105-year history. We’re going to be hearing a lot about the new Alfa Romeo Giulia in the build up to its 2016 launch, and rightly so. Over to you: does it cut the mustard?

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Motoring Research team
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