Of all the car makes that deserve a second chance, Alfa Romeo is probably the most evocative. If you really want ‘something different’, the Giulia is a stunning car worth serious contemplation. Unlike other models from Fiat Group, it is defiantly unique, as it shares nothing from its sister brands and possesses its own DNA. It is one of the most competent design studies to emerge from Alfa’s studios in years. The details have it. Competently strung together, it possesses a vibrant sense of purpose. Taut shut-lines and a slight pout to the door sills gift Giulia a hunkered-down stance supplemented by strong wheel-arch curves, a visual sporting ploy that draws its profile closer to the road surface.
The nose is pure Alfa, from shield grille and prominent, charismatic badge, to the moustache elements, the silver shaded accent and hint of an aerodynamic splitter. Avoiding fussiness and clutter, the car possesses a clean flow that is supported by a slightly feline quality to its bonnet and fenders. It is a complete design that imparts an impression of unerring quality, build integrity and total desirability.
Inside, there exists a Ferrari-esque appeal to the red test car that contains saddle-coloured hide in abundance, the dashboard divided from its upper black section by another swathe of neatly stitched tan material and a tasteful sliver of ‘alloy’ trim, all of which is eminently tactile and features no gratingly brittle surfaces. The signature ‘twin cowls’ contain the main analogue instruments, although a wider gap between them allows space for a digital display, the contents of which can be altered by depressing the button in the end of the right-hand column stalk.
A large, configurable information screen is located in the dash centre, a knurled hand control (just behind the gear selector) providing an interface to its simple text displays and clickable elements. Apart from the cushioned trim to the side buttresses of the central tunnel, an ‘alloy’ slider reveals a pair of cupholders but the overall impression of the interior is of unfussiness and calm. There is no complexity, yet it is well-stocked and possesses a ‘does-what-it-needs-to’ relatable quality.
The tan seats, electrically operated, with their sportingly stitched lateral panels, hip bolsters, manually adjustable thigh supports and an extensive range of adjustment ensures a northern European level of comfort that southern Europeans have been reluctant to provide for many years. It is said that German carmakers have inspired the cabin couturiers in Milan, as the Giulia’s driving position is not merely comfortable and accommodating for a wide range of driver statures but it also creates a safe environment reinforced by a good outward view.
However, there is also space in the rear seats, even though taller front seat occupants will have to jiggle their chairs forwards a notch or two for more comfortable accommodation. It is a familiar situation. The boot is well-shaped, with storage panels in the carpeted flanks, although the underfloor is predominated by a large, sound-deadening polystyrene block. There is space for a couple of loaded golf bags and a weekend shopping trip.
The best way to describe the Giulia’s on-road deportment is to use words like sinuous, muscly and fluent. Alfa’s customary ‘DNA’ adjustable chassis settings are carried into this car. The default setting is ‘N’ for Normal and the Giulia drives impeccably and fluently, when left alone. Adjusting it to ‘D’ (for Dynamic) the ride quality is stiffer and less compliant, while the Advanced ‘A’ setting might encourage involvement in a track day. Overall, the seamless sensuousness of the Alfa’s ride quality has to be experienced to be understood. Feedback from the road surface is plentiful and the suspension can be felt working but there is a satisfying level of over-riding comfort.
Body roll is controlled magnificently and the turn-in to corners is crisp and measured, helped in no small part by high-geared steering that demands little more than thought to alter a chosen direction. The wheel itself is of just the right diameter and features (Ferrari-style) the stop-start button within a left thumb’s reach of its rim. Lane-change manoeuvres are fuss-free and the general handling is a match for any of Alfa’s rivals and is significantly better than many of them.
Of course, what helps Giulia’s stance is a kerbweight of just over 1.37-tonnes. The Alfa is a welterweight. Rear-wheel-drive is its 50:50 weight-distributed cause celebre and weight-savings have been made by the use of carbon-fibre for the propshaft, aluminium for several body panels and advanced plastics for the sub-structures. Powered, in test guise, by a silken 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that develops 180bhp and a very healthy 332lbs ft of torque, driving through an 8-speed automatic gearbox, the Giulia’s performance is exquisite. It despatches the 0-60mph benchmark in 6.8 seconds, provides a top speed of 143mph, emits only 109g/km of CO2 and sips fuel at an Official Combined rate of 67.3mpg (I obtained a satisfying 57.9mpg in a mix of town and country driving conditions).
Price-tagged at £35,190, in Speciale trim, from a range that starts at £29,550 (2.0-litre petrol), the Giulia is keenly priced, before any Motor Source Group discounts are applied. However, it is pitched into the middle of the hotly-contested premium mid-size sector. Giulia out-guns its rivals handsomely and out-performs the Teutonic threesome. It feels so eminently gorgeous and engaging to live with, you will probably not want for anything else.
