Alfa Romeo

Zug, Switzerland

Italian Temperament with Hidden Charms

HOERBIGER@MOTION April 2014TEXT: Peter Weidenhammer

It’s my first date with an Italian in decades. I remember Grandmother Giulietta, with her sleek Bertone lines that can still enchant today. And I recall passionate episodes with edgy Aunt Giulia and her hot-blooded sister Giulia Sprint GT – all of them legends. Admittedly, that was a long time ago. But nothing makes a greater impression than the passion of one’s early years.

Alfa Romeo – the name brings back the sound of a robust dual-camshaft engine and the scent of uncatalyzed exhaust. And not to forget the images of the merciless Technical Inspection Association (TÜV) inspectors with rust-colored screwdrivers poking around in the innards of the bella macchina.

Today, it’s a different story with the Giulietta. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 Turbo MultiAir looks good in black. Compact dimensions spiced with the typical Alfa dash of extravagance. Impeccable seats.

I turn the key, glowing red symbols and numbers light up before me. Giulietta awakens.