Alfa Romeo is upgrading the Giulia to install it in the premium category on a long-term basis, without its price resembling a star’s whim. From € 36,700.
Appearing in 2016, the last Giulia had left its mark on a return to propulsion to offer it a deliberately sporty character specific to the Alfa Romeo tradition. Innovative suspension and steering and 50/50 weight distribution completed an attractive technical scheme, all in a balanced, expressive and, ultimately, terribly seductive dress, in the hearts of both men and women.
However, the car showed certain shortcomings in terms of storage in the passenger compartment, the perceived quality of the materials, the noise level or even infotainment systems and driving aids, unworthy of a large sedan that wants to register in the premium category. An update was imperative and the 2020 vintage marks the transfiguration of the Giulia.
A more convivial interior
This Giulia revolution is not visible from the outside since its style was unanimous. However, in the passenger compartment, the improvement is immediately noticeable. The centre console has been redesigned to accommodate larger compartments and the new wireless charging function for smartphones. The gear lever, now covered in leather, takes on a new shape and bright reflections to better read its positioning at night. The steering wheel is in perforated or smooth leather and receives new functions concerning autonomous driving.
Behind the steering wheel, the screen in the centre of the dashboard is enlarged and gives more information the choice while the screen at the top of the console is now tactile and standard. Equipped with voice recognition, it allows full connectivity with all mobile devices.
Level 2 autonomous driving
An Alfa Romeo, it drives and even it is piloted! So, driving aids were not necessarily the first concern of the brand’s engineers, or of customers passionate about fine mechanics. But the world is changing, the road environment too with its ever more severe constraints. So you had to get in tune to survive and here is the Giulia equipped with a full set of driver assistance.
With level 2, he can let the car control the accelerator, the brakes and the steering while remaining alert with his hands on the steering wheel. Nothing new in this area, except for inveterate Alfists who can always, if they wish, do without this confusing electronics.
An Alfa character always asserted
On the road, progress is appreciable, in particular by its soundproofing. Thanks to its laminated windows and foam in its engine compartment among others, the clicking of the Diesel is less noticeable, especially at low revs, and the driving proves to be more serene.
However, the 210 hp version Q4 all-wheel-drive encourages playing with the large paddles, fixed behind the wheel, especially as the reports are perfectly staggered, which becomes the exception. The precise and very direct recalibrated steering offers remarkable agility in cornering sequences.
As for the 280 hp petrol, it is the ultimate in pleasure, with inexhaustible power and a sound more in line with the Alfa tradition.
Finally, the range is simplified, going from 9 finishes to 5, with a Diesel combined in 4 powers, petrol engine in 2 powers and an ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox for all.
