The launch of its official local website hints at the imminent official return of Alfa Romeo to Malaysia.
After months of rumours, it seems there is finally some movement on Alfa Romeo’s long-awaited comeback to Malaysia. Such is as the Italian marque has just launched its new official local website, which includes a registration of interest form to whet the appetite of local Alfistis.
Now to be fair, the news for now is really just the new website. But the pair of Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglios sitting pretty in front of the Petronas Twin Towers does hint that both these hot Alfas may soon be on their way here, suggesting that Alfa Romeo is aiming straight for enthusiasts’ hearts when it eventually returns.
Then again, these two flagship Italian stallions will likely be joined by more accessible models such as the Tonale mid-sized SUV. And while the tax incentives for fully imported EVs may have expired by the time the first new Alfa Romeo officially rolls out of its local showrooms again, there’s every chance the brand might also introduce its small yet spritely Junior Elettrica crossover.
As for those who prefer their Alfas untainted by any Dodge DNA meanwhile, there’s supposedly good news on that front too. Industry whispers suggest that Alfa Romeo’s Malaysian revival might not just focus on new car sales, but could include a factory restoration atelier too, catering to those keen (and fiscally capable) of bringing their tired Italian classics back to their former glory.
So Alfistis, a tough choice awaits. Would you go for a brand-new, warrantied Giulia Quadrifoglio, or for about the same money, a factory-restored original that perfectly fits your rose-tinted glasses?
And while on the topic of nostalgia, Alfa Romeo was last officially represented in Malaysia over a decade ago under Sime Darby Auto Italia. The Giulietta hatchback was the final model officially sold here, ending a presence that dated all the way back to the early days of Malaysian independence.
In fact, Alfa Romeos were once the official patrol cars of the Royal Malaysian Police. While today’s officers chase suspects in Hondas, the boys in blue of the 1970s were hot on criminals’ tails in Giulias and Alfettas, truly a different era for both Alfa and Malaysia alike.
