Wheels Australia - June 2018

120 whichcar.com.au/wheels

Giulietta Good fun but getting old

Engines; steering; keen handling; useful space; improved value; still-great styling

Cabin lacks storage and premium-quality plastics; no Veloce manual

The Pick:Manual Giulietta Super promises amusement and torque, for a decent price

Super $29,000 L4T 1.4 110 250 M6 1269 8.2 — 5.5 95 44 F

Super TCT $34,900 L4T 1.4 125 250 S6 1284 7.7 — 4.9 95 44 F

Veloce $41,900 L4T 1.7 177 340 S6 1299 6.0 — 6.8 95 46 F

Giulia Italy rebooted

Sweet twin-turbo V6’s atmo-like top end; Italian brio; individual style; loves oversteer

Some minor controls feel a bit parts-bin; QV’s brakes difficult to modulate at low speed

The Pick:QV an effervescent left-field alternative to the German muscle establishment

$59,895 L4T 2.0 147 330 A8 1394 6.6 — 6.0 95 56 R

Super $64,195 L4T 2.0 147 330 A8 1394 7.1 1 5 .1 9. 8 95 57 10/17 R

Super $65,895 L4TD 2.1 132 450 A8 1410 7.1 — 4.2 D 57 R

Veloce $71,985 L4T 2.0 206 400 A8 1490 5.7 — 6.1 95 57 R

Quadrifoglio $143,900 V6TT 2.9 375 600 A8 1585 4.4 12.38.2 95 47 04/17 R

4C Alfisti rejoice!

Lightweight carbonfibre body; exciting dynamics; bucketloads of charisma

Firm seats; turbo whoosh overpowers exhaust in cabin; unassisted steering won’t suit all

The Pick:The Spider delivers more of an aural return, but both will entertain

Coupe $89,000 L4T 1.7 177 350 S6 1025 4.5 — 6.8 95 55 R

Spider $99,000 L4T 1.7 177 350 S6 1035 4.6 12.86.8 95 56 06/15 R

Stelvio AGiuliawithelevation

Keen pricing; sweet ride and handling; gutsy diesel; hyper-alert steering

Shorter wheelbase than a Giulia; interior not as polished as it should be

 The Pick: Prior to the hot Stelvio Q making landfall, the diesel appears to be the go

Petrol $65,900 L4T 2.0 148 330 A8 1604 7.2 — 7.0 95 57 A

Diesel $67,900 L4TD 2.1 154 470 A8 1660 6.6 — 4.8 D 57 A

Price

Eng

type

Eng

size Power Torque Trans.

Kerb

weight

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km/h

0-400

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Fuel

cons.RON

Resale

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Issue

Price tested Drive

Eng

type

Eng

size Power Torque Trans.

Kerb

weight

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0-400

metres

Fuel

cons.RON

Resale

%

Issue

tested Drive

Vantage Superstar styling disguises its age

Stunning looks; spectacular-sounding engines; much rarer than a Porsche 911

Cabin dated and pretty tight; purists will prefer its sharper, newer rivals

 The Pick: V12 from the Vanquish provides serious shove with little weight penalty

V8 S Coupe $223,744 V8 4.7 321 490 M6 1610 4.8 — 13.8 95 63 R

V8 S Coupe $239,644 V8 4.7 321 490 S7 1610 4.5 — 12.9 95 63 R

V8 S Roadster $252,744 V8 4.7 321 490 M6 1690 4.8 — 13.8 95 63 R

V8 S Roadster $268,644 V8 4.7 321 490 S7 1630 — — 12.9 95 63 R

V12 S Coupe $360,410 V12 5.9 421 620 S7 1665 3.9 — 14.7 95 63 R

V12 S Roadster $389,410 V12 5.9 421 620 S7 1745 4.1 — 14.7 95 63 R

DB11 Dials sex appeal up to, er, 11

Retro, yet up-to-date design; sweet chassis and interior; lighter V12; AMG-sourced V8

High-speed wind noise; cramped rear seats; small boot due to transaxle; too heavy

 The Pick:It’s the most convincing Aston Martin in years. V12 makes a fine grand tourer

V8 Coupe $368,000 V8TT 4.0 375 675 A8 1760 4.0 — 9.9 95 R

V12 Coupe $395,000 V12TT 5.2 447 700 A8 1825 3.9 — 11.4 95 R

V8 Volante $398,495 V8TT 4.0 375 675 A8 1875 4.1 — — 95 R

Vanquish DBS replacement is a stunner

Arguably the most beautiful modern Aston; still with tingly V12 and now eight-speed auto

Lardy kerb weight; hefty consumption; more a GT than a genuine sports car

 The Pick: In white, thanks, with black wheels and a Ben Sherman Union Jack pillow

Coupe $484,995 V12 5.9 421 620 A8 1739 4.1 — 14.4 95 58 R

Volante $521,995 V12 5.9 421 620 A8 1849 4.3 — 14.4 95 55 R

Rapide A true four-door coupe

PrettyAston‘sedan’makesitsPorschePanamerarivallookoverfedandfrumpy

It may look sexy but getting any in its cramped rear quarters would be an achievement

 The Pick: Good luck securing one – only a handful are coming here

S $382,110 V12 5.9 411 630 A8 1990 4.9 — 12.9 95 59 R

Aston Martin

3yr/unlimited

astonmartin.com

Alfa Romeo

3yr/150,000km

alfaromeo.com.au

A1 Sportback Baby got ’back

Five-door practicality; cute styling; slick interior; ballsy S1; thrummy turbo three-pot

1.8 TFSI is more than $10K dearer than its VW Polo GTI relative with the same donk

 The Pick: A 1.0-litre turbo-triple manual is where it’s at, with charm, spirit and polish

1.0 TFSI $26,900 L3T 1.0 70 160 M5 1060 11.1 — 4.2 95 55 F

1.0 TFSI $28,600 L3T 1.0 70 160 S7 1090 11.6 18.2 4.4 95 55 03/16 F

1.4 TFSI Sport $27,750 L4T 1.4 92 200 M6 1105 8.9 — 5.1 95 55 F

1.4 TFSI Sport $30,500 L4T 1.4 92 200 S7 1140 8.9 — 4.9 95 55 F

1.8 TFSI S-Line $40,400 L4T 1.8 141 250 S7 1205 6.9 — 5.6 95 58 F

S1 quattro $49,990 L4T 2.0 170 370 M6 1340 5.9 — 7.1 95 59 12/14 A

A3 Sportback AGolfwithsocialaspirations

Accomplished dynamics of multi-link models; slick cabin; slick drivetrains; barky RS3

Abysmal handling and steering of torsion-beam 1.0-litre A3; unadventurous styling

 The Pick: Either the rorty 2.0 TFSI in talented quattro form, or the certifiable RS3

1.0 TFSI $35,900 L3T 1.0 85 200 S7 1200 9.9 — 4.8 95 56 F

1.4 TFSI CoD $39,900 L4T 1.4 110 250 S7 1240 8.2 — 5.0 95 57 F

2.0 TFSI Sport $45,900 L4T 2.0 140 320 S7 1315 6.8 — 5.9 95 58 F

2.0 TFSI quattro S’ln $49,500 L4T 2.0 140 320 S7 1385 6.2 — 6.2 95 59 A

S3 $62,900 L4T 2.0 213 380 M6 1405 5.4 — 7.1 95 60 A

S3 $62,900 L4T 2.0 213 380 S7 1430 4.8 —6.6 95 60 A

RS3 $80,611 L5T 2.5 294 480 S7 1555 4.1 —8.49873 A

A3 Sedan Practicality and looks

All the highlights of the A3 Sportback, plus elegant three-box styling – a sedan we like

Chopped rear roofline restricts headroom; added expense over equivalent Sportback

 The Pick: 2.0 TFSI is punchy and frugal though, if you can afford it, the RS3 is nuts

1.4 TFSI CoD $41,500 L4T 1.4 110 250 S7 1250 8.2 — 4.9 95 52 F

2.0 TFSI Sport $47,500 L4T 2.0 140 320 S7 1320 6.9 — 5.8 95 53 F

2.0 TFSI quattro S’ln $51,100 L4T 2.0 140 320 S7 1390 6.2 — 6.1 95 53 A

S3 $64,500 L4T 2.0 213 380 M6 1430 5.4 — 7.1 95 60 A

S3 $64,500 L4T 2.0 213 380 S7 1460 4.8 — 6.5 95 60 A

RS3 $84,611 L5T 2.5 294 480 S7 1560 4.1 – 8.4 95 67 A

A3 Cabriolet Manscaped sun-seeker

Sedan-based styling much more masculine; strong body; lovely finish; 2.0 engines

Adults won’t love the rear seat; Ikea fans may need a bigger boot; price increases

 The Pick: The 2.0 TFSI front-driver delivers the best mix of grunt, gear, and value

1.4 TFSI CoD $49,000 L4T 1.4 110 250 S7 1380 8.9 — 5.1 95 52 F

2.0 TFSI Sport $55,000 L4T 2.0 140 320 S7 1430 7.2 — 6.0 95 53 F

2.0 TFSI quattro S’ln $58,600 L4T 2.0 140 320 S7 1540 6.9 — 6.4 95 53 A

S3 $72,000 L4T 2.0 213 380 S7 1620 5.3 — 6.8 95 54 A

A4 Same-again face hides fresh tech

Terrific interior; class-leading tech; refinement; plush ride; silky diesel; zingy petrols

Conservative styling; dual-clutch ’box better, not brilliant; lots of tech is optional

 The Pick: The 2.0 TFSI quattro is smooth and muscular, with a rorty exhaust note

1.4 TFSI $56,100 L4T 1.4 110 250 S7 1450 8.5 — 5.5 95 56 F

2.0 TFSI $61,400 L4T 2.0 140 320 S7 1480 7. 5 15.5 7. 6 95 57 10/17 F

2.0 TFSI Avant $64,400 L4T 2.0 140 320 S7 1505 7.5 — 5.6 95 57 F

2.0 TDI quattro $67,300 L4TD 2.0 140 400 S7 1650 7.2 — 4.6 D 57 A

2.0 TFSI quattro $70,300 L4T 2.0 185 370 S7 1585 6.3 14.4 6.3 95 57 04/16 A

2.0 TFSI q’ttro Avant $73,300 L4T 2.0 185 370 S7 1610 6.0 — 6.6 95 57 A

S4 $99,611 V6T 3.0 260 500 A8 1630 4.7 — 7.7 98 57 05/17 A

S4 Avant $102,611 V6T 3.0 260 500 A8 1675 4.9 — 7.8 98 57 A

A4 Allroad AlltheSUVyou’lleverneed

Terrific drivetrains featuring quattro Ultra; cabin quality and finish; overall usefulness

Runs out of grip earlier than A4 wagon; diesel not as silky-sweet as the fine turbo-petrol

 The Pick: Allroad 2.0 TFSI is livelier and lighter on its feet, yet frugal in real-world driving

2.0 TDI quattro $71,800 L4TD 2.0 140 400 S7 1640 7.8 — 5.2 D 69 A

2.0 TFSI quattro $74,800 L4T 2.0 185 370 S7 1580 6.1 — 6.7 D 69 A

A5 Sportback An A4 with fashion sense

Liftback versatility with svelte styling; luscious cabin; lusty engines; lively S5

Not the last word in steering feedback; turbo S5 lacks the old blown V6’s induction snarl

 The Pick: 2.0 TFSI quattro is a sleeper. Turbo S5 stronger than supercharged predecessor

2.0 TFSI $69,900 L4T 2.0 140 320 S7 1565 7.5 — 5.6 95 64 F

2.0 TDI quattro $73,900 L4TD 2.0 140 400 S7 1720 7.4 — 4.8 D 64 A

2.0 TFSI quattro $81,500 L4T 2.0 185 370 S7 1645 6.0 — 6.5 95 64 A

S5 $105,511 V6T 3.0 260 500 S7 1745 4.7 — 7.7 98 64 A

A5 Coupe Appeal more than skin deep

Typical top-quality Audi interior; strong engine line-up; gutsy S5 performance

Manual ’boxes banished; fiddly auto gear selector; could be more involving

 The Pick: S5 takes the stonking performance of the S4 and wraps it up beautifully

2.0 TFSI $69,900 L4T 2.0 140 320 S7 1420 7.3 — 5.5 95 64 F

2.0 TDI quattro $73,900 L4TD 2.0 140 400 S7 1640 7.2 — 4.6 D 64 A

2.0 TFSI quattro $81,500 L4T 2.0 185 370 S7 1490 5.8 — 6.5 95 64 A

S5 $105,511 V6T 3.0 260 500 S7 1690 4.7 — 7.5 98 55 A

RS5 $156,600 V6TT 2.9 331 600 A8 1730 3.7 11.9 8.8 98 53 YB/17 A

B3/B4 Flying under the M-car radar

Persuasive blend of comfort and speed; signature multi-spoke alloys; rarity

M-car pricing without the M-car mystique; no manual gearbox; some gauche trim options

 The Pick: If you’re going to go this rare, why not go all the way with the B3 S Touring?

B3 S Sedan $142,900 L6T 3.0 324 660 A8 1560 4.2 — 7.6 98 52 R

B3 S Touring $149,900 L6T 3.0 324 660 A8 1615 4.3 — 7.7 98 56 R

B4 S Coupe $149,900 L6T 3.0 324 660 A8 1537 4.2 — 7.6 98 56 R

B4 S Convertible $159,900 L6T 3.0 324 660 A8 1790 4.3 — 7.7 98 56 R

B7 Mega-fast and mega-exclusive

Incredible refinement; eye-widening turn of speed; the ultimate in hot-limo chic

Intimidating price-tag; intimidating size; doesn’t sound as ballsy as an AMG V8

 The Pick: It’s a more individual and interesting alternative to a BMW M760Li

B7 Sedan $369,720 V8TT 4.4 447 800 A8 2110 4.2 — 9.6 98 R

Alpina

3yr/200,000km

alpinaautomobiles.com.au

Audi

3yr/unlimited

audi.com.au

L=in-line,

V=vee,

F=flat,

R=rotary.

Number of cyls or rotors.

T=turbo,

S= s'charged,

D=diesel,

H=hybrid

LitresKilowattsNewton metresM

=manual,

A

=automatic,

S=sequential,

C=CVT

Kilograms0-100km/h acceleration, in secs(Wheels

tested figures in italics)

0-400m acceleration, in sec s(Wheels

tested figures in italics)

Fuel consumption in Litr

es/100km

Recommended Retail Priceat time of publication(* indicates driveaway) Recommended octane ratingGlass's predicted resale rating, retained after 3 yearsWhen we drove itF= F

ront drive,

R=Rear drive,

A

=All-wheel drive

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