QV blah blah noog, but what about the Gulia Veloce?
Discussion
Yes I love the QV but I can't justify the price of one being on around £40k and also racing motorbikes for fun.
Any owners with the other, more affordable petrol versions, or more specifically the 280bhp Veloce?
What's all this about soft paint?
Great (new) dealership in Slough that I went to on Saturday and gonna book a test drive. Already have a top quote for one with all my options ticked too. If the test drive goes well, I can't see a reason not to. Never bought a new car before. Doing PCP and planning to hand it back after 3 years.
from memory, options include
Extended leather (leather dash and door tops)
bi xenons, as they have a lovely bit of more visible branding on them,
boot ground anchors and cargo net.
tinted rear windows,
18" 5 hole dark alloys,
performance pack(diff i think),
climate pack,
convenience pack,
yellow calipers,
Over to you lot!
Any owners with the other, more affordable petrol versions, or more specifically the 280bhp Veloce?
What's all this about soft paint?
Great (new) dealership in Slough that I went to on Saturday and gonna book a test drive. Already have a top quote for one with all my options ticked too. If the test drive goes well, I can't see a reason not to. Never bought a new car before. Doing PCP and planning to hand it back after 3 years.
from memory, options include
Extended leather (leather dash and door tops)
bi xenons, as they have a lovely bit of more visible branding on them,
boot ground anchors and cargo net.
tinted rear windows,
18" 5 hole dark alloys,
performance pack(diff i think),
climate pack,
convenience pack,
yellow calipers,
Over to you lot!
Rich135 said:
Would you mind sharing how much your quote is? PM me if you prefer.
Done. Also got a finance quote back and was 200 more than on the site http://www.alfaromeo.co.uk/promotions/Giulia this is due to them not taking into account a deposit from me. Interestingly the APR was 2.1 % and not 2.8% as stated on the site.
Ok so, I've had the test drive. I'm also no journalist so my write up will be brief and to the point.
Firstly this is a very capable car. I don't think I'm the target market. I had an alfa 75 and in hindsight, I think that I was hoping that I would get those feelings back. Those that made you feel like it was the driver, getting the car, not to the ragged edge, but 'towards equilibrium' through the corner. OK, I mean like you could be hanging the tail out slightly.
The car is great through the bends. Too good for me to feel like I'm having fun. I don't want to go fast, I just want to feel like I am getting 95% out of the cars ability through a bend without the same percentage likely hood of hurting someone. If you don't understand what I'm talking about, refer to Chris Harris' enjoyment out of a 2CV.
The gearbox is good, it is shared by Mercedes and someone else I can't remember. I haven't had a car with an auto for a very long time and it was a pleasure, apart from a couple of occasions when after a period of coasting (if this is an acceptable term for an auto?), and trying to get back on the throttle gently, I was subject to a lurching forward. I raced karts and do race bikes and like to think my throttle application isn't ham-fisted, but I would accept that it still could be me at fault. The planting of the right foot causes delays whilst it downshifts too but you could overcome this using the flaps. Also at one point when I wanted gentle surge in throttle, it went for the downshift, again something that could be overcome by not being in the sporty, dynamic mode or using manual control.
Lane departure bleeps went off as I took racing line cuts through twisties, but you can turn that off, which we did.
a hard brake test on a very damp country road was really impressive with their 'integrated' brake system. basically stopped very fast from 60-0 and ABS kicked in but transmits very little kickback on the pedal. It's more a gentle vibration, but not enough to tickle, even the most ticklish of feet.
I liked it but would need more time to be convinced to part with my money for the autobox. Craig at Alfa, Slough said he would hook me up with an extended test drive, but I'm really in 2 minds. It would be great if I just liked the surge of acceleration, got stuck in traffic lots, and liked capable fast cornering, but I need more, as in less.
The thing I loved most about the 150bhp 75 was patting the throttle and dumping the clutch off a 90 degree right junction in the damp and hanging the tail out. I had a wheel spin for a split second out of a damp junction and couldn't feel the traction interfere, but it remained well planted. I wasn't an animal with it but I'd expect to have to lift to regain something slightly out of true.
I think I need to stick to retro, but I wanted all the fancy modern tech. A 3 litre 75 tuned up by EMC Racing's Wayne Ellett might be a good shout. A bit thirsty, but there should be some money in the bank to cover that.
I will still see the Afla Giulia on the road and be envious, no doubt, but I don't think it will tick all my boxes for the money. 2nd hand might be a shout, but it will be limited to the extended leather dash options only! So worth ticking that option in my opinion.
I've learnt something about my inner self for sure.
Firstly this is a very capable car. I don't think I'm the target market. I had an alfa 75 and in hindsight, I think that I was hoping that I would get those feelings back. Those that made you feel like it was the driver, getting the car, not to the ragged edge, but 'towards equilibrium' through the corner. OK, I mean like you could be hanging the tail out slightly.
The car is great through the bends. Too good for me to feel like I'm having fun. I don't want to go fast, I just want to feel like I am getting 95% out of the cars ability through a bend without the same percentage likely hood of hurting someone. If you don't understand what I'm talking about, refer to Chris Harris' enjoyment out of a 2CV.
The gearbox is good, it is shared by Mercedes and someone else I can't remember. I haven't had a car with an auto for a very long time and it was a pleasure, apart from a couple of occasions when after a period of coasting (if this is an acceptable term for an auto?), and trying to get back on the throttle gently, I was subject to a lurching forward. I raced karts and do race bikes and like to think my throttle application isn't ham-fisted, but I would accept that it still could be me at fault. The planting of the right foot causes delays whilst it downshifts too but you could overcome this using the flaps. Also at one point when I wanted gentle surge in throttle, it went for the downshift, again something that could be overcome by not being in the sporty, dynamic mode or using manual control.
Lane departure bleeps went off as I took racing line cuts through twisties, but you can turn that off, which we did.
a hard brake test on a very damp country road was really impressive with their 'integrated' brake system. basically stopped very fast from 60-0 and ABS kicked in but transmits very little kickback on the pedal. It's more a gentle vibration, but not enough to tickle, even the most ticklish of feet.
I liked it but would need more time to be convinced to part with my money for the autobox. Craig at Alfa, Slough said he would hook me up with an extended test drive, but I'm really in 2 minds. It would be great if I just liked the surge of acceleration, got stuck in traffic lots, and liked capable fast cornering, but I need more, as in less.
The thing I loved most about the 150bhp 75 was patting the throttle and dumping the clutch off a 90 degree right junction in the damp and hanging the tail out. I had a wheel spin for a split second out of a damp junction and couldn't feel the traction interfere, but it remained well planted. I wasn't an animal with it but I'd expect to have to lift to regain something slightly out of true.
I think I need to stick to retro, but I wanted all the fancy modern tech. A 3 litre 75 tuned up by EMC Racing's Wayne Ellett might be a good shout. A bit thirsty, but there should be some money in the bank to cover that.
I will still see the Afla Giulia on the road and be envious, no doubt, but I don't think it will tick all my boxes for the money. 2nd hand might be a shout, but it will be limited to the extended leather dash options only! So worth ticking that option in my opinion.
I've learnt something about my inner self for sure.
Nice idea rxe. I was thinking the same.
It got me wondering what the actual difference was in the powertrain between the 200 and 280hp. Wondering if it is a special turbo or just a remap or other hardware. Anyone actually know?
I am going to have an extended test drive of the Veloce this week. Speaking to Craig at Alfa in Slough about my honest thoughts, he said have the drive and get used to it.
Getting Friday off work so probably going to take it down the country roads in manual mode to Goodwood circuit. From Thatcham/Binfield if my mate comes along, that should be a good enough run.
It got me wondering what the actual difference was in the powertrain between the 200 and 280hp. Wondering if it is a special turbo or just a remap or other hardware. Anyone actually know?
I am going to have an extended test drive of the Veloce this week. Speaking to Craig at Alfa in Slough about my honest thoughts, he said have the drive and get used to it.
Getting Friday off work so probably going to take it down the country roads in manual mode to Goodwood circuit. From Thatcham/Binfield if my mate comes along, that should be a good enough run.
smarty156 said:
My understanding from others on the Alfa Owners forum is that currently it's just software that's the difference between the 200 and 280bhp engines. However, rumour is that is going to change shortly as they are going to downgrade some of the hardware on the 200bhp model that isn't needed. blah blah QV blah got a better car than you'll ever have.
Wow, buy a 200 quick! Top info, cheers. No jealous or nowt.24 hour test drive
Summary: want it again! Looking to lease on a shorter term
The short write up:
So, there I was again and picked up the Veloce on Thursday night. Nice to get it out to myself and taking more familiar roads. Got the infortainment system connected to my android and had the bluetooth source set to stream tunes from the phone too. I had to get the phone playing music by hand before the car would interact with it as i guess it doesn't know where to pull the music from on a first go. in blutooth mode of play it also doesn't have library access unfortunately but a usb cable will sort that out easy enough. A choice of 2 locations are available as standard (one hidden in the armrest cubby hole which was too small to fit my phone, and a third is available as an option for the rear passengers at the back of the armrest. Audio is great for both parties on a call too.
driving: A mode, someone said stands for absolutely useless. I found it to be quite nice. sedate driving, smooth gear changes, definitely reduced peak power! big difference noticed here. It may even get you into trouble if you boot it, expecting to aim for a small gap!
Normal mode really hindered me accelerating after hitting an apex, whereas the dynamic mode allows more application of power through a corner. It was upsetting for the normal mode to stop the go-go boot like that, but the level of power is good compared to the a mode and also not far off(?) dynamic mode. I'd love to have a go with the traction off so i could have full control, but I can accept the levels they are at. Mainly due to it only being noticed once in normal mode throughout the whole 150 mile journey on very challenging B roads where I did push on hard in places.....in dynamic mode!
comfort level: I have a seat Ibiza formula sport 1.4 litre! yes its truly bad in the street cred dept. but its a much stiffer ride over the bumps than the alfa. The alfa does grip the road much better than the Ibiza too. It is very accomplished! I drove this thing from binfield to goodwood and on to selsey on mainly country roads. it was comfy and still a hoot on the B roads even with the noted traction, a spirited drive over the 150 miles or so, didn't highlight the traction/stability until a massive prompting toward the end of the journey!
Things I noted:
The infotainment screen when switching the modes, lights up an xray image of the powertrain through the shell of a Quad in hte colours of the mode. d-red, n-blue, a-green. A nice touch but some may say sad that its of the flagship model and not the one you bought.
Different modes limit the available screen options (usually 4) between the clocks. I still dont fully understand one of the screen options on the a mode. i think at least 2 screens, the trip feedback interfaces, are common for each of the driving modes. A G metre is available in dynamic mode only, whereas normal mode gets a short term mpg averaging bar chart and moving average dotted line which is handy, so handy that youd think youd get it inthe a-mode for efficient driving....not so! A-mode gets a weird image of earth and some bars around an image of a car with forward arrow, a bar around a car with rearward arrow, and a bar around a manual gear shift pattern.......?
The infotainment image showing the audio fade and balance centre of sound is of a left hand drive car.
arm rest cubby hole too small to close with my motorola g4 phone inside.
If pushing plut it in dynamic and traction/stability wont be an issue for the non-drift /rally driver!
The fuel consumption stated is not easy to match or even meet. In the old days it used to be a doddle to smash the figures. The modern test is great for selling cars! If its a big consideration, get an extended test and do your normal commute to compare.
On the leasing thread, I saw a much cheaper monthly cost can be found.... 275 a month on personal lease!
A new blue colour is soon to be available akin to the Q car in the promos. I cant wait to see it, so then I can finally choose colours for exterior and interior. It'll be Afla red, otherwise.
Anything else you wanna know about my experience, i will try to recall for you.
Summary: want it again! Looking to lease on a shorter term
The short write up:
So, there I was again and picked up the Veloce on Thursday night. Nice to get it out to myself and taking more familiar roads. Got the infortainment system connected to my android and had the bluetooth source set to stream tunes from the phone too. I had to get the phone playing music by hand before the car would interact with it as i guess it doesn't know where to pull the music from on a first go. in blutooth mode of play it also doesn't have library access unfortunately but a usb cable will sort that out easy enough. A choice of 2 locations are available as standard (one hidden in the armrest cubby hole which was too small to fit my phone, and a third is available as an option for the rear passengers at the back of the armrest. Audio is great for both parties on a call too.
driving: A mode, someone said stands for absolutely useless. I found it to be quite nice. sedate driving, smooth gear changes, definitely reduced peak power! big difference noticed here. It may even get you into trouble if you boot it, expecting to aim for a small gap!
Normal mode really hindered me accelerating after hitting an apex, whereas the dynamic mode allows more application of power through a corner. It was upsetting for the normal mode to stop the go-go boot like that, but the level of power is good compared to the a mode and also not far off(?) dynamic mode. I'd love to have a go with the traction off so i could have full control, but I can accept the levels they are at. Mainly due to it only being noticed once in normal mode throughout the whole 150 mile journey on very challenging B roads where I did push on hard in places.....in dynamic mode!
comfort level: I have a seat Ibiza formula sport 1.4 litre! yes its truly bad in the street cred dept. but its a much stiffer ride over the bumps than the alfa. The alfa does grip the road much better than the Ibiza too. It is very accomplished! I drove this thing from binfield to goodwood and on to selsey on mainly country roads. it was comfy and still a hoot on the B roads even with the noted traction, a spirited drive over the 150 miles or so, didn't highlight the traction/stability until a massive prompting toward the end of the journey!
Things I noted:
The infotainment screen when switching the modes, lights up an xray image of the powertrain through the shell of a Quad in hte colours of the mode. d-red, n-blue, a-green. A nice touch but some may say sad that its of the flagship model and not the one you bought.
Different modes limit the available screen options (usually 4) between the clocks. I still dont fully understand one of the screen options on the a mode. i think at least 2 screens, the trip feedback interfaces, are common for each of the driving modes. A G metre is available in dynamic mode only, whereas normal mode gets a short term mpg averaging bar chart and moving average dotted line which is handy, so handy that youd think youd get it inthe a-mode for efficient driving....not so! A-mode gets a weird image of earth and some bars around an image of a car with forward arrow, a bar around a car with rearward arrow, and a bar around a manual gear shift pattern.......?
The infotainment image showing the audio fade and balance centre of sound is of a left hand drive car.
arm rest cubby hole too small to close with my motorola g4 phone inside.
If pushing plut it in dynamic and traction/stability wont be an issue for the non-drift /rally driver!
The fuel consumption stated is not easy to match or even meet. In the old days it used to be a doddle to smash the figures. The modern test is great for selling cars! If its a big consideration, get an extended test and do your normal commute to compare.
On the leasing thread, I saw a much cheaper monthly cost can be found.... 275 a month on personal lease!
A new blue colour is soon to be available akin to the Q car in the promos. I cant wait to see it, so then I can finally choose colours for exterior and interior. It'll be Afla red, otherwise.
Anything else you wanna know about my experience, i will try to recall for you.
PenelopaPitstop said:
Are you going to order it? What about wind and tyres noise in the cabin?
Tyre and wind noise were minimal, but I come from loud old vehicle ownership. It was quiet enough to occasionally make it tricky to hear out for manual shifting at gentle pace. Waiting to see what the new blue looks like before ordering.PenelopaPitstop said:
What average mpg did you get from test drive? I don't mind bad mpg as long as fuel tank is of reasonable size and I can get decent range between petrol station visits.
about 30, going relatively conservatively, but in normal mode it was nearer to 40, judging by the bar chart thingyPenelopaPitstop said:
I got quote from Derby dealer for this promotional leasing offer but didn't organise myself test drive yet, no dealer nearby. Never had Alfa before but I always liked the way they look.
I must say if you want a proper dose of what everyone refers to as a real alfa experience, you must go for a 75 or older rwd alfa! The new one is too good/safe. Although I'm ignoring the Quad, as I haven't driven it.PenelopaPitstop said:
I booked myself test drive on Saturday, however I don't think Croydon is a good place for it.
Edited by PenelopaPitstop on Wednesday 31st May 10:41
Cheers for the input!
FYI I'm 5'10 and noticed that the ones with sunroofs are really bad on head height (not sure if you had with/without), but i didn't have an issue with the cars without the sunroof at all.
Size was not the most spacious, but I don't remember it being an issue. What I do recall is that the car looks surprisingly small from the outside. I thought it was rather cool.
FYI I'm 5'10 and noticed that the ones with sunroofs are really bad on head height (not sure if you had with/without), but i didn't have an issue with the cars without the sunroof at all.
Size was not the most spacious, but I don't remember it being an issue. What I do recall is that the car looks surprisingly small from the outside. I thought it was rather cool.
Kolbenkopp said:
Failing that - anyone knows if there is a way to get a UK dealer to order a Veloce in UK spec but in LHD?
I'd try calling Craig Lawrence at the Slough, UK dealership, as he has been exporting cars to Japan. Yes they are RHD but he may be able to supply LHD, and at least he is willing to export stuff. His number is +44(0)1753 912 000. When I was looking around at prices, he said he would match anything I found with the same spec.
His email: c.lawrence "at" thamesmotorgroup.co.uk
He's a friendly chap and has none of the hard sell stuff.
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