The Alfa Romeo marque is at present taking exciting new step forward in their long and illustrious history. Now under the tutelage of highly respected former BMW marketing boss Karl-Heinz Kalbfell, and with a whole range of stunning new models coming on-stream, spearheaded by the Alfa 159, Brera and new Spider, the future looks very rosy indeed for this famous ‘sporty’ icon.

Meanwhile, down at the headquarters of the UK’s leading independent Alfa Romeo retailer, Smart Alfa, these sweeping effects can be clearly felt. After half a decade selling Alfa Romeos, the Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire-based firm, is just as committed as ever to supplying the latest models along, with the greatest possible savings that they are able to pass to customers.

The Smart Alfa sales staff are positively itching to get their hands on the soon-to-arrive new models, like the luxurious Alfa 159 saloon and the extravagant Brera sportcar, cars which are set to take the battle right into the territory of the German prestige brands who have had it all their own way for so long. “Alfa Romeo is undoubtedly one of the most famous and evocative names in the global motor manufacturing industry, with a rich history that few others can even dream of possessing,” comments Smart Alfa's ever-enthusiastic director Felicity Utton. “Italian carmakers still lead the way in terms of style, image and desirability. UK car buyers are very discerning and always demand a high quality, prestige product. We find our customers are extremely knowledgeable about the Alfa Romeo brand and its history, are clearly seduced by the whole myth, but at the same time are most importantly impressed by an excellent product, which Alfa Romeo are delivering.”

“For sheer style, panache and enjoyable motoring, there is really little out there that can match cars such as the Alfa 147, 156 or GT Coupé,” Felicity continues. “The new Alfa 147 for example has started arriving at our distribution centre and it has created an immediate, strong demand. The car itself is excellent, Alfa have done a great job of giving a much loved design a fresh new upmarket feel, all without loosing any of its core values. Our customers invariably demand the highest specifications available so this upgraded model is already winning over new converts for its new refinements, improved ride, and segment unmatched interior comfort and luxury.”                                      

Smart Alfa always put their money where their mouth is and pass on as generous a discount as possible to their customers. Thus all new Alfa 147 which are now arriving come with metallic paint finish, comfort pack, winter pack, full leather upholstery and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 2-litre TS Alfa 147 is priced at GBP15,750 for the 3-door with all the aforementioned option levels, (as opposed to a UK list price of GBP19,645) while the 5-door comes in at GBP16,050. The JTD, 3-door is GBP16,500 (UK list is GBP21,080) while the 5-door diesel is GBP16,800 (UK list is 2GBP1,380).

Another Alfa Romeo model to have been well received by UK car buyers is the stunning Bertone-styled Alfa GT Coupé. Already the winner of a myriad of important design awards, the Alfa GT is a sports-coupe created in the finest of Alfa Romeo traditions.
 

“The Alfa GT sums up exactly what the Alfa Romeo legend is all about,” Felicity says. “A really enjoyable driver’s car; it is genuine ‘Grand Tourer’ which boasts all the refinements and luxuries one would expect to find in a GT car commanding a far higher price bracket, not to mention those simply gorgeous ‘head-turning’ looks. In the flesh the GT Coupé’s charms are even more seductive; it’s sure to become a classic.”

“At present though, the Alfa GT is something of a hidden treasure, just waiting to be discovered. We keep finding that customers, who have casually dropped in to check out this car, give it the once over, and have a quick test drive, mainly because they’ve heard the hype and seen the photos, and want to know what the fuss is all about. Invariably they make a decision to purchase on the spot. As all our cars come with zero miles and are unregistered, meaning that our customer is the first registered keeper, we can usually arrange all the paperwork within a day or so. In all my years selling Alfa’s I have never seen a model that so thoroughly captures people’s hearts so quickly,” adds Felicity, “although from what I have seen and heard of the new Alfa 159 and Brera, I firmly expect this pair to be instant winners too.”

After a couple of years when customer demand far outstripped Smart Alfa’s ability to supply cars, 2005 has seen the company take a major step forward, and their premises are humming. As well as the new Alfa 147 and GT Coupé, there is still some demand for the Alfa 156, an award-winning car that ushered in the modern Alfa Romeo era, and interest in the forthcoming models is incredible. "Moving to Leighton Buzzard has also been very productive for us," says Felicity, "the close proximity of the town's railway station, as well as Luton Airport, means we are able to quickly collect customers."

Their quickly expanding and popular website, clearly lays out their stocks and availabilities. "Recently we have been photographing Alfa Romeo models with each permutation of colours and finish, both interior and exterior, to offer potential customers a realistic view of what the finish is actually like, using straightforward digital cameras, rather than elaborate and touched-up 'studio' shots. To prove our credibility as suppliers of genuine cars, dozens of customers have been delighted to be photographed with their new cars upon collection, and we have added these to our website," concludes Felicity.

Alfa Romeo's new dawn is rising fast, and a bright future for one of history's most illustrious car manufacturing names undoubtedly beckons. And at the same time, Smart Alfa are continuing to make the 'dream' affordable, and to put it well within reach of their customers.