Auto Connexion Opens New Alfa Romeo 3S Centre
Petaling Jaya, May 8, 2009 — Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd (Auto ConneXion), which currently manages the Alfa Romeo brand in Malaysia, has opened a new 3S centre for the marque in Petaling Jaya.
In conjunction with the opening of the new 3S centre, the company also launched four new Alfa models into the Malaysian market – the 159 sports sedan, the latest high-specification GT coupe, the Brera coupe and the Spider cabriolet. The 2-door MiTo hot hatch is scheduled to be launched in the second half of the year.
The entry of the new Alfa models is good news for the many Alfa enthusiasts in the country who have been waiting for the highly acclaimed new models to reach Malaysian shores. Another piece of good news is that Auto ConneXion has announced extremely competitive prices for the new Alfas.
The long awaited Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed 159 sports sedan powered by a 185 bhp 2.2-litre JTS (uniJet Thrust System) 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 coupe 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 coupe, 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 is undoubtedly the new Spider cabriolet (RM318,888.) Heir to the legendary Giuletta 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 4-cylinder inline twin-cam engine with a 6-speed Selespeed transmission, which is fitted in the 159 sedan and Brera coupe.
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 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 could sell and support the new Alfas 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.
To celebrate the launch of the new Alfa models, Auto ConneXion has launched an after sales and service campaign with discounts of up to 70% on selected genuine Alfa parts.
Alfa owners can also bring in their vehicles for a free 25-point safety check and purchase lifestyle merchandises and recommended lubricants at special discounts.
There is more good news for Alfa customers who bring their cars in for service at the new Auto ConneXion Alfa 3S centre. With a minimum spend of RM300, customers are entitled to a free new genuine Alfa emblem worth RM400 to replace the faded or discoloured ones on their cars. The offer is valid for a limited time only while stocks last.
The latest Alfa models are available for public viewing and test drives at the Auto ConneXion Alfa Romeo Petaling Jaya Showroom and Service Centre at 19 Jalan 13/2 Petaling Jaya (Tel: 03-7960 8833) from May 9, 2009 onwards from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
