Our cars are reliable, says new Alfa Romeo boss

Many people who have owned older Alfa Romeos have horror stories to tell about rusting bodies, dodgy electrics and unreliable engines.

But those days are over says Alfa Romeo, which is relaunching the brand in Australia, spearheaded by its all-new Giulia mid-size luxury sedan.

The first rear-wheel drive Alfa sedan in three decades launches this month in Australia, headlined by the range-topping 375kW twin-turbo V6-powered QV sports sedan ($143,900 plus on-road costs) and supported by regular models priced from $59,895.

Alfa Romeo says the new model is the start of the "renaissance" for the Italian brand in Australia, where its parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles says Alfa's reputation and reliability will be enhanced by several elements beyond fresh product.

"You've got to start with product," said FCA Australia managing director Steve Zanlunghi, who also controls the Fiat, Jeep and Chrysler brands here.

"It's got to stand on its own. It's our job to get the product in front of people, so they can see it drive it, sit in it, feel the quality of the vehicle, step on the gas.

"That's what's going to do it [improve brand perception]. Then it becomes word of mouth," he said.

Aftersales care will also be an important element in bringing new buyers to Alfa and FCA Australia is backing its new Giulia with a three-year, 150,000km warranty, which is slightly better than some of its European rivals.

It also offers a three-year capped-priced servicing deal which costs of $1389 up front for regular Giulia models and $2189 for the 375kW Giulia QV, with one-year/15,000km intervals, which makes it one of the most affordable European luxury brands to service.
Owners can even extend that to five-years, priced at $2790 and $4229 respectively.

Asked if Alfa Romeo would consider a longer warranty to really put its mouth where its money is, Zanlungi responded: "We haven't discussed that yet."

The success of the Alfa Romeo brand – locally and globally – rests heavily on the new $8 billion 'Giorgio' platform that will underpin eight new models starting with the Giulia and the upcoming Stelvio SUV, which arrives in Australia late this year.

"I think there's clearly volume potential for the mainstream Giulias, not just the QVs," stated Zanlunghi. "Then we'll get the SUV, the Stelvio, as well."

What's your opinion of Alfa Romeo? Do you think the new era of Georgio vehicles can wipe the slate clean for the Italian car-maker and improve reliability and consumer confidence? Feel free to leave a comment below.