It’s been in the works for quite some time now, but there’s finally something concrete – Alfa Romeo is coming back to Malaysia! The storied Italian brand has put up a website and social media pages teasing its return, with images showcasing the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV.
Alfa Romeo Malaysia has also opened registrations of interest for the two rear-wheel-drive compact executive cars, denoting that they will be offered in Veloce trim. This is the second most sporting variant, sitting below the full-fat, M3- and X3 M-baiting Quadrifoglio versions.
These are offered with the most potent “standard” engine – a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 280 PS at 5250 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 2,250 to 4,500 rpm. That’s an increase of 22 PS over the equivalent 330i, and with a ZF eight-speed automatic, the Giulia and Stelvio Veloce (the latter with all-wheel drive) get from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. A Q2 limited-slip rear differential also comes standard.
Alfa’s return was teased all the way back in March 2024 with the setting up of the Stellantis Malaysia national sales company, with the entry-level Tonale being shown during its investor day event in Gurun, Kedah. More recently, the conglomerate’s ASEAN managing director Isaac Yeo said the brand (as well as Jeep, although there’s no sign of that marque’s Malaysian presence as yet) would initially be returning under a small-volume boutique operation through a separate distributor.
Still, the Milanese brand does have potential to grow here in the long term, given its ability to challenge the hegemony of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. This potential only gets bigger when you factor in Stellantis’s Gurun assembly plant, making Alfa Romeo one of the rare few premium brands with the ability to bring in CKD cars, making pricing more competitive.
Are you excited for Alfa Romeo’s return? Let us know in the comments.
GALLERY: Alfa Romeo Giulia facelift
GALLERY: Alfa Romeo Stelvio facelift
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SKD maybe, CKD unlikely. Though SKD kinda of murky.
STLA should also consider bringing in their RAM lineup in Malaysia, specially in EM, we need more choice, the Ram 1200 (Landtrek) doesn’t sell well but the new mid size ute (Dakota) that’s currently on development might change that, CKD it shove in a lot of gizmos and price it competitively it will probably fly off the shelve, and oh a RAM 1500 and 2500 would also be nice, the 3500 is too big, Australia got the RHD RAM 1500 albeit converted by Walkinshaw at the former HSV facility in Melbourne, I don’t see why STLA would not want to make their plant in Gurun an assembly hub for their RHD vebicle and make it an export hub for other RHD country.
If they bring in the Guila Quadrifoglio, that’ll be awesome!!
Hope this brings down the prices of the inflated overpriced recond units which are often more expensive than a brand new entry-level Bimmer and Merc because these grey importers know it’s rare and only enthusiasts would go for it.
No, Alfa badge does not go with high end price tag. It was doing very well in the late 90s with 155S, 146ti and 145QV mainly because of pricings (between 85k-110k)
owners of alpha rome, be prepared to become a regular patron of chopshops selling secondhand imported parts.
DOA. Dead On Arrival.
Great cars, but reliability issues even as CKD units will hold true, as it is all over the world. No it won’t stop enthusiasts like me from oogling or buying, but this statement
“given its ability to challenge the hegemony of BMW and Mercedes-Benz”
is a bit rich la… hehehehe… it has never been able to, anywhere in the world, to outsell the Germans.
Alfa Romeo could not survive in Malaysia because its target market who are mainly young adults just starting work cannot afford their high priced cars coupled with high maintenance. They do not appeal to middle age motorists and older who can afford them. If your target market cannot afford your cars the only way to to is down.
Hopefully it is not Sime Auto , bring back Milan Auto . Ex Alfa fan
Real Romeo.
zzomgzz Giuliaaa *droolz* and look at them buttonzzz
It’s the Chinese market era..japanese and German also kaput. Apa alfa lomeow?
Nice but a little too late. Their existing cars are so outdated now
Welcome back:
Nice to read about but… it wont be a main stay here. Too niche of a brand and Malaysians wont bother with the price and maintenance cost for what it is
if more than 200k, bye bye!