Alfa Romeo has a long history of producing excellent saloon cars that are both stunning to look at and excellent to drive.
So, in the early 2010s many were disappointed when Alfa Romeo canned the 159 with no immediate replacement planned.
But in 2017 they were happy when Alfa Romeo launched the new Giulia – a model that remains true to what Alfa Romeos are best known for, but also adding in a host of technologies and refinement. It’s a true rival to well-known models like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
Here’s what you need to know about the Alfa Romeo Giulia.
What engines are available?
The Giulia range starts with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, which is available with outputs of either 158bhp or 187bhp and it’s worth noting that all Giulias in the UK come with rear-wheel-drive and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The quicker of the two engines is the 187bhp unit, which manages 0-60mph in seven seconds, and reaches a claimed top speed of 143mph. But if you’re looking for efficiency, choose the 158bhp variant, which can return up to 53.3mpg, along with CO2 emissions of 128g/km.
Moving over to the petrol options, the regular Giulia is available with a 2.0-litre unit producing either 197bhp or 276bhp. The latter is the quickest – accelerating from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, along with a top speed of 149mph. But the 197bhp is the more efficient out of the pair – returning up to 36.2mpg, with CO2 emissions of 153g/km.
What trim levels are offered?
Alfa Romeo offers a number of trim levels with the Giulia, with equipment highlights and pricing as follows.
Super – from £33,595
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as automatic lights and wipers. It also features dual-zone climate control, cruise control, LED rear lights and rear parking sensors. In terms of safety kit, it also features lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
Nero Edizione – from £35,995
This special edition adds 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, further connectivity and Bi-Xenon headlights. Styling changes include gloss black window surrounds, dark finish exhaust tips, black mirrors and a darkened front grille.
Speciale – from £37,795
In addition to the Super, this Speciale version adds 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a leather sports steering wheel, dual exhaust trim, revised bumpers, and electric folding mirrors. Elsewhere it also gains electric and heated front seats, leather sports seats and a heated steering wheel.
Veloce – from £39,875
This grade adds revised 18-inch alloy wheels, the powerful 276bhp engine, keyless entry, front parking sensors and an upgraded braking system.
Veloce Ti – from £45,995
Designed to look a lot like the Quadrifoglio sports model, the Ti adds 19-inch Quadrifoglio alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting, black headlining and carbon interior and exterior trim. It also features a leather dashboard, leather and Alcantara sports seats, red brake callipers and a leather dashboard.
What about personalisation?
If you’re looking for opportunities to personalise your executive car, the Giulia is a fantastic choice. Plenty of colours are offered – including solid, metallic and tri-coat options. Highlights are the bright Misano Blue, as well as Competitzione Red and Imola Titanium (light brown). The wheel choice is also plentiful, with 15 different options available, though some are exclusive to trim level.
If you’re wanting to add a bit more luxury to your model, the Lusso packages are a great idea – adding plush leather seats and wooden interior inserts, to name but a few features. There’s also plenty of choice on the cabin, too, when it comes to picking your leather upholstery. As well as more traditional black leather, you can also opt for a red or tan-coloured interior, which all helps to make your Giulia stand out from the rest.