Alfa Giulietta 1.4 Multiair Veloce or VW Scirocco 2.0d 170bhp sport

Twin-go

So the car loan is up in January and I'm getting itchy feet about changing my car. I have narrowed it down to 2. Budget of €32k.

Currently Driving a 2004 BMW 318 with the Msport pack.

Which one would my fellow Boardsies choose, and why?



Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 Multiair Veloce 170bhp

http://www.carzone.ie/new-cars/Alfa-Romeo/Giulietta/1.4-MULTIAIR-TB-170HP-VELOCE/795122920100805/

€28,695 with probably €4k of extras (Leather, satnav, xenons) to bring it up to €32k ish

or

VW Scirocco 2.0 TDI Sport 170bhp

http://www.carzone.ie/new-cars/VOLKSWAGEN/SCIROCCO/2.0-TDI-170BHP-SPORT/780498320100622/options/

€31,995 - No room in budget for the extras but will to go to 12months/20k kms old if I found one with the right Colour/spec combination.

johnos1984

Personally having seen the Alfa on the open road it would be my choice looks wise.

I've not driven one yet tho

R.O.R

Why not the 2.0d Veloce? Suppose it's a big premium to pay over the 1.4, but fuel costs and resale would narrow the overall ownership cost.

Haven't driven the Scirocco, but that engine is very pokey. Seem to remember a lot of lag at start off though.

I have driven the Giulietta 1.6d. It's sluggish but frugal in normal mode, but a totally different animal in dyamic. I actually thought it was a great car, but with that engine I don't think it's worth the premium over the Focus.

mickdw

If you need the alfa, well the VW wont do.
I think you would be stone mad to spend that kind of cash on a small alfa. If you want to get some of that money back when you sell, get the vw.

Zubeneschamali

I like Alfas (ran one for 6 years), but I don't think I want a Giulietta. Even the normally Alfa-mad Car magazine say it doesn't stack up against the opposition.

Not sure I'd buy a diesel Scirocco either, mind you.

A 2.0 TSI, yes, I'd buy that. Is this some sort of Road Tax aversion thing?

EPM

I'd probably go with the VW but I'd want the Alfa. I think 32k is mad on a small Alfa. If I was going the Alfa route at that money I'd be searching out a demo 159 in Ti spec

Nonoperational

From the reviews I've read I think it's harsh to say it doesn't hold up against the opposition.

I'd go for the Alfa. I don't like the Scirocco. But I'd try get the Diesel.

Edit: I agree on the 159 Ti. I think it's amazing but it's around a while now.

-Chris-

I like the Scirocco, but often the boot is a deal-breaker. Have you been up close and personal with one yet?

mailforkev

If it was my own money I'd really really struggle to buy the Alfa over a Scirocco (or even a decent Golf to be honest).

I know I'd just feel the Alfa depreciating every time I drove it, let alone adding 3 or 4 grands worth of extras on top of it.

Drove a 2.0 TSI Scirocco and it was a nice piece of kit, haven't tried a diesel one though.

mcwhirter

I have read reviews that the scirocco is a much better drive than the alfa.

mondeo

I'd be concerned about depreciation with the Alfa. I think Alfas as a second hand buy are pretty good. I'd more than likely go for the VW.

-Corkie-

Buy the VW. It will be worth more than 4k in 3 years time..;)

johnos1984

-Corkie- wrote: »

Buy the VW. It will be worth more than 4k in 3 years time..;)

If people don't buy them new than nobody will have one in a few years time

unkel

Twin-go wrote: »

I have narrowed it down to 2. Budget of €32k.

Interesting shortlist of cars, coming from a BMW. You not that bothered then about having RWD again? Or do you not like any RWD car in that budget (and granted, there's not much RWD choice within budget). Have you considered a 118d coupe? Or other FWD cars - How about A1? MINI?

Lex Luthor

EPM wrote: »

I think 32k is mad on a small Alfa. If I was going the Alfa route at that money I'd be searching out a demo 159 in Ti spec

^^^^
What he said...:D

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201027198749840

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201050200567467

maddness

Alfa all day long. Far cooler and the Scirocco is really nasty looking.

Alanstrainor

Lex Luthor wrote: »

^^^^
What he said...:D


http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201050200567467

I don't think i've seen an estate 159 before, awesome looking car!

maddness

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I don't think i've seen an estate 159 before, awesome looking car!

+1. Best looking car Alfa make.

colm_mcm

I'd go with the vw but is respect anyone who bought the alfa.

Personally I love the sciroccos looks and the heritage from the old model. I reckon the alfa will be bought by petrolheads rather than purely on looks.

bmw535d

white vw, 19 inch bbs lm's, remap


/thread end:D

Bluefoam

I'm driving a 159. I used a Mito 155hp with all the extras for a week. I'd be tempted to go for a top of the range mito cloverleaf with every extra and 170 brake will offer more than the other larger cars and it'll save you about 7k. Plus, resale on the mito is good

STForSale

Scirocco all day, the alfa itch is an expensive one to scratch.
The vag is the better car and still a rare sight on irish roads.
Or by a MKV Golf Gti and put 15K in the bank mattress.

Twin-go

Thanks for the feedback Guys.

Twin-go

-Chris- wrote: »

I like the Scirocco, but often the boot is a deal-breaker. Have you been up close and personal with one yet?

Not too bothered by the boot as it will be a second car. To other car (wifes) has a plenty big boot for shopping (golf clubs:D).

I have test driven the 1.4 TSI VW and I was impressed. Unfortunitly been based in Limerick/Shannon there is no Alfa dealer around to view the Giulietta. I'll be down in Glanmire in the new year and will arrange a TD in Grandons for then. I did own a 147 a few years ago so I well versed in the ups and downs of Alfa ownership:p.

Twin-go

mondeo wrote: »

I'd be concerned about depreciation with the Alfa. I think Alfas as a second hand buy are pretty good. I'd more than likely go for the VW.

Unfortunitly it would probably be a long wait to get the Alfa I would like second hand. They are still very new on the market and most Irish have a habbit of buying the bog standard spec on engine and trim:(.

Twin-go

unkel wrote: »

Interesting shortlist of cars, coming from a BMW. You not that bothered then about having RWD again? Or do you not like any RWD car in that budget (and granted, there's not much RWD choice within budget). Have you considered a 118d coupe? Or other FWD cars - How about A1? MINI?

Not too bothered in the short term (318 is so underpowered you hadly get to enjoy RWD, granted they do feel better balanced). We will change the wifes car in 2012. Hope to get a good pre owned 5series then.

Mr.David

The heart says Alfa but the head VW. And the wallet.

I think that despite recent improvements from Alfa they are still some way off the mark and make interesting alternatives for the enthusiast as opposed to class leaders. They just cut too many corners.

VW.

Twin-go

Lex Luthor wrote: »

^^^^
What he said...:D

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201027198749840

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201050200567467

Thanks Lex, 159 is worth a look.

The Recliner

STForSale wrote: »

Scirocco all day, the alfa itch is an expensive one to scratch.
The vag is the better car and still a rare sight on irish roads.
Or by a MKV Golf Gti and put 15K in the bank mattress.

There seems to be a fair few of them around dublin though, I see a lot of them out and about, certainly wouldn't call them rare

I love the look of the Scirocco and then I look at the back of it and vomit, it looks like a van from the back and an ugly one

I test drove a basic 1.4L one a while back and couldn't really fault it, it was a nice car but you could be sitting behind the wheel of any Volkswagon, the interior in basic trim (which sadly most in this country will be) is very boring
A well specced one on the other hand can be a nice place to be

I agree the Alfa is over-priced but it is a much nicer place to be, the back of it doesn't make me vomit and while not as masculine looking as the VW it is a good looking car imo

Persoanlly I would choose the Alfa, mainly because I don't think you should put a diesel engine into a good looking car like these

it is a difficult choice Op, I don't think you will be unhappy with either but it is a nice quandry to have

Veloce

Definitly the Alfa. I find the VW a bit boring TBH.

STForSale

The alfa is a fantastic looking car but it's a 15K kick in the ar5e waiting to happen, for this reason I could never even consider it.
It's way too pricey for what it is.

Idleater

Veloce wrote: »

Definitly the Alfa. I find the VW a bit boring TBH.

Agreed, but that style comes at a price (albeit at resale), and that is coming from someone who bought a MiTo

The thing I find a bit odd is the choice between a 3 door coupé and a 5 door "family" hatchback.

Twin-go

Idleater wrote: »

Agreed, but that style comes at a price (albeit at resale), and that is coming from someone who bought a MiTo

The thing I find a bit odd is the choice between a 3 door coupé and a 5 door "family" hatchback.

Giulietta is only available in 5 door but the rear door is well disguised a la 156.

I prefer the Scirocco over the 3dr Golf as its a bit less common.:)

testicle

Veloce wrote: »

Definitly the Alfa. I find the VW a bit boring TBH.

Biased in any way?

CarMuppet

HEART SAYS:
Buy the Alfa......

.....and after 3 years buy the 4th year warranty.

You will not be dissapointed with this car.


HEAD SAYS:
Figure out exactly what you need the car for... eg access to rear seats, boot size, annual mileage and how long you intend keeping the car and calculate approx resale values. How close are the Alfa/VW dealerships to your house/workplace etc. Get insurance quotes. Test drive both and figure out what you like and dislike about both. Then just go ahead and buy the Alfa.

Twin-go

^^^^^^:D

It's like you're reading my mind... I mean heart!!

alexmcred

If it were me I'd be sorely tempted with the Alfa and if I could live with the potential depreciation would def have it at the top of my list.

VW reliability is def not a strong selling point for them at the moment.

Bullseye1

The review on (old Top Gear) of the Diesel VW was not great.

EPM

Bullseye1 wrote: »

The review on (old Top Gear) of the Diesel VW was not great.

That was a 140 brake diesel and to call it a review is stretching things a wee bit...

Squall19

Why spend all that money when you can get the quicker and more powerful Skoda Fabia VRs S2000 in rally spec colours for 10k less with 178bhp, 7 speed dsg.It will spit dust up in the face of the cars listed.For 30k I would want alot more than a 2.0 diesel or a little 1.4.


http://www.otosportcar.com/2011-skoda-fabia-vrs-s2000-limited-edition

Bluefoam

The Scirrocco bothers me because it is just a Golf with a tarted up body & bigger price tag. You will pay a premium for the VW now, at resale it will be worth more than the Alfa, but you will pay more for it in the begining.

Like I said earlier, I drive a 159 & the quality is equal to any 3 series I've been in. The interior is great - the sirrocco's interior is mundane at best & that is where you will spand most of your time.

The new generation of Alfas are far super in terms of build and are equal to most other brands.

R.O.R

Bluefoam wrote: »

The Scirrocco bothers me because it is just a Golf with a tarted up body & bigger price tag.

To be fair though, the same accusation could be levied at the Alfa and the Fiat Bravo.............

Bluefoam

R.O.R wrote: »

To be fair though, the same accusation could be levied at the Alfa and the Fiat Bravo.............

Eh, no.

Although the basic chassis is the same. It has been altered to offer a more responsive feel in the Alfa. The suspension & brakes are different. The interior is different. There's a couple of buttons on the steering wheel that are the same...

R.O.R

Bluefoam wrote: »

Eh, no.

Although the basic chassis is the same. It has been altered to offer a more responsive feel in the Alfa. The suspension & brakes are different. The interior is different. There's a couple of buttons on the steering wheel that are the same...

Except for the (questionable in my opinion) nose on the Giulietta, the 2 cars are very similar at a glance to look at.

Having driven both with the 1.6 diesel, they feel very similar to drive too. That's not slagging the Alfa - that's heaping praise on the Bravo, which was a hoot to throw around the place.

Bluefoam

The chassis does effect the overal design of both cars in similar ways - the high wastline & overall proportions are similar. However they are clearly aimed at different consumers, I know because I drive an alfa and my brother has a Bravo.

Zubeneschamali

Bluefoam wrote: »

The Scirrocco bothers me because it is just a Golf with a tarted up body & bigger price tag.

Actually, the Scirocco doesn't cost much more than a Golf:

GTI 3 door manual €34,340
Scirocco manual €35,555

Golf Highline 1.4 TSI 3 door € 24,125
Scirocco 1.4 TSI €25,430

Veloce

testicle wrote: »

Biased in any way?

Yep pretty much

bmw535d

ohhh mamma!:D

-Chris-

testicle wrote: »

Biased in any way?

What's your preference?

Squall19 wrote: »

Why spend all that money when you can get the quicker and more powerful Skoda Fabia VRs S2000 in rally spec colours for 10k less with 178bhp, 7 speed dsg.It will spit dust up in the face of the cars listed.For 30k I would want alot more than a 2.0 diesel or a little 1.4.


http://www.otosportcar.com/2011-skoda-fabia-vrs-s2000-limited-edition

Will that Fabia really be here for €22k?

Bluefoam wrote: »

Eh, no.

Although the basic chassis is the same. It has been altered to offer a more responsive feel in the Alfa. The suspension & brakes are different. The interior is different. There's a couple of buttons on the steering wheel that are the same...

The same could be said for the Scirocco and the Golf though, the Scirocco is considerably lower slung and does definitely drive differently than a GTI.

Alanstrainor

bmw535d wrote: »

ohhh mamma!:D

It's a pity the suspension's broken...

bmw535d

but it's not broken.:rolleyes: