What is it?
As one half of a two-pronged return to form, alongside the Stelvio SUV, the Alfa Romeo Giulia has helped re-establish the brand as a purveyor of fine driving cars. But it hasn't been the sales success the brand was hoping for, losing out to rivals that may not be more dynamic but are certainly better equipped.
That an improved infotainment system was the first bullet point on the press material for this facelifted version should indicate just how vocal customers and critics were over the Giulia’s shortcomings. Understandable, then, that this mid-life refresh seeks to add much-needed technology updates and overhaul interior fit and finish, rather than tweak an already stellar driving experience.
So much so that beyond the handful of new paint options, the only exterior changes are to the trim level badges: silver lettering now signifies more mainstream models, black is reserved for sportier versions. The range has also been simplified to Super, Sprint, Lusso Ti and Veloce, with a new Business line dedicated to fleet sales in certain markets.
The engine line-up also remains unchanged, with a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel (both turbocharged) available in several states of tune. The 276bhp of our Veloce Ti test car is the most potent until the refreshed Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio comes on song next summer.
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You have uglified your website with the same clear-cut efficiency BMW uglify their new BMW and MBWini cars. That's quite a feat.
Alfa Giulia review
Three and half stars for an Alfa Giulia.......is Autocar taking the Mick? Or is the magazine still (God knows why) in thrall to the boring German manufacturers; enquiring minds need to know? Why do so many people think German cars are so great? Whilst my previous Beemer was a good drive it was far from reliable with friends having issues with their cars too. My Giulia looks great, is a superb drive and and has an illustrious badge. Does a slightly inferior infotainment system bother me? No. I buy a car to drive for pleasure (increasingly difficult on today's roads) but the Alfa's I've owned has been great drives and full of character. So, is the award by Autocar of three and half stars a mistake? Surely so....
German car's "Greatness".
German cars were amazing, I think, till 2000-2005. When marketing managers and shareholders began to completely rule the decisional processes of every manufacturer (not only car's!), design & production became underpinned by ONLY the purpose to extract as much money from people, as quickly as possible.Then German manufacturers changed their behaviour.
You still have exceptions in Japan, and, well, with this Alfa Giulia. Just see how the market "welcomes" honest product, though.
4.5 stars from Auto Express
A much higher score from Auto Express. Interesting. Autocar's ratings stink...