New Cars with Showroom Appeal

[mirafioriman]

I didn't know that

[Thotos]

I didn't know that

I didn't know that either and I don't think that's the case. Panayiotis, are you sure it's not just the case of Greece just gets Giuliettas amd Mitos? According to the Alfa Romeo website they have:

• Giulietta
  
• Mito
  
• 147
  
• 159
  
• 159 Sportswagon
  
• GT
  
• Brera
  
• Spider
  
• 8C
  
• 8C Spider

[stathe174]

Not according to the Italian site. And it's not about importing cars but about manufacturing them. In Greece we had all the models (159, Brera, Spider, MI.TO., and Giulietta) The ones on the front of the site (www.alfaromeo.it) are stock models.

[Thotos]

But it also refers to the "New 159 Super". But all models other than the Giulietta and Mito had GM platforms or mechanicals (although not the 8C as that's a Maserati) so it would make sense that the production of those models has ceased now that Fiat and GM have parted company.  

[Rob 131]

The Alfa's are all very nice and are the modern day successor's to the late 70's early 80's Fiat's (The Sporty Versions) that we all love.

However, there is no comparable car to the A6, 5 Series and E Class. Surely there must be a market in Europe (at least) for a large Alfa. The 164 was a great success. Does anyone know if there are any plans to build one in the near future.

The 159 still looks fresh and must be approaching the end of its life.

[stathe174]

The reason is simple. The plant which was used to built 159 (Pomigliano d'Arco) is now used for building the new Pandas

[MF 131]

Hi In N Z years ago if you saw BMW or Audi etc, you thought  there goes someone with money. Today with jap imports they are as common as a Toyota. To many of the new cars today are front wheel drive and we all know what they are like,have got better but still FRONT WHEEL DRIVE.Have got aStilo Arbath 2.4 5 speed manual. Greta to drive ,handles well with plenty of torque.also on my second Toyota Altezza/Lexus RS200. Rear drive with 210 Bhp. 6 speed manual. This is a car to drive (not one that drives you)Lasts for ever and not too daer to have serviced like BMW AUDI etc. Jusy my view Cheers Gary

[Rob 131]

MF 131

I'm glad you like the Lexus and various people I know rave about them. For me I have just never liked Japenese Cars, preferring German and Italian and certain (shock Brit Cars) 

Do other Forum members stick to certain Marques on a regualr basis  We Know Simon is the 5 Series Man and I have had 7 BMW's or do other people regualarly change marques.

I have heard many an Audi driver say that (usually she) would not drive a BMW and visa versa 

[Robert]

Do other Forum members stick to certain Marques on a regualr basis

Mercedes S Class man 

However, preferring older models, definitely not W220 - it needs to be W126 or W140, or some day a W221.

Coming from Munich, the BMW hometown, I am sorry to have to admit that I detest them (sorry Simon  ) - had some as company cars, and they always brought out the worst in me (always in the fast lane, lights flashing, urging other cars to let me pass, always high speed driving). Am happy that my father's last BMW is now sold  . The big Mercedes is the choice for me - fast if need be, otherwise just the superior car for long distance driving.

The Audi hype here is not that big as in the UK - German car connoisseurs consider Audi to be a car for top sales reps, upstarts, and all in all "just a nicer Volkswagen". And the TT will never ever be a real sports car, just a wannabe. Audi is considered similar to Apple - very good marketing, appealing design, but since the launch of the Quattro no technological leap. Means: average technology in a nice shell.

By the way, friend of mine bought a new A6 5 years ago for 44k Euro, sold it two years ago (with 150k km) for 14k Euro. Interesting way to lose money  - he's cured from buying any new car at all now.

No offence meant to anyone...

[Rob 131]

Robert

Never had any interest in Mercedes for the following reasons:

1) Had a boss (that I wasn't that keen on) who had one years ago.

2) IMO they didn't drive as well as BMW's.

3) The Imageof them.

However I love the new E Class (Maybe its an age thing I am 40 Next Year). The styling is great and the quality looks top notch. The interior also has that 'Quality Germanic Feel' that I like.  I would definitely consider one.

I know what you mean about the light flashing BMW thing (Guilty as Charged together with Suit Jacket swinging about  ) Had a 2002 Imola Red 330i Sport years ago. You didn't need to flash with that one, people just got out of the way.