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its quality with an industry-leading 7-year warranty - more than twice that of some bigger-name manufacturers. The Stonic has sporty yet classy styling and is based on the platform of its Rio stablemate. There is a 5-model line up with petrol and diesel engines. All models are two wheel drive, and have a 6-speed manual gearbox. My test model was the entry ‘2’ trim with the brilliant 118 hp 1.0 litre turbo-petrol engine. This perky unit gives a 0-60 mph time of 9.9 seconds, top speed of 115 mph and fuel economy of 56.5 mpg combined. Emissions figure is 114 g/km. This version costs £16,995. The car’s exterior styling looks more charismatic than
some in the sector, build quality is very good - as you might expect with such a long warranty - and out on the road, it wins you over with its nippy performance, accurate steering and agile manners. The gearshift is less slick than some, but still easy to use. The cabin is surprising spacious, with good head and
6th - 8th July
legroom even in the rear. Boot space is 352 litres, expand- able to 1,155 litres with rear seats folded. It is hard to fault this newcomer on any significant issue.
A refreshing addition to a crowded sector, its distinctive cachet and keen pricing should ensure strong sales – Kia is predicting selling at least 70,000 across Europe this year.
ALFA ROMEO GIULIA SPECIALE
FEW CARS CAN MATCH THE ALFA ROMEO GIULIA SA- LOON FOR GORGEOUS STYLING, BRILLIANT HANDLING AND SHEER PULSE-RAISING CHARISMA. This beautifully designed executive express is so sleekly
styled it appears to be moving even when parked, and with powerful engines and old-school rear wheel drive, delivers tremendous driving pleasure. There are petrol and diesel engines and Giulia prices
start at £29,875, but my test model was an upper-range Speciale with a 180 hp 2.2 litre diesel engine and costing £35,515. And an optional performance package and other extras took the final price to £41,185. Top speed is 143 mph, the 0-60 mph time just 7.1 sec-
onds. Fuel economy is impressive at 67.3 mpg combined and the emission figure low at 109 g/km. The cabin is another tribute to stand-out Italian design,
far more impressive and eye-catching than German rivals and adding to the character and kudos of this legendary Italian sporting marque. Standard equipment includes 8.8 inch touch screen with sat-nav, Bluetooth, DAB radio, dual-zone air-conditioning, powered front seats, leather up- holstery, cruise control and rear parking sensors On the road, the Giulia is fast and fluent with 50-50 weight dis-
FOR LOOKS AND PERFORMANCE,
THE GIULIA GETS TOP MARKS, AND IT SCORES WELL
FOR PRACTICALITY
tribution and accurate steering for planted cornering. The car is agile and grippy, and while the ride is firm at speed, it is compliant and comfortable in urban use. All models have a smooth 8-speed auto gearbox but drivers wanting manual engagement can use the paddle-shifters on the steering column. There are also three driving modes which can vary steering and throttle responses. On the top-spec Quadrifoglio version, there is also a Race Mode. For looks and performance, the Giulia gets top marks, and it scores well for practicality too. With its long wheel- base, this 4-door saloon offers good head and legroom front and rear and there is a large 480-litre boot, though the aperture is surprisingly narrow. In an exceutive sector dominated by accomplished though often rather dull models, the Alfa Giulia shines like a beacon attracting those who yearn for more engaging, more joyous motoring.
Kingsbridge Auto Repair and Rescue
Unit 10 Halwell Business Park
Totnes, Devon, TQ97LQ Established for over 10 years
• 24hr Breakdown and Recovery
• Brand new purpose built premises • Class 4 & 7 MOT’s
• Servicing and repairs to all makes and models
• Clutches / Brakes / Tyres • Exhausts and batteries
• Up to date diagnostic equipment • Collection/delivery & courtesy cars available on request
Call us on 01803 712300
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