Sime Darby Auto Connexion which is responsible for the Alfa Romeo in Malaysia has relaunched the brand in the country with the opening of a retail and service facility and the arrival of four new models, the 159, Brera, Spider and GT coupé.

Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd (Auto ConneXion), which is responsible for the Alfa Romeo in Malaysia, has relaunched the brand with the opening of a new retail and service facility in Petaling Jaya close to Kuala Lumpur. In conjunction with the opening of the new 3S centre, the company has also launched four new Alfa Romeo models into the Malaysian market – the 159 sports sedan, the latest high-specification GT coupe, the Brera coupe and the Spider cabriolet. The two-door MiTo hot hatch is scheduled to be launched in the second half of the year.

The arrival of the new Alfa Romeo models is good news for the many Alfa Romeo enthusiasts in the country who have been waiting for the highly acclaimed new models to reach Malaysian shores. Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd (Auto ConneXion), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sime Darby Motors that manages the Ford and Land Rover, as well as Alfa Romeo, following the restructuring of Sime Darby’s motor business in Malaysia as year year. Sime Darby Motors is one of the major automotive players in the Asia Pacific region with a presence in Malaysia, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand.

Another piece of good news is that Auto ConneXion has announced extremely competitive prices for the new Alfa Rome range. The long awaited Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed 159 sports sedan powered by a 185 bhp 2.2-litre JTS 4-cylinder inline twin-cam engine mated to a 6-speed Selespeed automatic manual gearbox is priced at RM188,888 (excluding registration, road tax and insurance).

The latest high-specification GT Blackline coupé equipped with a 165 bhp 2.0-litre JTS engine and 5-speed Selespeed automatic manual gearbox retails at RM218,888. Designed by Bertone, the GT coupe is a seamless amalgam of style, elegance and comfort. It has the looks of a sporty coupe but the spaciousness and comfort of a luxury saloon.

The Brera coupé, which embodies all the qualities of the quintessential Italian sports car, is priced at RM308,888. At the heart of the much-acclaimed coupe is the same 185 bhp 2.2-litre JTS engine found in the 159 sedan. The Brera offers exhilarating performance and superior handling yet cossets its occupants in luxury. A total of seven airbags ensure safety of its occupants.  

The flagship model of the new range in Malaysia is undoubtedly the new Spider cabriolet (RM318,888). Heir to the legendary Giulietta Spider and Duetto, it is the result of the collaboration between the Alfa Romeo Styling Centre and two names that are synonymous with Italian style the world over, Giugiaro and Pininfarina. Under the bonnet of the new Spider is the same 185 bhp 2.2-litre JTS four-cylinder inline twin-cam engine with a 6-speed Selespeed transmission, which is fitted in the 159 sedan and Brera coupé. Safety comes in the form of five dual-stage airbags and an exceptionally strong chassis constructed with high-strength and dual-phase steel bonded together with laser welding. 

Auto ConneXion managing director Rajan Thurairatnam said that the past few years had been an extremely testing time for the Alfa Romeo brand in Malaysia. “This time, with strong support from the principals in Milan, we are pleased to announce very competitive prices for the new Alfa models. Auto ConneXion’s multi-franchise concept will also provide the Alfa brand with the reach and coverage not possible before,” he said.

The sharing of resources and consolidation of back-end operations meant that Auto ConneXion branches nationwide will be able to sell and support the new Alfa Romeos alongside the other marques in its stable such as Ford and Land Rover, even in smaller markets such as Sabah and Sarawak. Previously, this would have entailed high capital investment to set up dedicated branches, which was economically not feasible for a niche premium brand like Alfa Romeo. To celebrate the launch of the new Alfa models, Auto ConneXion has launched an aftersales and service campaign with discounts of up to 70 percent on selected genuine Alfa Romeo parts. Alfa Romeo owners can also bring in their vehicles for a free 25-point safety check and purchase lifestyle merchanding and recommended lubricants at special discounts.