Giulia. New segment leader? Would you buy one?

[Dr Gitlin]

BTW, lest anyone think my comments suggest I don't like the Alfa, you couldn't be further from the truth: https://arstechnica.com/cars/2017/06/if-ferrari-bu...

[anonymous-user]

I haven't driven one as yet, so can't offer a first-hand opinion, however from the tests and other's views it would seem to be a contender from a dynamics perspective. However, what personally puts me off are the looks (especially with the naff teledials), the interior, and the fact that the nearest dealer is 20+ miles away and have a horrendous reputation service-wise.

So no, I wouldn't - but I'm sure those that do will enjoy it - we all thankfully like different things.

[Mound Dawg]

Prinny said:

Git. One is tempted to call you another name, also using 2 and a symbol, but it’d be rude!



I meant this: my 2cents

These thingies. ¢

Better?

I knew what you meant, I was just being a git.

[smarty156]

The only thing I'd add re the auto v manual is don't dismiss it without trying it. You'd be missing out on a fantastic, fun to drive car.
Sure, if you try it and decide you'd rather have a manual car that doesn't drive as well then go ahead. But please try it first. You may well be surprised. I certainly was.
Now, can we get away from the manual v auto debate now as that's not what the thread is about?

[cerb4.5lee]

smarty156 said:

The only thing I'd add re the auto v manual is don't dismiss it without trying it. You'd be missing out on a fantastic, fun to drive car.
Sure, if you try it and decide you'd rather have a manual car that doesn't drive as well then go ahead. But please try it first. You may well be surprised. I certainly was.
Now, can we get away from the manual v auto debate now as that's not what the thread is about?

You're saying that the Auto is better though, but if you prefer a manual over an Auto then it doesn't matter how great the Auto is...because you prefer a manual.

For a performance car I will always prefer the manual option(even though the Auto is quicker/more efficient etc), for a sports saloon like the Alfa/C63/M3 the Auto does make sense, because they're built as a relaxing motorway cruiser first and foremost.

[wst]

RobM77 said:

An auto in full auto mode doesn't know the difference between cornering, when you need revs for control, and a straight, when you want lack of revs for mpg.

Except for the battalion of sensors which mean that it knows exactly what the car is doing...

[RobM77]

wst said:

RobM77 said:

An auto in full auto mode doesn't know the difference between cornering, when you need revs for control, and a straight, when you want lack of revs for mpg.

Except for the battalion of sensors which mean that it knows exactly what the car is doing...

It's not what the car is doing that's the issue, it's what the car is about to do next.... The car has no way of knowing that you're about to turn in to a corner.

All I'm saying is that it's nice to have the option of a manual box for those that like them.

[RicksAlfas]

Why not just pull the paddle and choose the gear you want?

[RobM77]

RicksAlfas said:

Why not just pull the paddle and choose the gear you want?

Torque converter mush - I just don't like it. The ZF box is the best I've tried, but I still prefer a manual.

[RicksAlfas]

RobM77 said:

I still prefer a manual.

Even an obstreperous BMW gearbox with that horrible CDV clutch?

[RobM77]

RicksAlfas said:

RobM77 said:

I still prefer a manual.

Even an obstreperous BMW gearbox with that horrible CDV clutch?

Yep! In fact that's the decision I recently made and I still drive the BMW ZF now and then. I like the gearbox in my 3 series a lot, but yes, the CDV is bloody annoying. Still better than an auto for me though. Besides, within an hour of me proposing to my now wife she made me promise we'd never own an automatic

[RicksAlfas]

Congratulations Rob!

[Ares]

RobM77 said:

wst said:

RobM77 said:

An auto in full auto mode doesn't know the difference between cornering, when you need revs for control, and a straight, when you want lack of revs for mpg.

Except for the battalion of sensors which mean that it knows exactly what the car is doing...

It's not what the car is doing that's the issue, it's what the car is about to do next.... The car has no way of knowing that you're about to turn in to a corner.

All I'm saying is that it's nice to have the option of a manual box for those that like them.

No gearbox knows what the car is about to do. All gearboxes require the driver to 'tell' them.

[RobM77]

RicksAlfas said:

Congratulations Rob!

Thanks.

[vsonix]

RobM77 said:

RicksAlfas said:

RobM77 said:

I still prefer a manual.

Even an obstreperous BMW gearbox with that horrible CDV clutch?

Yep! In fact that's the decision I recently made and I still drive the BMW ZF now and then. I like the gearbox in my 3 series a lot, but yes, the CDV is bloody annoying. Still better than an auto for me though. Besides, within an hour of me proposing to my now wife she made me promise we'd never own an automatic

The CDV is easy enough to remove if it really bothers you. Personally I am used to it, my first car was an E36 and I've subsequently owned about eight cars with the same setup.

[RobM77]

vsonix said:

RobM77 said:

RicksAlfas said:

RobM77 said:

I still prefer a manual.

Even an obstreperous BMW gearbox with that horrible CDV clutch?

Yep! In fact that's the decision I recently made and I still drive the BMW ZF now and then. I like the gearbox in my 3 series a lot, but yes, the CDV is bloody annoying. Still better than an auto for me though. Besides, within an hour of me proposing to my now wife she made me promise we'd never own an automatic

The CDV is easy enough to remove if it really bothers you. Personally I am used to it, my first car was an E36 and I've subsequently owned about eight cars with the same setup.

Thanks - yes, I looked into a kit for my Z4 Coupé a while ago. It does annoy me, but not in a way that affects my driving; it's only really very apparent when manouvering or crawling in traffic. For normal gearchanges you just have to change your timing somewhat, although I do then get confused when driving my wife's car or my racing car.

[budgie smuggler]

Ares said:

No gearbox knows what the car is about to do. All gearboxes require the driver to 'tell' them.

Can't remember what car it is, but isn't there one which uses the GPS mapping files to hold a gear or change down preemptively when approaching turns?

[Ares]

budgie smuggler said:

Ares said:

No gearbox knows what the car is about to do. All gearboxes require the driver to 'tell' them.

Can't remember what car it is, but isn't there one which uses the GPS mapping files to hold a gear or change down preemptively when approaching turns?

Still not the gearbox that knows

[wst]

budgie smuggler said:

Ares said:

No gearbox knows what the car is about to do. All gearboxes require the driver to 'tell' them.

Can't remember what car it is, but isn't there one which uses the GPS mapping files to hold a gear or change down preemptively when approaching turns?

That rings a bell, but without the evidence to support it I guess we'll have to settle for "it's feasibly possible".

Both manuals and automatics need additional driver input to be prepared for certain situations, the manner with which you make the input is the only change. We've moved beyond the Smart Coupe press-wait-engage gearbox so it's not like the old arguments stack up any more.

It's a pity that there isn't a manual Giulia but if the car provides enough "emozzione" through other channels I'm not too bothered. It's not a bloomin' A-Class AMG or Golf R.

[budgie smuggler]

wst said:

hat rings a bell, but without the evidence to support it I guess we'll have to settle for "it's feasibly possible".

Both manuals and automatics need additional driver input to be prepared for certain situations, the manner with which you make the input is the only change. We've moved beyond the Smart Coupe press-wait-engage gearbox so it's not like the old arguments stack up any more.

It's a pity that there isn't a manual Giulia but if the car provides enough "emozzione" through other channels I'm not too bothered. It's not a bloomin' A-Class AMG or Golf R.

The Rolls-Royce Wraith has it, I'm sure there was a beemer or mini or something with it as well but I can't find any evidence.