essay where passion and sadness meet on the streets of Champagne – Masculin.com

Alfa Romeo. A brand whose inspiration alone is enough to light up the eyes of lovers of fine mechanics. Emotional line, red color (Alfa), Competizione rims inspired by the famous “teledial”, of course. Giulia shows passion for Italian cars. Yes, but today, there is a reason many times it took precedence over passion.

As a result, Giulia is rare on our roads. The beautiful Italian sedan thus sounds like the death of a bygone era, like the remnants of the Gueux circuit, the location of our Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Q4 test.

At a time when SUVs are now the norm, it approaches the Giulia and its height of 1.45 meters weakens our bearings. Sitting on the board only confirms this feeling. There is no question of going here. No, it’s quite the opposite. Low position, very low, with extended legs, seats that cover, welcome and very comfortable for any shape of the driver, thanks to the many adjustments available with special mention to the sides of the swelling that provide more lateral support if necessary. Of course, the company’s sedan in Biscione is sporty. The feeling is enhanced by the presence of aluminum burning, the material is also present in the crankset. Finally, like a big car, communication is in the steering wheel.

Instruments directed at the driver, a leather-wrapped dashboard (thanks to the premium package – €2,300 and the Harman Kardon 14 HP sound system), the Giulia takes care of its interior presentation. Most of the dials show an origin dating back almost ten years but in use – and no offense to fans of all touch screens – it is impossible to compare the ergonomics of these buttons for adjusting the climate, adjusting the volume or selecting the driving mode.

The middle screen also shows weight in years. Medium size (8.8 inches) unlike current standards but above all it is a grainy matte surface that spoils the reading. The instrument cluster is now completely digital since the last overhaul done last year (the main new feature is the full LED headlights and light signature). The contribution is however small and it would be better to improve the camera, whose quality is still more evident in a car whose price starts around 50,000 euros.

Let’s leave these details to take the road to Champagne, our destination for this break with the Alfa Giulia. But before hitting the road, the final test, that of loading luggage into the trunk. If the volume is respectable (480l), the lack of length reminds us why sedans are no longer popular with families.

A trip on the highway and a passage through the ring road of Paris provides a second explanation. Driving at night with a distance of 15 to 20 cm lower than its peers does not promote the appearance or feeling of safety that others like. Leaving the A4 to take the small roads of Champagne however allows you to quickly find a smile again. A quarter turn of the drive mode selection dial to switch to D, a sports mode that matches the more responsive ZF gearbox and firmer suspension. A little firm indeed. In this case, pressing the middle button will activate the “soft” setting, which is more compatible with the sensitive lower back but at the cost of a slightly less sporty character.

Note that the 2l petrol is linked to the Q4 transmission, in other words a propulsion capable of sending up to 40% of the torque to the front wheels when there is no grip. On the other hand, do not try to disable ESP, it is impossible.

This does not detract from the real pleasure of this Giulia, which is to play with wide pads to take advantage of the 280 horsepower of the 2l Alfa. A strong chassis, responsive handling and the absence of any hybrid, the Giulia is an endangered species. So yes, with 0 to 100 reached in a little less than 6 seconds, the performances can seem scary today, just like the sounds of the 4 cylinders. However, they remain enough to ensure the restoration of power and attract the wrath of the constabulary if necessary.

Having a slightly heavy right leg is not without consequences for consumption and an average of around 12l/100 in these conditions, around 9.5l/100 with “cold” driving. The 58l tank however gives enough freedom to avoid spending time at the pump. And speaking of refueling, it’s time to think about the driver and his passengers.

Our lunch stations collapsed Garden, a brasserie set in the heart of the Domaine des Crayères park in Reims. Modern decor in an industrial style, a seasonal menu that prides itself on local produce and the best quality/price ratio for lunch. For an evening or a more gastronomic break, gourmets can turn parka two Michelin star restaurant, just a stone’s throw away.

If Reims is known for the cathedral that crowned the Kings of France, the city is also home to many champagne houses such as Domaine Vranken-Pommery. The opportunity to visit the cellar but also to experience one of the experience preferred every year combining Champagne and modern art.

A traditional break before hitting the road again to enjoy the fall colors on the Montagne de Reims. And if in the distance you see a lighthouse, it is not because of the abuse of soft bubbles but the remains of the advertising construction built in 1909 by Joseph Goulet to advertise his house of Champagne. Today, Phare de Verzenay has become a museum dedicated to the Champagne vine. From the top of its 101 steps, it is also a 360 ° panorama.
As for the mill opposite on Mont-Bœuf, classified as a historical monument, it is now owned by Maison Mumm and cannot be visited but it also offers an unmissable sight.

The return journey will include a stop at the Gueux roundabout. Once the mecca for French motor racing, the Reims-Gueux circuit reached its peak in the 1950s before closing in 1972. Today, only the stadiums and stadiums remain, listed as Historic Monuments, and the ‘association . Friends of the Circuit de Gueux preserves his memory.

A center full of desire like this test of the Giulia which is still interesting but its days are numbered while waiting for a more feasible replacement according to the reality of the market (logic) … Because as it is, It is difficult to imagine anyone, even a fan of the Italian brand, pay €25,000 set as a penalty for 2024, or more than a third of the price of this Giulia Veloce Q4…

Unauthorized images – © Julien Thoraval