[Vaheed1]

Just thought I'd do a quick summery of the Alfa, as I've been given a top of the range one for a couple of weeks by my brothers contact at a local Alfa garage. I've driven it a few times now - and I must say, I've been very surprised by it; so much so that I'd even consider one when changing cars next.

This one has Alfa's new double clutch gearbox - and a 170bhp diesel engine. The performance is somewhat predictable. Low down diesel punch with a terrific mid-range - then it conks out near the top end.

For me though, the biggest surprise has been the car's chassis. It handles superbly well and is as flat as a pancake through bends - with very little body roll and understeer.

I think we can all agree that most Alfa's look superb, this is no different. The cabin is fairly basic, but laid out well - with nice switch gear and decent levels of material used on the dash.

The Alfa guy was saying that their new TCT 'box was bette than the DSG in my car - but it's hard to tell with the Diesel Alfa - because you just can't use it in the same manner as a high revving petrol engine. I just think it's a waste on a diesel car. I would like to see what it's like on their petrol variants though.

[xs2man]

Originally Posted by Vaheed1

I think we can all agree that most Alfa's look superb, this is no different.

Yes. Followed by a NO in this case. Hideous. Even worse than the F30 IMO.

[rogerxp]

I'm with you Vaheed, I think it's a damn good looking car, shame the engine's not up to what we'd expect (but probably just fine for its target market).

[Kerr]

It looks rather bland to me. The pumped up versions look a bit better but still not really anything special.

I read a few reviews and don't remember any of them being very positive.

[CarAbuser]

Funnily enough the word bland was the first think that popped into my head when I saw that photo.

[mowflow]

I posted a little review of the QV and 1.4MA at the beginning of the year. I really liked the 1.4MA and was considering getting one for a while. The low standard spec and the price when spec'd to an acceptable level put me off. The fact is that the residuals are just so bad that you can't make the figures work even with the regular 0% offers that they do. It's sad really.

I agree that it's a good looking car although I do think from the rear it shares a bit to much of the GM DNA with the Astra.

The Alfas I tested were both manual as TCT was just being released at the time. I had a DSG A3 at the time which I loved and was keen on trying the TCT. A first gen dual clutch gearbox built by Italians did make me nervous though. I don't really agree about diesels not feeling the benefits of a dual clutch auto box. If anything I would say they are more suited to diesels than petrols. Just last Friday i test drove the new A3 1.8tfsi with DSG and it was shockingly bad compared to my old diesel.

[Guvernator]

Have to agree with what some other posters have said, previous Alfa's have been absolutely stunning on the whole but the new range is a bit MEH IMO. The Guiletta is dull as ditch-water and don't even get me started on the startled owl looks of the Mito.

Shame as the 147 and 159 were lovely looking cars. I'm starting to think about moving to a 4 door saloon or hatch for the daily\family duties but there just don't seem to be any really decent looking one's about these days where as previously there was a dirth with Alfa heading up the pack.

[rich1068]

Has anyone seen any reliable pics of the new Giulia? Agreed the 159 was a lovely looking motor and I'd love to see its replacement. Rumour says it will be RWD too.

[Vaheed1]

Originally Posted by rich1068

Has anyone seen any reliable pics of the new Giulia? Agreed the 159 was a lovely looking motor and I'd love to see its replacement. Rumour says it will be RWD too.

[rich1068]

I don't believe it for a second but that's lovely...

[Palmnuts]

It won't be anything like that - the picture is a Giulietta front end (up to B-pillar) with a boot tacked on behind that.

I believe the car has been significantly delayed due to the design being rejected numerous times. Fiat bosses are being extremely cautious to make sure it looks good so it should end up being the best looking in its class - it will have to be a step up from Mito and Giulietta to do that though!

I used to love Alfa's (I had three 147 GTA's in a row which seemed a really extreme yet luxurious car of that type back in the day). However, I've really been put off Italian cars after the Maserati - theres so much that just doesn't 'work' logically, doesn't work at all, is obviously Fiat based or.....well, maybe it's just having lots of German metal in the meantime has changed my expectations somewhat but I'm not finding owning a British car to be such a chore like I did an Italian one!

[Guvernator]

If the Guilia looks anything like that and comes with a decent engine, Alfa will get my money. Unfortunately I also have serious doubts that it will, apart from the stunning 8c, Alfa have been off form lately.

[Palmnuts]

I actually think it will end up looking much better than that. Get your money at the ready

[Guvernator]

Originally Posted by Palmnuts

I actually think it will end up looking much better than that. Get your money at the ready

I'm glad someone still has confidence in Alfa producing a good looking car

Any proof to back up that claim or just a hunch?

Thinking of starting a family this year which means the 335i cab will have to go (boo-hiss ) but I don't want to give up my man card completely and get an MPV so I'm looking for a good looking saloon or 4 door hatchback with a bit of poke. Unfortunately I am not a fan of any of the current crop so I'm hoping Alfa pull something special out the bag.