STAR-STUDDED ‘ROMEO’ GIULIETTA TRUE TO THE CLASSIC ALFA SCRIPT

Ah, those Italians. Back in 1923, race driver Ugo Sivocci slapped a green four-leaf clover on his ‘RL’ and drove it to victory in the first of Alfa Romeo’s ten Targa Florio wins. Since then, the ‘Quadrifoglio Verde’ has been the symbol of Alfa Romeo racing cars and later graced special road-going series. Latest to take on the lucky charm is the Giulietta, which, according to the maker, marks the return of the pure Italian hot hatch. The QV tops off an already refreshed Giulietta range that, with its not-to-be… Read more

SIMPLY SENSATIONAL: THE NEW ALFA ROMEO 4C

A full-on Italian sportscar for well under $100,000? I’d like to see that… Well, here it is; with a recommended price of just $89,000 the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C comes from one of the world’s longest running makers of racing and sports cars. Enzo Ferrari raced Alfa Romeo cars before setting up his own organisation and Alfa has won multiple Grand Prix races and F1 world championships. The company celebrated its 100th anniversary worldwide in 2010 and continues to make gorgeous machines to this day. However, most of them are… Read more

ALFA ROMEO 2000 SPYDER

In the early 1950s the Alfa Romeo plant at Portello had limited production space and a new factory at Arese north of Milan was under construction. Several prototypes of proposed new models such as the 2000 Sportiva were developed and put on display to gauge public acceptance. However, due to a complete lack of public interest and minimal interest in placing orders, the projects were all abandoned. Whilst the 2000 Sportiva was canned, the 2000 four-cylinder engine developed especially for it was not. At the time Alfa’s main line was… Read more

2000 ALFA ROMEO 147

Thanks to its very Italian styling the Alfa Romeo 147 five-door hatch is often mistaken for a two-door sports coupe, but is actually a reasonably practical family car, if the kids are pre-teen, that is. The Alfa 147 is also sold as a three-door hatch – with an even sportier look. While interior room is fine in the front. Rear seat access in the three-door is about average for its class, meaning it’s easy for the kids, but anyone older may find it a pain. On the road the little… Read more

ALFA ROMEO 166 1999-2009

Alfa Romeo 166 is a luxury sedan, but being Italian it also has a sporting feel, something that’s not common in this upmarket field that’s usually occupied by conservative machines. For the keen driver that’s great news. Drive the Alfa Romeo 166 moderately and if doesn’t feel all that special. You have to get the engine well up in the rev band and put some decent load on the suspension and steering to get the 166 working properly. Only those who love to drive hard and fast should apply for… Read more

ALFA ROMEO BRERA 2006 – 2012

Alfa Romeo is famed for making great looking sports coupes and few have ever looked better than the sensational Alfa Romeo Brera that was introduced to Australia in June 2006. As well as looking pretty it was also pretty expensive as the importer at the time was charing top dollar for everything. Sales weren’t as high as they could have been. Imports of Alfa Romeo cars are now directly in the hands of the factory and serious price cuts on many Alfa Romeo models have been carried out. Unfortunately, the… Read more

ALFA ROMEO P3

Vittorio Jano designed a number of classic Grand Prix cars for Alfa and produced the dual-purpose sports and Grand Prix 2.3-litre Tipo 8C in 1931. In its sportscar form this car was particularly successful winning four Le Mans 24-hour races over the period 1931-1934. Following the 8C, a version with higher supercharger boost was produced which initially was to be named Monza after its first Grand Prix victory at that circuit in May 1931. However Maserati and Bugatti had cars which proved they were capable of beating the Alfa Monza…. Read more

ALFA MITO ADDS APPEAL

If there is such a thing as a sampler in the automobile industry this must surely be one. In refreshing the MiTo range Alfa Romeo has added a new entry-level model in an attempt to entice new owners into the world of the Alfa enthusiast. Selling for $22,500, the MiTo 0.9 takes the hatchback into new territory with the 2011 International Engine of the Year, the turbo-petrol, 875cc, two-cylinder TwinAir. Mated with a snappy six-speed manual transmission, the engine puts out 77 kW of power and 145 Nm of torque… Read more

ALFA ROMEO MITO SERIES 2 GETS NEW COMPACT ENGINE

Alfa Romeo has released a Series 2 version of its MiTo three-door hatch with the biggest news being the addition of its smallest engine, a brilliant little two-cylinder 875 cc turbo-petrol unit. Much to the frustration of Australian Alfisti their beloved Italian marque all but disappeared from the local scene during the years it was brought in by a private importer. Alfa Romeo is now part of the giant Fiat-Chrysler Group (FCG) with local operations now being managed directly by the factory. An increase in Alfa Romeo models, as well… Read more

ALFA ROMEO 159 2006 – 2012

Alfa Romeo is undergoing a major resurgence in Australia, one that began midway thorough 2012 when the Italian factory took control here; previously a private importer did that job. The number of dealerships is expanding rapidly and spare parts and servicing are freeing up as more mechanics are being trained in the marque. Alfa Romeo 159 is a stunning looking sedan with its Italian flair penned by the famed Giugiaro. The frontal shape is one of the best ever, even by Alfa’s high standards, and owners say they are continually… Read more