Alfa Romeo Giulietta Adds Flair to Singapore Roads

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta has made its way to Singapore today, representing the DNA of Alfa Romeo: essential style capable of conveying powerful emotions, technical research which is always cutting-edge, road holding and superlative driving pleasure. Before reaching the shores of Singapore, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta has already won numerous awards and is exalted as the safest-ever compact saloon ever tested (according to the Euro NCAP 2010 standard).

“The Giulietta does not just represent the DNA of Alfa Romeo but will also rekindle the romance with the road that genuine car enthusiasts have been waiting for. In my opinion, it is a beauty that depicts gorgeous contours, an engine that sings, and precise handling that will make any driver feel ‘one’ with the car. It is a car that is a powerful blend of performance, comfort and safety,” said Mr Melvin Goh, Managing Director of EuroAutomobile Pte Ltd, appointed Singapore dealership for Alfa Romeo and Pagani.

Giulietta: The Multi Award-Winner
From performance levels to superior comfort, enhanced safety sharp handling and cutting-edge technology – these are precisely the features which make the Alfa Romeo Giulietta so popular for everyday use. The same qualities which have led it to be awarded a generous 16 prizes from the international press thus far, including: “Auto Europa 2011” (Italian Automotive Specialised Press Association), "Die besten Autos 2011" (Auto Motor und Sport, Germany), "Greek Car of the Year 2011" (Automotive press, Greece), and Trophée 2011 (Argus, France - in the "Compacte" category for the Alfa Giulietta 1.6 JTDM 105). Shortly after being launched, it also received the “Newcomer of the Year” award for 2011 from the readers of the Italian Quattroroute magazine.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a heady mix of technology, as demonstrated by the brilliant 1.4 MultiAir Turbo petrol engine - awarded the “Best New Engine of the Year 2010” by the International Engine of The Year jury panel - alongside the 140 HP 2.0 JTDM-2 which completes the range of turbo diesels.

MultiAir Technology adopted earlier on the Mito guarantees the highest levels of performance and technology through a range of engines that represent the state-of-the-art in terms of technology, performance levels and eco-friendliness. The MultiAir electro-hydraulic system optimises the operation of the engine by varying the lift profile of the intake valves, cylinder by cylinder and stroke for stroke. This is benefited by improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, more power and torque.

To date, 5 turbo engines are available, all Euro 5 compliant and with "Start&Stop" system as standard to reduce fuel consumption and emissions: two petrol versions (1.4TB - 120 HP and 1.4TB MultiAir - 170 HP, the latter voted “Best New Engine 2010”) and three diesel versions (1.6 JTDM - 105 HP, 2.0 JTDM - 170 HP and the new 2.0 JTDM - 140 HP, all with generous service intervals of 35,000 km). The 235 HP 1750 TBi combined with the exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde trim level completes the offer. This engine affords a specific torque of 195 Nm/litre which is the highest of all petrol engines in this category and - an excellent feature - the torque of 340 Nm is distributed at just 1,900 rpm. In detail, the 1750 Turbo petrol engine boasts advanced technological solutions including direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any “turbo lag”. Depending on the version, some interesting content is available, including dual zone automatic climate control, bi-xenon headlights with AFS function, rear parking sensors, Bose Hi-Fi system, Blue&Me-TomTom system, radio navigation system with maps and pop-up display, TMC Pro and SD card with European map®.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta achieved the prestigious Euro NCAP 5-star rating with an overall score of 87/100 (2010 rating): an extraordinary result that makes it the safest compact car ever. This major accolade yet again confirms Alfa Romeo’s particular commitment to all aspects relating to passive and active safety. Proof of this, for instance, is the adoption of the most advanced electronic dynamic control devices (from braking to traction): the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, which manages key functions, like Hill Holder, traction control and assisted panic braking, the MSR(Modular System Regulator) system, which prevents wheel locking when the throttle is released, the DST (Dynamic Steering Torque) system, Electronic Q2, which electronically simulates the presence of a self-locking differential, and the brand-new Pre-fill system, which - in Dynamic mode - alerts the braking system that the accelerator pedal has been released to decrease intervention time and consequently braking distance. The new generation electric steering mechanism has a dual pinion structure that provides high performance and good road feedback to the driver at high speeds whilst modulating the steering effort during parking or turning at low speeds. As compared to conventional hydraulic steering systems, it affords up to 3% in better fuel economy.

Total protection, in short, as evidenced by six airbags as standard (two of which Multistage), three point seatbelts with double pretensioners and load limiters and S.A.H.R. (Self Aligning Head Restraint) system, a new second generation device built into the backrests of the front seats that moves the head restraints closer to the occupants' heads in the event of a crash to lessen the effects of whiplash. The efficacy of all these devices is maximised by a three load line front structure that guarantees structural uniformity and consequently uniformity of response in the event of frontal impact regardless of the type of obstacles or vehicle that the car crashes into. This is a breakthrough in partner protection, because the vehicle is less aggressive when crashing into the front or side of another vehicle, and in self-protection, because the uniform deformation makes the retaining systems more effective regardless of the type of crash.

Devised to cater to the different needs of drivers in the segment in pursuit of safety, driving satisfaction and comfort, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is available in three trim levels (Progression, Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde), to which two different optional extras for customising the car can be added. Specifically, the models on show at the Alfa Romeo stand include the 170 HP 1.4 MultiAir customised with the Sport Pack which enhances the sporty spirit of the car, with specific features which improve the already excellent handling of the car and includes 18’’ alloy wheels (or as an alternative, 17’’), side skirts, sports pedals, wraparound seats with leather and microfibre upholstery, brushed burnished aluminium dashboard insert, burnished headlight frames and dark interiors. All devices linked to active and passive safety are fitted as standard over the entire range: from the dynamic vehicle control device, "Alfa DNA" (with Q2 electronic differential, DST and Pre-fill), VDC (including ASR and Hill Holder), 6 airbags, front seat belts with dual pretensioner and front seats with anti-whiplash system as standard.

In the field of preventive safety, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta also adopts LED headlights with Daytime Running Light function that automatically turn on the sidelights when the engine is started and LED tail lights, brighter than conventional bulbs, thus providing extra safety.

The Giulietta is the second Group model to combine an "Alfa TCT" transmission with the 170 HP 1.4 MultiAir turbo petrol engine; a distillate of technology which blends high performance levels with the lowest emissions and fuel consumption levels in its category for petrol engines of this power rating. This Alfa Romeo Giulietta returns outstanding performance: 218 km/h top speed, 5.2 l/100 km over a combined cycle, 121 g/km of CO2 and just 7.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h.

To complement its range of automatic transmissions, Alfa Romeo will also fit the Alfa TCT on the 170 HP 2.0 JTD diesel engine. In this case too, the teaming of this latest engine with the Alfa TCT helps the Giulietta enhance its performance levels and fuel consumption/emissions: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h drops from 8.0 seconds to 7.9 seconds, consumption levels (combined cycle) drop from 4.7 l/100 km to 4.5 l/100 km while CO2 emission levels attain record levels for an engine in this category, totalling 119 g/km (previously 124 g/km).

The “Alfa TCT” transmission is controlled by a lever with precise and ergonomic movements, which can be combined with shift paddles behind the steering wheel for those seeking a sporty and engaging drive, or switching to the automatic mode for greater convenience.

In detail, the operation of the “Alfa TCT” transmission is distinguished by maximum interaction with the vehicle's systems. To allow for the best performance on the road, depending on the drive conditions and on the driver's request, the transmission interacts with the braking, engine control, Alfa DNA selector, Start&Stop and vehicle stability control system. Thanks to the speed with which the parameters are processed, the transmission can modify the speed of gear shift, manage the torque delivery on low grip roads, and it can operate completely automatically or as a manual sequential gearbox. Developed and produced by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the new “Alfa TCT” device, conceptually consists of two gearboxes in parallel, each with its own clutch, which allows the subsequent gear to be selected and engaged while the previous one is still engaged. The gear is therefore changed with a simple gradual switch of the corresponding clutches, guaranteeing continuous torque delivery and therefore traction. The result is a driving comfort and sporty feeling well above that offered by conventional automatic transmissions (with torque converter), as proven by greater speed of gear shift, the possibility of selecting between manual or automatic mode and a near-zero power loss during the gear change. In addition, the purchasing, servicing and running costs are limited, and fuel consumption is reduced, thanks also to the implementation of the Start&Stop system, by up to 10% less than with a traditional automatic hydraulic transmission.

The Giulietta is equipped with the Alfa DNA system, a device that enables the driver to adjust the engine responses depending on their requirements. The selector has 3 driving modes; “D” Dynamic, “N” Normal and “A” All Weather. In “D” it delivers a sporty response by increasing the turbo boost, stiffening the steering and suspension and shortening the gearshift times. In “N”, the engine and gear charges are more leisurely, delivering greater fuel economy in the drive. In “A”, All Weather, particularly on poor road surfaces, the gear change is then restricted to maximise traction.

Attention to detail and high quality materials used for interiors are, as always, the most developed expression of Italian style. More specifically, the dominant concept in the interiors of the Giulietta: lightness. The lines are clean and the dashboard develops horizontally. The seats are comfortable and their shape is designed to ensure maximum comfort during long journeys.

Much to the advanced ergonomics in the interior design, every switch is ideally located: the main ones are grouped together at the centre of the dashboard and feature the same design as those found on the 8C Competizione. The navigation system with pop-up display allows drivers to safely display the route or the mechanical operating parameters set by the Alfa DNA device without having to take their eyes off the road.

There are practical open storage compartments situated in various areas of the passenger compartment: in front of the gearbox, on the centre console, and on the interior trim of the doors. There are closed storage compartments – depending on the version – on the top of the dashboard, under the dashboard opposite the front passenger and in front and rear armrests.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is available for viewing at the Alfa Romeo showroom located at 11 Leng Kee Road.

Credits: wilswong