rear-wheel drive, driving touch, personal style … Alfa Romeo Giulia brings that pepper like, a lot. But is it enough to stand up to the current Audi A4?

After a few weeks ago and convey the first driving impressions during the international launch of the Alfa Romeo Giulia, nothing better than to open a first face to face with a reference between the average sedan, the Audi A4 also new. He played well as analyze weapons amassed by the new Italian model, in a duel this time between two versions Diesel engine high demand: ratified in Germany, under the Alfa. Specifically, we got the new 2.2 liter engine of 180 hp Giulia, and since archiconocido 2.0 TDI, 190 hp power, the Audi A4.

Upon entering the Alfa Romeo Giulia (You can you see all prices and technical data of Alfa Romeo Giulia) was found Very expressive design. The instrumentation is attractive with typical Alfa visors to house speedometer and tachometer. his sporty style is emphasized with a small nod to Ferrari, since the start button is integrated into the wheel itself. After pressing, the Diesel engine 2.2 D it is noted idling more than the 2.0 TDI of the Audi A4 (quite refined in its latest edition; see all prices and technicians Audi A4) data, which does not prevent it from same driving position, very good, the Giulia drench as a true Alfa.

Behind, he Alfa Romeo Giulia offers enough legroom for passengers, for though it is 9 centimeters shorter than the Audi A4 (4.64 to 4.73 meters in front of German) then has the same wheelbase (2.82 meters). Free ceiling height is normal, provided the optional sunroof remaining valuable centimeters in front and behind not mount. Here, incidentally, the transmission tunnel is bulky and not characterized by the width door to door. In general, Inside you notes more engaged than the A4 and the rear seatbacks go lazing. The Audi A4 quality is above. Inside the settings mark distances and are a reference in its class. The German sedan is at a mid point in space, without distancing itself nor the Giulia that. Both of them announce 480L volume in the trunk.

Alfa Romeo Giulia vs Audi A4: Engine

Already on going, from the first meter 2.2 Diesel engine 180 hp of the Alfa Romeo Giulia it shows energetic, gaining rapid response if we choose to choose the Dynamic mode the program selector operating DNA located behind the shifter, which also slightly modifies the sound of mechanics, to make it more guttural and attractive. The Alfa Giulia is 75 kilos lighter than the Audi A4 equivalent (1,449 kg versus 1,525) and, if we look at the official data, is up half a second faster in the transition from 0 to 100 km / h (7.2 seconds versus 7.7 Audi).

The manual six speeds Alfa Romeo Giulia shows good gradation (the 6th speed is more focused on the relief on expressways) with a touch of the lever that connects immediately with the driver by situation, precision paths or the design itself knob: although high temperatures may not like either its metallic nature.

We know that in the Audi A4 everything is easy, because the set-up of the seat (the support lever moves in the Alfa) are more comfortable. Motor 2.0 TDI and transmission smoothness fill driving, but without implying boredom, for comfort and efficiency help earn kilometers as usual. At the controls of the German saloon there is little to complain about.

Alfa Romeo Giulia vs Audi A4: Behavior

We have not set foot too broken asphalts and on good firm, this Diesel Alfa Romeo Giulia shown agile and quick by linking curves with a rear extolling the sporting sensations and helps draw the best path, accompanied by a very quick steering, almost flawless precision, ideal for driving on twisty areas.

A strong rhythm, Audi A4 marks a greater tendency to understeer, but nothing worrying. German standard address (optional offered a more dynamic) is somewhat slower in the initial response that the Alfa Giulia, but also provides great precision. Besides, the saloon with the four rings shows a great balance between comfort and control of body movements, and does so in any situation. The 190 hp 2.0 TDI engine is a real wheeler background, in which the driver feels very comfortable and safe at all times, so simple it seems his leadership, the silent march and ride quality (Optional also offers an adjustable damping), which is strongly superlativa.

Beyond the dynamic aspect, the Alfa Romeo Giulia must progress in the care of certain details to be at the forefront of the average sedan category. In the Audi A4 not only quality materials are used, but an excellent finish is appreciated, something that is not perceived in the Italian model little to inquire into the less visible parts of the trim.

In any case, we must assess the Alfa Giulia in perspective, because with the feelings that leave their 2.2 Diesel engine 180 hp and tuning the chassis, it can be positioned as a real saloons high quality alternative. We’ll see if everything becomes a conqueror, a real Romeo.

In a nutshell: Alfa Giulia vs Audi A4

PRICE: The Alfa Romeo Giulia is placed at the level of Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series equivalent, with some more standard equipment. The A4 is not cheap, but when driving it shows it’s worth, so it looks and how it feels.

LIFE ONBOARDNeither in space, or trunk, is the Alfa Giulia too distanced from the Audi A4. rear width and volume of the tunnel, yes, limit the use of the central square in the Italian saloon. In German, there is more sense of relief that the Gulia, but the truth is that there is little difference in habitability.

BEHAVIOR: Touch and agility insufflated good dose of sportiness to Alfa Giulia, highlighting the speed of your address. And without compromising comfort. Audi A4 in all its easy controls, more progressive than the Alfa and a great balance between comfort and efficiency.

MOTOR: 2.2 Diesel engine has 180 hp power. Moreover it is babbling, but it sounds good acceleration. And announces a tenth less consumption (4.2 l / 100 km to 4.3 frenta Audi). For its part, the 2.0 TDI 190 hp A4 is very refined for a diesel. Its features are up and actual spending is, as we said, also contained.

FINISH: In view no details on the Alfa Giulia who are careful enough, but not enough. The Audi overcomes him: for materials and care settings, the A4 is a reference.

EQUIPMENT: Good standard equipment on the Alfa Romeo Giulia, but with less technology to the letter. You have to scratch your pocket, but the possibilities are endless Audi A4.

You may also like:

What car to buy? The best average sedan 2016

Alfa Giulia: prices and equipment for Spain

The Audi A4 vs. all rivals