2014 ALFA ROMEO RANGE LAUNCHED TO THE IRISH MEDIA AT MONDELLO PARK

The 2014 Alfa Romeo Range:

Alfa Romeo MiTo

The 2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo has gone on sale in Ireland offering customers higher specification, revised interiors, subtle styling enhancements and even more advanced technologies, including the Uconnect^TM five-inch, colour, touch-screen infotainment system as standard equipment and the addition of the new 105hp TwinAir engine to the range.

Externally the 2014 MiTo benefits from a new, chromed front grille; titanium grey headlamp and tail lamps surrounds, tinted rear windows, a sports rear bumper and a revised colour palette.

The interior is thoroughly revised with new dashboards, upgraded plastics and a new Uconnect^TM five-inch, touch-screen infotainment system with voice recognition, Bluetooth, steering wheel remote controls, USB/Aux ports and optional satellite navigation.

A comprehensive array of traction, braking and stability control systems is standard on all Alfa Romeo MiTo models and these systems, along with steering effort and throttle response, can be adjusted via Alfa Romeo's trademark ALFA D.N.A. three-mode selectable driving mode system. Where fitted, ALFA SDC adaptive suspension and Alfa TCT transmission settings are also adjustable via the ALFA D.N.A. system.

The model line-up has been streamlined with two trim levels now available: Sprint and Distinctive. Sprint equipment highlights include air conditioning; a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob; electric windows and mirrors; seven airbags; front fog lamps; chrome exhaust trim; TPMS tyre pressure monitoring system; an immobiliser and alarm; a rear spoiler and 16-inch Sprint alloy wheels, all as standard. The Distinctive trim level adds 17-inch sports alloy wheels; a QV steering wheel and hand-brake lever (trimmed in black leather with green stitching); satin-effect exterior highlights and special badges.

The MiTo engine range now comprises three turbo-charged engines, all with Start&Stop as standard - two petrol units and one diesel: The 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engine benefits from a 20hp boost in performance - now 105hp - which translates in a 0-100km/h time that's 1.1 seconds faster than the previous 85hp version. Despite the additional performance, the MiTo TwinAir remains impressively efficient, with a combined fuel economy figure of 4.2 l/100km and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.

A new 1.4 Turbo Petrol MultiAir 140hp, equipped with the Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission as standard, will join the line-up shortly - details to be announced soon - while the diesel option is the outstanding 1.3 JTDM-2 85hp. Prices for the 2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo start at €20,900 for the 105hp TwinAir Sprint and it is available to test drive in Alfa Romeo showrooms now.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

The 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta is now on sale in Ireland with renewed style, new engines and more technological content than ever before. Launched in Ireland in 2010, the Giulietta remains the most eye-catching and attractive car and in its segment and, as a consequence, the styling revisions for 2014 have been carefully considered, with a new front grille design; revised front fog light bezels; new 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs and new exterior colours (Luna Pearl, Cobalto Blue and Metallo Bronze) to further enhance its appeal.

The interior of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta benefits from more extensive revisions: The standard Uconnect^TM multimedia system takes pride of place in the redesigned, high-quality dashboard, with the associated USB/Aux ports now relocated to a more convenient position in the centre console.

The all-new Uconnect^TM system, fitted as standard across the entire 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta range, is operated via its five-inch colour touch screen or using voice commands and includes Bluetooth® connectivity, wireless music streaming, hands-free SMS reading and DAB (digital radio). Alfa Romeo Giulietta models fitted with satellite navigation benefit from a larger 6.5-inch screen with 3D bird's-eye maps, intelligent route guidance and a one-step destination entry function with voice command. Both systems have been developed in collaboration with first-class partners: Harman and Here Auto for Uconnect^TM 6.5-inch unit and Continental for Uconnect^TM 5-inch system.

New door trim panels and a sporty new steering wheel design bring improved quality and more style to the cabin, while the redesigned seats not only exude Italian craftsmanship, they are also more comfortable and more enveloping - particularly in terms of upper-body lateral support - and are presented in a variety of new upholstery and leather finishes. Extensively revised sound insulation also provides a quieter and more relaxed driving environment.

Under the bonnet, every engine in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta range benefits from improved efficiency and lower emissions.

The heart of the new 2.0 JTDM-2 150hp engine is its third-generation Common Rail injection system that uses innovative injectors capable of controlling the amount of diesel injected into the combustion chamber with maximum precision and flexibility, thanks to its balanced hydraulic servo valve. Up to eight injections per stroke are possible together with injection strategies that optimise the combustion process. The Injection Rate Shaping (IRS) system, for example, involves two consecutive injections so close together in time it generates a continuous and modulated fuel supply into the cylinders. In this way the combustion process is improved with quieter operation with reduced particulate and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, and because the injection system has 40% fewer components it also offers greater simplicity and reliability.

Regardless of engine choice, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta driver always has the option of customising their car's driving character using the standard Alfa DNA driving selector, allowing them to find the ideal blend of comfort, performance, safety and efficiency for the prevailing conditions.

Built on Alfa Romeo's most advanced architecture with a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, the 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta provides not only one of the most enjoyable driving experiences in its class, it's also one of the safest cars on the road. In addition to VDC, six airbags, three-point seat belts with double pre-tensioner, an anti-whiplash system and a third load line for excellent passenger compartment protection, the Giulietta is also fitted with an electronic Q2 differential, DST (which prompts drivers to apply the correct steering input in the event of an emergency through impulses at the wheel) and a Pre-fill system which arms the brakes for emergency braking situations when it senses the drive may be losing control of the vehicle. As a further safety measure for 2014, a tyre pressure monitoring system is also now standard across the Alfa Romeo Giulietta range.

At launch, three trim levels are offered in Ireland: Progression, Distinctive and Exclusive.

Progression:
Compared to the entry-level Turismo model it replaces, standard equipment on the new Progression model now includes new 16-inch alloy wheels; the Uconnect^TM infotainment system with steering wheel remote controls; DAB (digital radio); Bluetooth® connectivity; tyre pressure monitoring and new seat fabrics with matching dashboard, door and central tunnel inserts. Carryover standard features include the Alfa DNA driving selector, air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lights, VDC stability control and Alfa Romeo's electronic Q2 differential. Two engines are offered with the Progression trim: The 1.4 TB 120hp turbo petrol and the 1.6 JTDM-2 105hp turbo diesel, and despite a raft of additional standard equipment, pricing for the Giulietta Progression represents a modest €285 price increase compared to the outgoing Turismo version.

Distinctive:
The new Distinctive trim level, which replaces Lusso, benefits from new 16-inch turbine-design alloy wheels and chrome-effect mirrors, while the interior is upgraded with new upholstery; new trim inserts and a cooled glove-box as part of its 2014 revisions. Standard Distinctive equipment, in addition to that already fitted to Progression, also includes rear parking sensors, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, front fog lights, chrome-effect window surrounds, sports dials, an alarm system, a height-adjustable passenger seat and a front armrest with storage, with a price increase of just €300 compared to the outgoing Lusso model. The Distinctive petrol range includes the 1.4 TB 120hp and 1.4 TB MultiAir 170hp engines while the diesel range includes the 1.6 JTDM-2 105hp turbo diesel and Alfa Romeo's new 2.0 JTDM-2 150hp engine.

Exclusive:
The new Exclusive trim level takes the place of Veloce for 2014 and benefits from new 17-inch alloy wheels and new leather/micro-fibre upholstery, plus rain-sensing wipers; automatic headlights; electric-folding door mirrors; dark tinted windows; an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror; a rear arm-rest and electric front-seat lumbar support, and all for just €850 more than the Veloce model it replaces. Exclusive models are also equipped with a sports suspension; sports leather steering wheel with red stitching; aluminium sports pedals and kick-plates; darkened headlight clusters; satin-effect mirror covers and side body skirts. The Exclusive engine range is comprised of the 1.4 TB MultiAir170hp (available as a six-speed manual or with the six-speed ALFA TCT transmission); the 1.6 JTDM-2 105hp and the new 2.0 JTDM-2150hp and 2.0 JTDM-2 175hp TCT engines.

Prices for the 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta start at €22,500 for the 1.4 TB 120hp Progression, while the diesel range starts at €24,500 for the 1.6 JTDM-2 105hp Progression. Prices for Alfa Romeo Giulietta models powered by the new 2.0 JTDM-2 150hp engine start at €27,650 in Distinctive trim, while the new range-topping 2.0 JTDM-2 175hp TCT engine is priced at €32,650 in Exclusive trim only.
The 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta is on sale in Ireland now and is available for customers to test drive at Alfa Romeo dealerships nationwide.

Alfa Romeo 4C

Designed and engineered by Alfa Romeo and built at the Maserati plant in Modena, the mid-engined Alfa Romeo 4C employs the latest technologies of Alfa Romeo's newest models: The new, all-aluminium 1750 Turbo Petrol engine; the latest-generation Alfa TCT dry twin clutch transmission and the ALFA D.N.A. driving mode selector - now with a new "Race" mode.

Carbon-fibre was chosen for the one-piece monocoque due its high levels of structural rigidity and exceptionally low weight - just 65kg - and is built using sophisticated Formula 1-derived technologies, evolved especially for Alfa Romeo for series production of up to 1,000 units per year. SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound), which is lighter than both steel and aluminium, is used for the bodywork while even the thickness of the glass has been slimmed down by 15% to help reduce the Alfa Romeo 4C's overall weight.

Less than 4m in length and with a wheelbase of 2.38m, the Alfa Romeo 4C's compact shape accentuates its remarkable agility: With a dry weight of 895kg and a 40:60 front-to-rear weight distribution, the 4C is capable of generating 1.1g of lateral acceleration and in excess of 1.2g of deceleration force.

To optimise handling, its double-wishbone front suspension is secured directly to the monocoque while the rear uses a performance-tuned McPherson arrangement. The brakes, engineered with track use in mind, employ a patented aluminium/cast iron hybrid construction complete with ventilated, cross-drilled 305mm/292mm discs (F/R) clamped by Brembo callipers. 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are standard, while 18/19-inch wheels with Alfa Romeo's signature, five-hole "telephone dial" design are optional.

Power comes courtesy of a new four-cylinder turbo engine which, thanks to its aluminium block, is 22kg lighter than the engine that powers the outgoing Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf. Turbo-charged and with direct injection, this new1750 Turbo Petrol unit sets new torque and specific power records for this size of engine, at over 200Nm- and 137hp-per-litre respectively. Its maximum power output is 240hp at 6,000 rpm while its maximum torque output is 350Nm, available between 2,100 and 4,000 rpm. To underline the flexible nature of this new engine, just 80% of its torque is available from just 1,800 rpm.

Accelerating from 0 to 100km/h takes just 4.5 seconds in the new Alfa Romeo 4C and top speed is 259km/h, but this supercar performance isn't at the expense of the environment. Due to its light weight and advanced engine and transmission technologies, the emissions of the Alfa Romeo 4C fall well within the strict limits of Euro 6. Its official combined-cycle fuel economy figure is 6.8 l/100km and its CO2 emissions are just 157g/km.

Being an Alfa Romeo, the driving experience is more than just raw statistics. The exhaust has been tuned to emit a full, rich sound and particular attention paid to the seat design so the movement and reactions of the car can be 'felt' properly. The steering, unassisted, is progressive, direct and engineered to convey as much feedback and feel as possible. The steering ratio (16.2) is such as to allow 90% of bends to be taken without having to take your hands off the steering wheel. Both brake and throttle responsiveness have also been tuned to match with the dynamic nature of the Alfa Romeo 4C.

Inside the Alfa Romeo 4C, the exposed carbon-fibre chassis and driver-oriented controls leave you in no doubt as the purposeful nature of the car. In place of traditional dials, a multi-function, digital display occupies the instrument binnacle and the steering wheel is a bespoke, flat-bottomed, two-spoke item with integrated paddle gear-shifters. The remaining controls are grouped together on the tunnel console, including the button-operated TCT transmission selector and the DNA system selector, which alters the operational parameters of the engine, transmission, ESC and electronic Q2 differential depending on the driver's requirements. Composite bucket seats and aluminium pedals complete the minimalistic, drive-focussed cabin.

The Alfa Romeo 4C is on sale in Ireland priced from €69,900. There is only one specification for the Alfa Romeo 4C but a comprehensive array of optional equipment is offered, including a stiffer "Racing" suspension, larger 18- and 19-inch wheels with Pirelli AR Racing tyres and a sports exhaust system.

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Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB 120hp Progression €22,500
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.6 JTDM2 105hp Progression €24,500
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB 120hp Distinctive €24,000
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB 170hp Distinctive €25,850
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.6 JTDM2 105hp Distinctive €26,000
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDM2 150hp Distinctive €27,650
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB 120hp Exclusive €28,100
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB 170hp TCT Exclusive €29,750
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.6 JTDM2 105hp Exclusive €28,250
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDM2 150hp Exclusive €29,900
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDM2 175hp TCT Exclusive €32,650

Alfa Romeo 4C 1750 TBi 240hp TCT €69,900