Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2011 Review
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2011 Photo |
After its world premiere at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show, the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta
made its debut, and in May 2010, will be launched gradually in all
major markets, and boost a fire in one of the fastest important in
Europe.
The centennial year of 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta
was appointed a tribute to a car and an Alfa Romeo legend. In the
fifties, drew the Alfa Romeo Giulietta the imagination of car
enthusiasts worldwide, making the dream of owning an Alfa Romeo and
benefit from its expertise in high level of comfort and technology
available for the first time.Now, the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo has produced a new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a five-door hatchback with an evident Alfa Romeo appearance and capable of expressing his great agility on the most demanding routes and providing comfort for everyday use. This is because the new compact platform, with advanced technical solutions for the suspension, steering gear dual active materials and sophisticated manufacturing technologies implemented, allows the Alfa Romeo Giulietta to achieve exceptionally high standards, both in terms of comfort on board, and its dynamic characteristics and safety (active and passive).
Alfa Romeo Giulietta introduces an entirely new platform - called Compact - designed to meet the most demanding customers in terms of grip, agility and safety. It ensures both exceptional dynamic performance and comfort, with solutions refined techniques for the suspension, an operating system of new generation, light and rigid structure made of materials such as aluminum and steel with a high resistance, and manufacturing techniques of avant-garde.
2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Review
This device, fitted as standard across the range of the new model is designed to change the operating parameters of the engine, gearbox, steering and Q2 electronic differential, in addition to the system logical behavior Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
The perfect blend of sportiness and elegance, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta redefines the technology standards of the brand and the emotional values.
The front shows a new interpretation of the classic shield, integrated into the front bumper and suspended between the air intakes. This is the starting point for the entire car design that combines a strong personality with a clearly elegant. The headlights have DRL with LED technology and a function of daylight for maximum active safety.
Even the profile of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is full of personality, giving the impression of a car quick and solid. This is mainly due to the side windows which recall the appearance of a cut, emphasizing the dynamism and fluidity of form, thanks to the hidden rear door handles. The ribs on the sides of the vehicle appear to extend the car, while the clean lines that end in the rear accentuate the angular shape of the body.
Finally, measuring the amount of compact and dynamic shape of the new car, guaranteeing excellent comfort and a spacious boot (350 liters) is 4.35 meters long, 1.46 meters high and 1.80 meters wide, with a wheelbase of 2.63 meters.
Advanced features for maximum well-being on board
The attention to detail and high quality materials used for interiors, now as always, the most advanced expression of Italian style. Specifically, the dominant concept within the new model is 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 trips.
Thank you to the advanced ergonomic design, each switch is conveniently located: the main ones are gathered in the middle of the dashboard, and the same design as those of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.
The navigation system with pop-up screen allows drivers to view the route safety or mechanical operating parameters set by the Alfa DNA device, without taking your eyes off the road.
This is a practical open storage compartments are located in different areas of the passenger compartment: in front of the transmission, center console and doors. It is a closed compartments memory - depending on the version - on top of the dashboard, under the dash in front of the front passenger (cooled Dual Zone operation with air conditioning), as well as front and rear armrests.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta guarantees the highest levels of performance and technology through a range of engines that are state of the art in terms of technology, levels of performance and environmental friendliness. Upon commercial launch, 4 Turbo engines are available, comply with Euro 5 and Start & Stop system to reduce consumption levels and emissions of the series: two petrol (120 hp and 170 CV, 1.4 1.4TB Multiair TB) and two diesels (105 hp and 170 hp 1.6 JTDM 2.0 JTDM, both second generation Multijet engines). The range is completed with the high performance of 235 HP 1750 TBi fuel injection control and scanning in combination with exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde interiors.
This latest version has a-235-horsepower engine 1750 TBI perfectly represents the way in which Alfa Romeo offers the most in this segment. Not only the means of transport, but a vehicle that really connects with the customer. There is a strong acceleration thanks to higher torque at low revs, smooth response to minimize the transmission makes use of the species characterized by a modern gasoline engines and engine note, taking advantage of ever becoming intrusive. Detail, 1750 turbo petrol engine offers advanced techniques such as direct injection, variable valve timing continues, turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system gets rid of all the turbo lag. The resulting performance is comparable to - or better - than many 3 liter engines continue to produce the fuel consumption of a typical four-cylinder compact.
Note that the specific power of 134 hp / liter is the highest in the world in a 4-cylinder unit installed in this vehicle class, while the highest ever achieved by an Alfa Romeo engine production. The specific torque too, for a total of 194 Nm / liter, the highest of all gasoline engines in this category, while the maximum torque of 340 Nm, is only 1,900 rpm, is excellent.
The range of engines available can meet the needs of all customers. First, the 120 HP 1.4TB is the ideal engine for those looking for a car that can handle city traffic effortlessly while keeping operating costs to a minimum. The turbo engine ensures a fast response, even at low rpm (maximum torque is reached at only 1750 rpm) while Start & Stop, in the city, which reduces fuel consumption and harmful emissions dramatically without compromising comfort and safety on board.
The 170 hp 1.4 TB Multiair engine is an amalgam of technology, which combines high performance with low emissions and fuel consumption in its class for petrol engines that power. This is a brilliant and flexible engine, with a maximum torque of 250 Nm generous (when set to dynamic) equipped with a Start & Stop system and the levels of fuel consumption and emissions are similar to a diesel more than one this power gasoline (4.6 l/100 km extra-urban cycle and 134 g / km CO2 emissions). The combination of this engine with the new platform is the Alfa Romeo Giulietta at the head of its class for its dynamic qualities as well as comfort and practicality in everyday use.
The 105 HP 1.6 JTDM is a flexible and economical diesel engine that will surprise customers due to its fast response (in dynamic mode, max. Torque is a generous 320 Nm at only 1750 rpm), coupled with the extremely fuel low (in the extra cycle is only 3.7 l/100 km). This is possible thanks to the combination of technology and second generation Multijet Start & Stop system. Therefore, it is an engine dedicated to all those who seek a car with character and a distinctive style that gives the agility and handling typical of an Alfa Romeo yet able to combine these with low operating costs.
For customers who primarily use the car on the highway or require the highest levels of performance of a diesel engine, Alfa Romeo offers the 170 hp 2.0 JTDM. Again, is an amalgam of technology that combines the technology of second generation Multijet with Start & Stop system. The result is a vehicle with the highest levels of performance in its segment, extremely flexible driving (with switch mode Dynamic DNA, the available torque at 1,750 rpm is a generous 350 Nm) between the lower fuel consumption and levels emission vehicles in its category with this power (124 g / km of CO2 and 4.1 l/100 km extra-urban cycle). Thanks to the exceptional qualities of the new compact platform, this version is able to mix a great dynamic, and performance of the car with the comfort and practicality in its segment.
All engines are combined with a manual of the state of the art 6-speed, belonging to the family of three-axle transmission, which can withstand and transmit high maximum torque. Subsequently, the Multiair and 170 HP 2.0 JTDM engines also be combined with an innovative dual-clutch automatic.
Leader segment of the security, comfort and dynamic behavior
2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed to obtain the maximum Euro NCAP rating for safety to give complete protection for both driver and passengers. In addition, the new platform was developed to ensure maximum interaction between the systems responsible for controlling the vehicle dynamics.
All this is controlled by the real "brains" of a vehicle, that is, the Alfa DNA system, which handles all the sophisticated electronic vehicle dynamic VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), dual front axle pinion, Q2 electronic differential, and the answer torque curve of the motor system, brake pre-fill function. All these systems guarantee genuine Alfa Romeo driving safety, vehicle traction and performance.
The new compact platform, thanks to sophisticated technical solutions for the suspension and the materials used, such as high strength steels, aluminum, magnesium and Xenoy, can meet the needs of most demanding customers in terms of comfort on board and functioning silent, placing the Giulietta at the top of his class also in terms of daily use of the vehicle.
A wide range of
Designed to meet the diverse needs of drivers car segment C in the pursuit of driving pleasure and comfort, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is available in two versions (Progression and Distinctive), with two adjustments (Sport Pack and Premium Pack).
All units are associated with active and passive safety are fitted as standard throughout the area. Progression version comes with the Alfa DNA system (with Q2 electronic differential and DST), VDC (including ASR and Hill Holder), six airbags, front seat belts with dual pretensioners and front seats with anti-whiplash standard system. Standard equipment includes manual air conditioning, 16''hjul and rear electric windows, trip computer, a stereo radio with dual tuner, six speakers and MP3 CD player. The latest version (Distinctive) offers the following services in addition to the standard equipment of the former: alloy wheels 16 ", automatic dual zone climate control, leather steering wheel with radio control, front armrest with storage compartment, cruise control , fog lights, reconfigurable control panel, the Competizione cloth seats, front armrests, and stylish chrome trim (chrome line) framing the side windows.
The board version is also distinctive style distinguished by a gray painted magnesium insertion or, alternatively, Ice white, red Alfa and brushing of polished aluminum.
Customers can personalize their most Alfa Romeo Giulietta with two specific packages (Sport and Premium). The first package is designed to highlight the car's sporting character with features that enhance the already excellent handling of the car and includes alloy 18''jantes 17''or, side skirts, sports pedals, sports seats and leather upholstery microfiber fabric polished aluminum dash insert polished, burnished headlight frames and dark interiors (lining of the roof and black pillar).
For customers looking for more technology and complete equipment onboard Premium Pack includes bi-xenon headlamps with AFS function with Blue & Me Bluetooth, USB and MP3 player, radio / telephone steering wheel controls Rear Parking Assistance, rain-night humidity sensors, electric folding door mirrors and an electrochromic mirror mirror.
To customize the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, customers can choose from the list of available options, including a large panoramic sunroof, navigation system with maps and pop-up screen and a Bose ® Hi-fi. In addition, the Blue & Me-TomTom is also available, which adds navigation functions to the functions of Blue & Me ® system with TomTom portable navigation that integrates seamlessly with gratitude the vehicle existing systems to a Bluetooth ® interface. The TomTom portable navigation system is placed on the dashboard with a brace designed to ensure maximum safety in case of impact and full integration with other vehicle systems and improved ergonomics in everyday use.
There is also a special section dedicated to the trim version with 235 HP engine 1750 TBi. This is called Quadrifoglio Verde (four-leaf clover), a legendary brand that has participated in the tracks of the world. Only available on this type of engine, this special edition is distinguished by its sporty lowered ride height (15 mm front and 10 mm rear), 17''fælge (18''as an option), a improved system with brake calipers painted red Alfa and the sporty interior includes leather sports seats and microfiber. Everything is designed to provide the best in driving pleasure and the leader segment of the active and passive safety. It offers low power consumption of this effect, the "Quadrifoglio Verde" is reinterpreted for today, combining driving pleasure with greater environmental awareness in the sporting eco-conscious and environmentally friendly.
A new platform to increase grip and dexterity in total comfort and safety
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta introduces an entirely new platform - Compact - designed to satisfy the most demanding customers in terms of handling, comfort and safety on board. On the other hand, satisfaction, and ride comfort can be tailored to meet specific customer needs through the Alfa DNA selector, a device that adapts the vehicle's behavior in three different rationales (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather).
The platform of the new covenant is part of a strategy to rationalize the platform of Fiat Group Automobiles - preceded by the Mini platform for a small segment for segments B and L0 - and is a true starting point for engineering solutions before because the new material presented, the materials used and the level of performance achieved. From the earliest stages of design, the goal was to create a platform for Fiat Group Automobiles future C-segment vehicles, starting with the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, which was ranked best in class in terms of handling, steering feel to weight performance, ride comfort, NVH (Noise Vibration Hardness), safety (active and passive) and climate comfort.
Thus, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a completely new car capable of expressing his great agility in the most demanding routes and provide comfort on the go. In addition, through a specific calibration of the suspension that offers the sports package, the sportiness of the new Alfa Giulietta can be improved.
Innovative materials and state of the art solutions
First, the basement represents a generational leap in terms of materials used. The whole structure is much stronger and provides better performance without gaining weight compared to the previous generation. All thanks to wider use of materials with high strength and ultra-high, which currently represent over 90% of the total mass of the system: structural parts, designed to provide high strength and the ability to absorb the impact with the minimum distortion, were hot pressing of hardened steel.
In addition, lightweight materials have been used for many structural elements bolted to the body structure. For example, the front beam connecting struts in front and the third load path are of extruded aluminum. The rear bumper beam and third load elements via energy absorption are made of Xenoy (a thermoplastic with excellent energy absorption by weight). The third form of energy-absorbing load energy absorbing elements for low-speed impact with obstacles and support to collisions with pedestrians bumper. Using these solutions provide a weight reduction of 8.5 kg in the front and rear 4 kg compared with conventional steel structures, without compromising safety performance.
Another new feature is the basis of its modularity, which makes it suitable for a family of vehicles of different steps and traces. This modularity provides a set of floor panels and members of the middle half, and not affect any part of the front and rear structures. This reduces the load to a minimum and that the system can be applied to other vehicle systems without modification.
Many systems and components that make up the "Compact" architecture have been revised compared to the previous generation, improve performance and reduce weight (-35% for the two limits of the rear seat and alloy magnesium transverse beam).
Best in class performance in terms of comfort, handling and safety
Alfa Romeo Giulietta offers superb handling and comfort levels, mainly due to the new suspension used. The front suspension MacPherson particular has been revised to provide maximum rigidity under lateral loads, which reduces the weight through the use of aluminum (gain of 4 kg compared to conventional solutions). The rear suspension is a Multi-Link, which provides the best compromise between handling and comfort without compromising the volume of the trunk. In this case, focusing on weight reduction, and with aluminum booms, the suspension allows a weight reduction of more than 10 kg compared to conventional multi-link.
It also provides new electric power steering (steering gear Dual Active) feel excellent control and is integrated with the systems of active safety car. As its name suggests, the solution uses two drives mounted directly on the rack of the steering box. The first gear is directly connected to the steering column and guarantees, direct and precise control, without artificial filter between the control box and the driver's hands, giving a feeling of true and natural behavior. The second gear, still mounted directly on the rack is connected to the electric motor, located in the engine compartment, thus minimizing the risk of collision with a passenger in an accident.
Air conditioning, and in particular the operation of the logic has been completely revised and improved to ensure the best climatic conditions in the cabin, thus significantly reducing the excessive consumption of fuel (30% less than the traditional system). Similarly, thanks to engineering specifications, unusual noises and vibrations of quality is reached.
In terms of passive safety, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta produced to obtain the maximum Euro NCAP rating, as evidenced by more than fifteen hours of calculations, 80 crash tests, 150 HyGe test slides, and more than 100 tests on components and subsystems. In detail, the new third load path increases the potential for absorption of energy in front of the vehicle and reduces both inertial forces and the passenger compartment intrusion, thus ensuring the optimal protection of passengers a greater impact on the severity. Security is ensured by 6 airbags (standard across the area), three-point safety belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, collapsible pedals and steering column, the second-generation anti-whiplash and Isofix attachments.
Finally, in terms of active safety, the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform was designed to integrate various vehicle systems and exploit them fully, highlighting the three setup functions (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather) available through the Alfa DNA selector. This device, as standard across the range, is designed to change the configuration of the engine, gearbox (or automatic), address, Q2 electronic differential and the braking system, as well as the logic of system behavior, Dynamic Control Vehicle (VDC). The Alfa Romeo Giulietta will also be the introduction of pre-fill - a new feature - is activated when DNA is dynamic, which gives the driver the fastest possible response braking. In certain circumstances, ie
when the computer detects a dangerous situation requiring rapid braking, the brake system is under pressure from a few moments before the driver actually hits the brake pedal to ensure the fastest possible response of the system and thus reduce the vehicle stopping distance.
These advanced features that improve the dynamic control of the vehicle is enhanced by Dynamic Steering Torque (DST), a function that provides feedback of torque to the wheel, which helps the driver to perform critical maneuvers correctly before VDC acts to prevent loss of control.
Sporty and comfortable, Italian style
Alfa Romeo Giulietta is the result of the new approach of the Alfa Romeo style and technology that began with the 8C Competizione supercar, and highlighted by a return to Italian names on the one hand refers to the brand's glorious past and the other to look to the future with technological and emotional values.
The perfect blend of style and sportiness, the new car is characterized by its distinctive look that combines compact size - it is 4.35 meters long, 1.46 meters high and 1.80 meters wide, with a wheelbase of 2, 63 meters - with superb comfort on board and a spacious boot (350 liters). In addition, the dynamic look of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is further enhanced by: a high-power front with unmistakable Alfa Romeo descent, a profile with two folds prolonged muscle fat, and a rear spoiler, sporty, and with highly inclined rear window.
Exterior styling: the perfect blend of sportiness and elegance
The front features aa new interpretation of the classic shield, embedded in the front bumper and suspended between the air vents. This is the starting point for the design of the entire vehicle, which combines a strong personality clearly an elegant form. Everything is made more attractive from the surface of the hood and the vertical headlamps. In addition, the exterior of the car ends up highlighting the sportiness and elegance in its form, as the treatment of horizontal bars and polished V-shaped plate, which gives the front end of the highest level, effects of light.
The profile of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is rich in personality, the model seems agile and robust. This is mainly due to the side windows to remember the look of a coupe, underlines the dynamism and fluidity of form, thanks to the hidden rear door handles, and the play of light over the wheel arches and side skirts. Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde versions boast a polished steel (chrome line) side of the molding of the windows, highlighting the side windows cut a sophisticated way. The ribs seem to stretch the sides of the vehicle in the car and clean lines that extend toward the rear of the car shows the angular shape of the body.
The back, as the front and sides, has a style that focuses on the feeling of a muscle car, clinging to the road surface. In addition, the back is an efficient use of space with a large rear window mounted on a generous tailgate pillars resting on muscular looking. Finally, defense and home plate, depending on the version, the full exhaust.
The headlights on Alfa Romeo worthy of special note. Both the headlights and rear lights use LED technology, which, compared to incandescent lamps, allowing for greater brightness, high reliability and low consumption levels (ie with a positive effect on emissions), and long response times faster (in case of braking, for example). Therefore, LED technology is aimed not only fashionable, but also the security, reliability and insulation properties.
Headlights also feature built-in function of daylight (known as daytime running lights) that - when the engine is started - automatically starts the LEDs are specifically designed to provide maximum visibility during the day, with reduced power consumption and long life (This feature is in conformity with the European standard, which will come into force in 2012).
The headlights are available in two versions: standard halogen lamps, or with optional bi-xenon headlights with AFS offers a better quality of light radiation (with or without beam), an excellent performance in all weather conditions and longer ( compared to standard halogen headlights, these devices treble brightness and duration). The AFS system in turn provides maximum visibility and safety, or even cornering on tight turns, so you can go to the bar where the direction of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is to control up to 15 °.
Inner edge for maximum well-being on board
The interior was designed for, and to ensure maximum passenger space, pleasure and comfort of the car so that the distance - whether long or short - is a pleasant experience on board the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. What's more, the interior has been designed to ensure that practical for everyday use for customers, while the materials selected to ensure the best possible quality and duration of the performance period, as well as the expression Italian style evolved.
In particular, the new car emphasizes the concept of lightness, which is reflected in clean lines and the instrument panel that extends horizontally, by adding the total amount of dynamism. Moreover, thanks to improved ergonomics and interior design, each switch is ideally located: the main ones are grouped in the center of the dashboard and in the same model as for switches 8C Competizione, ensuring easy access and immediate.
The navigation system with pop-up display, located at the top of the dashboard, allows motorists to check your route and mechanical operating parameters using the Alfa DNA device safely without taking your eyes the road.
The new car interiors are complemented by its comfortable seats to ensure maximum comfort in the car, the journey is so long. There are handy storage compartment located in various parts of the cab in front of the shifter on the center console and interior trim on the doors. There are storage compartments closed - depending on the version - at the top of the dashboard, under the dashboard to the passenger (cooled with dual zone climate control) and front and rear armrests.
Distinctive version of the car's interior is characterized by a combination of black and gray metallic dash inserts (also available in two colors, white, red and Alpha, brushed aluminum or gloss). Unlike the Progression version, the seats are upholstered in a structured high-tech fabric with horizontal electric welding in two different colors (black and metallic gray). Leather steering wheel features a matt black panel, while the other doors and cut about the transmission of high-gloss black.
Finally, the leather seats are available - black leather, red and gray - with two different interpretations: perforated leather to the center "cannelloni" or braided leather inspired by the 8C Competizione.