Alfa Romeo has launched a derivative of the Giulietta aimed at business and fleet drivers. It is based on the mid-range Distinctive trim level but with additional features. It is on sale now, priced from £18,990.
The Business Edition is priced to compete aggressively in the fleet market. The Ford Focus Titanium 1.5 TDCi 120hp model is priced from £20,995, while the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Business model is priced from £22,760 and Audi’s A3 1.6-litre TDI SE Technik model is priced from £21,575.
Four engines power the Business edition: the 1.6-litre 105hp diesel, which emits 104g/km CO2 equating to 70.6mpg and a 2014-2015 BIK rating of 16%, a new 2.0-litre 150hp diesel unit which emits 110g/km and returns 67.3mpg.
A more powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine will also be offered with 175hp, with emissions of 116g/km equating to 64.2mpg and a BIK rate of 18%. Petrol-wise, a 170hp 1.4-litre turbo petrol model will be offered which emits 119g/km equating to 55.4mpg on the official cycle.
Technology-wise, the Business Edition adds a 6.5-inch infotainment system over the standard equipment featured in the Distinctive trim level, as well as the ‘visibility pack’ which comprises of dusk and rain sensors, self-dimming rear-view mirrors and parking sensors.
In September, parent company Fiat announced the appointment of Francis Bleasdale to the role of fleet and used car director, a newly created role within the Italian car company.
He is responsible for developing fleet business and sales of used cars sales across the Fiat group. Bleasdale was previously the client business manager for Inpetus Automotive; a third-party company, which helped manufactures, improve its dealership and sales experience. He also worked at Nissan as its LCV sales and marketing director.
Last year, Fiat announced a plan to improve its fleet market share by doubling the size of their fleet sales team, doubling the demonstrator fleet and introducing a fleet aftersales programme.
At the time, the company’s commercial director, Karl Howkins claimed that they were “65% retail and the market is 50% fleet”, adding that they would be targeting the user-chooser fleets with the 500L and Trekking.