The super sedan playground has always been a German establishment. For decades, the BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C 63 and Audi RS 4 rule the space with their iron fists. Penetration is impossible, seemingly.

Then in 2017 came a visitor from a relatively small company. The Germans took notice, the world took notice, the status quo was challenged and the super sedan space opened up to a fourth member.

Just like that, out of nowhere, the Italians have disrupted the Germans’ game. A hiatus of over two decades in this space did not dampened Turin’s spirit in creating a world-beating high performance sedan. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a serious piece of machine. The Italians however, see it as a product of passion and culture.

A small team of dedicated designers and engineers came together with the common goal of building a super fast sedan complete with flair, drama and emotion. And this desire led to an approach that is a very different to that taken by the Germans. The M3, AMG C 63 and RS 4 feel like go-fast versions of the standard car on which they are based. In contrast, the Giulia Quadrifoglio feels like the car that Alfa set out to build first, then from it lesser versions forming the standard line-up were derived.

The ingredients are key to what makes the Giulia Quadrifoglio so special. A Ferrari-derived twin-turbocharged V6, lightweight 1524kg dry weight, super rigid chassis with aluminium subframes and rear-wheel drive. All stuffed underneath a tastefully sculpted body.

Speaking of which, Alfa Romeo design is lusty and while it may not be the prettiest work by the company to date, the Giulia Quadrifoglio is a handsome looking car. Contoured sheet metals mix in with sporting details to form a restraint yet aggressive look, the latter hinted by those massive front bumper intakes, bonnet and side vents, a deep rear diffuser and a host of carbon fibre detailing.

When drapped in the new green hue called Verde Montreal as seen on our test car, this thing really pops and turns heads everywhere it goes. Also be sure to option up those QV 19-inch forged wheels seen on our tester for that true Alfa looks.

Unlike the rigid straight lines found in the cabin of the German cars, the Alfa’s interior has flowing curves like the exterior. It’s a nice place to be in, so soothing and calming that you almost forget you’re in a $150k super sedan. The largely monotone cabin is an understatement compared to those vibrant, racy German interiors.

That said, the steering wheel with that big red engine start button is a pleasure to grab hold of. Those fantastic looking aluminium paddle shifters behind the wheel are also a joy to use. There’s liberal use of carbon fibre and Alcantara throughout, giving it a sporty feel.

But the highlight is none other than those front bucket sport seats made by Sparco. With full carbon fibre back covers, they look a million bucks. They give a truely faultless driving position, yet they’re so supportive and comfortable you won’t miss the standard Giulia seats.

Based on a Giulia, the Quadrifoglio can accomodate five with decent room front and back. With a boot space of 480 litres, the car is as practical as it can be for a sports sedan.

A minor update in 2020 saw the infotainment system upgraded with a quicker processor, better apps and new graphics. The screen is now a touchscreen, though you can still operate it using the centre console controller, which itself has also been slightly tweaked. Despite the updates, the tech is still lacking the Germans big time. For instance, the screen size is painfully small and there’s no fully digital instrumentation yet.

But you don’t buy the Giulia Quadrifoglio for interior eye candies. This is a car designed to shake up the fast luxury sedan segment with the way it drives. And it’s absolutely brilliant at it.

The engine is the beating heart of it all. The 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 is the product of an ongoing powertrain development collaboration between Stellantis (Alfa Romeo’s parent company) and Ferrari. Constructed entirely out of aluminium for lightweight, it features a 90-degree angle between cylinder banks and uses both port and direct fuel injection. There’s also cylinder deactivation where the right cylinder bank is shut off at low load to improve fuel efficiency.

With a peak power of 375kW @ 6500rpm and 600Nm of torque spread between 2500-5000rpm, all channeled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, the Giulia Quadrifoglio sprints from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Top speed is rated at 307km/h.

While those figures trial those of the M3 and AMG C 63, the Giulia Quadrifoglio has more to offer than being just a one dimensional hot rod. The engine is relaxed and civilised on cruise, with a nice and progressive build up of power just off idle. Prod it and it takes on a very different character. The show of force is truly fascinating once it revs past 3000rpm, where the engine note goes from burbly to raspy, and where the full of whack of torque translates to a burst of forward thrust as the tacho frantically swings around the arch to the 7000rpm limiter.

Traction is managed beautifully to the rear wheels, with a hard launch not feeling like it’s going to bite every time. It’s thanks to an electronically controlled limited slip differential keeping things tidy at the rear axle not just during acceleration but also around the bends. Not only it can vary the amount of lock across the rear axle, it can also send more torque to the rear wheel with more grip to help rotate the car around a corner, effectively creating torque vectoring.

The handling is wonderfully progressive. Yes, there’s big power going to the rear, there’re massive brakes and the steering is razor sharp, but everything blends and works so nicely together. The car feels like a very cohesive and well balanced package. It’s such a joy to put through corners, as all it does is obey your every input and power forward.

Perhaps, the most impressive is just how supple the Giulia Quadrifoglio feels around town. Unlike its firm riding and uptight rivals, the hot Alfa is as comfortable and relaxing as any regular midsize family sedan. In the softer damper setting, the ride is superbly smooth and compliant. Even in the harder sport setting the ride is far from harsh.

This makes the Giulia Quadrifoglio a pleasingly good daily driver. You just have to get used to those sticky brakes which can be a little hard to regulate for a smooth stop, especially when they’re cold. Oh, watch out also for that low front bumper as it’s too easy to scrap that exquisite carbon fibre lip.

The Quadrifoglio is not a car you buy for fuel efficiency but if you care you’d be looking at around 12.5L/100km on the combined average. This is far thirstier than the brochure’s 8.2L/100km. Granted, it runs on RON 95 octane fuel, not the more expensive RON 98 that the Germans chew on.

Verdict

2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio pricing and specification

The post 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Review appeared first on ForceGT.com.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm is the most extreme road car the Italian marque has ever built in recent history. A lightweight road-legal track machine, the Giulia GTAm features extreme aerodynamics including a large front splitter and carbon rear wing. The interior is characterised by two racing seats, roll bar and 6-point safety belts.

Despite having four-doors, the GTAm does away with the rear seats to save weight. So does it not make more sense to delete the rear doors as well? That’s exactly what Car Lifestyle has done, turning the Giulia GTAm into an eye-watering coupe, even though it’s only a rendering.

The folks have even added some delicious side air breathers and lowered the roof line, giving the Giulia GTAm coupe a properly aggressive stance.

Don’t put your hopes on an Alfa Romeo coupe though, as the car maker has recently cancelled its plan to build the 8C and GTV. The 4C is also on its way out due to slow sales. But there’s no stopping us from drooling over this super hot Giulia GTAm coupe, never mind if it’s just a rendering.

The post Wow! Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm coupe appeared first on ForceGT.com.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and its extreme version, Giulia GTAm, will be built in a limited edition of only 500 units in total, all numbered and certified and ready to take up their place alongside their 1965 forerunner as one of the most sought-after collector’s items.

The post Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA celebrates brand’s 110th anniversary appeared first on ForceGT.com.

• Akrapovic titanium central exhaust with dual-mode function and carbon fibre exit surround
• Sports suspension with double wishbone front and evolved MacPherson strut rear geometry
• Pirelli Racing Tyres

• Vesuvio Matte Grey Paint
• Bi-LED headlights with carbon fibre body (shared with 4C Coupe)
• 18/19ʺ Five Hole Dark Alloy Wheels (based on 421 design)
• Red Brake Calipers
• Front Bumper with Integrated Side Intakes
• Exposed Carbon Fibre Roof
• Carbon Fibre Side Air Intake
• Carbon Fibre Mirror Covers
• Carbon Fibre Rear Spoiler
• Specific Bonnet & Roof Livery

• Black Leather & Microfibre Seats with Red Stitching
• Leather Sport Steering Wheel with microfibre insert & red stitching
• Aluminium dashboard insert with 4C Comp logo
• Alpine Premium Sound System with Subwoofer
• Numbered Limited Edition Badge

The post Alfa Romeo 4C Competizione Limited Edition checks in appeared first on ForceGT.com.

Alfa Romeo is releasing four Giulia Quadrifoglio and three Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING Limited Editions, designed to celebrate both models’ respective Nurbugring record times.

Both models are coated with matte Circuito Grey livery, exclusive to this limited edition.

Further to the premium qualities that charaterise all Quadrifoglio models, the NRING editions feature carbon fibre front ‘V’ grille insert, carbon fibre exterior mirror covers and carbon ceramic brakes with red painted calipers.

Exterior enhancements exclusively for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING include a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch Dark Miron wheels and Dark Miron ‘Stelvio’ and ‘Q4’ Tailgate badges, whilst the Giulia Quadrifoglio premiers an exposed carbon fibre roof, a Dark Miron ‘Giulia’ badge, complete with 19-inch Dark Miron alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin, Sparco racing seats with red stitching and carbon shell structure, paired with striking two-tone black & red leather with Alcantara interior ambience accentuates the vehicles racing flair.

These elements are also complemented with a leather and Alacantara steering wheel featuring a carbon fibre insert.

The NRING Limited Editions will be issued with ‘Authenticity Certification’ by FCA Heritage department, which are usually reserved for historic cars. This notable certification gives the vehicles ‘Instant Classic’ status.

Built at the Cassino plant in Italy, the halo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s are underpinned by the Giorgio platform and boast a 2.9L V6 Bi-Turbo engine which delivers a potent 375kW of maximum power and 600Nm of torque.

Due to arrive in Australia from September 2019, the Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING and Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING will be priced at $182,900 and $189,900 respectively (excluding on-road costs).

Stelvio and Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING Limited Edition Specifications

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING Limited Editions include the following key specifications:

Exterior:

• Circuito Grey Matte Exterior Paint
• Carbon Fibre ‘V’ Grille Insert
• Carbon Fibre Exterior Mirror Covers
• Carbon Ceramic Brakes with Red Painted Calipers

Interior:

• Two-tone Black & Red Interior
• Leather & Alcantara Seating for Five Occupants
• Sparco Carbon Fibre Driver and Front Passenger Seats
• Steering Wheel with Leather, Alcantara and Carbon Fibre
• NRING Interior Badge

Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING Limited Edition Additional Features

Exterior:

• Panoramic sunroof
• 20-inch Dark Miron Alloy Wheels
• Dark Miron ‘Stelvio’ and ‘Q4’ Tailgate Badges

Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING Limited Edition Additional Features

Exterior:

• Exposed Carbon Fibre Roof
• 19-inch Dark Miron Alloy Wheels
• Dark Miron ‘Giulia’ Boot Badge

Stelvio and Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING Limited Edition Pricing

Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Performance Highlights

The post Alfa Romeo debuts Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING Editions appeared first on ForceGT.com.

The Veloce S Edition also features Magneti Marelli ‘Elaborazioni 1919’ sport exhaust system – satisfying drivers with a deep and purposeful note.

Inside the cabin, the enhancements extend to include 10 Speaker Bose High Performance Sound System, premium floor mats with red ‘Giulietta’ logo and special edition ‘Veloce S’ badge.

In a limited run of just 30 vehicles, the Giulietta Veloce S Edition offers $6,900 in additional customer value for $3,500 and is now available in Alfa Romeo dealerships from $45,400 plus on road costs.

The Giulietta Veloce S Edition is available in three exterior colours, solid Alfa White, solid Alfa Black, and a metallic variant of Stromboli Grey.

Veloce S Edition Additional Features:

• 18-inch dark miron wheels with laser-etched red motif
• Red ‘Giulietta’ and ‘Veloce’ exterior badges
• Red exterior sport decal kit
• Carbon look front Trilobe grille, exterior mirror covers and sideskirts
• Magneti Marelli ‘Elaboraziono 1919’ sport exhaust system
• Bose® High Performance Sound System
• Special edition ‘Veloce’ interior badge
• Premium floor mats with red ‘Giulietta’ logo

The post Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce S Edition unveiled appeared first on ForceGT.com.

The all new Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio performance flagship SUV is on sale now in Australia priced from $149,900 plus on-road costs.

The range-topping model completes the Stelvio line-up with a 2.9L V6 Bi-Turbo petrol engine delivering 375kW and torque of 600 Nm, powering a top speed of 283 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

The Italian brand’s first ever sports SUV is said to fuse perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and excellent weight-to- power ratio in a distinctive package with Italian style and passion.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio extensively integrates lightweight construction and materials that enable and deliver perfect 50/50 weight distribution. It’s claimed to offer segment-leading torsional rigidity, class-exclusive carbon fibre driveshaft and the most direct steering available.

Last year, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio claimed the title of the world’s fastest production SUV when it set a new record lap time of 7 minutes 51.7 seconds at Germany’s Nurburgring, a full eight seconds faster than the previous production SUV record.

Stelvio Quadrifoglio Standard Features:

• 20-Inch Forged Aluminium Alloy Wheels
• Dual Mode Quad Exhaust System
• Red Brake Calipers
• Leather and Alcantara Upholstered Seats
• Quadrifoglio Leather Steering Wheel with Red Starter Button
• Carbon Fibre Interior Trim
• Alfa DNATM Pro
• AlfaTM Active Suspension
• AlfaTM Torque Vectoring System
• Rear Back-Up Camera
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Active Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection
• Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking
• 8-Inch Colour Display with 3D Navigation
• Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto®
• Harman/Kardon Sound Theatre
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Stelvio Option Packs:

For those customers wishing to personalise their Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Alfa Romeo offers the below options.

• Black Painted Brake Calipers – $700
• Yellow Brake Calipers – $700
• Sparco Carbon Fibre Front Seats – $5,000
• Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof – $2,400
• Carbon Ceramic Brakes – $12,000
• Quadrifoglio Version Steering Wheel with Leather, Alcantara and Carbon Fibre Insert – $500
• Metallic Paint – $1,300
• Tri-Coat Paint – $3,500

Stelvio Quadrifoglio Specifications:

Engine                                                2.9L V6 Bi-Turbo Petrol                                   

No. of cylinders, layout                           6

Displacement (cm3)                              2,891

Bore x stroke (mm)                                86.5 x 82

Valves per cylinder                                 4

Compression ratio                                9.3:1

Max. power kW @ rpm                          375 kW @ 6500

Max. torque Nm @ rpm                         600 Nm @ 2500 – 5000

Gearbox

Drive                                                    All Wheel Drive

Gearbox                                               8‐speed automatic

1a                                                         5.000

2a                                                         3.200

3a                                                         2.143

4a                                                         1.720

5a                                                         1.314

6a                                                         1.000

7a                                                         0.822

8a                                                         0.640

Reverse                                               3.456

Final drive ratio                                   3.70

Performance

Acceleration: 0‐100 km/h (secs)             3.8

Top speed (km/h)                                  283km/h

Consumption and Emissions

Emission standard                                Euro 6

Fuel cons ‐ urban (l/100km)                    13.6

Fuel cons ‐ extra‐urban (l/100km)            8.2

Fuel cons ‐ combined (l/100km)              10.2

CO2 emissions ‐ combined (g/km)          233

Weight and Dimensions

Kerb weight (kg)                                    1,830

Height (mm)                                          1689

Width (mm)                                           1955  (excl. mirrors)

Length (mm)                                          4701

Wheelbase (mm)                                   2818

Cargo volume (seats up – litres)              525

Cargo volume (seats down – litres)         1600

Fuel tank (litres)                                     64L

Steering Ratio                                       12.1

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Range & Pricing

The post Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio pricing and specification announced appeared first on ForceGT.com.

As confirmed through the five-year product portfolio released earlier this year, Alfa Romeo will be resurrecting the iconic GTV nameplate in 2021. The Italian brand’s first C-segment high performance coupe in over a decade will take on rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG C 63, BMW M4 and Audi RS 5.

What’s more interesting, however, is that the new flagship coupe will reportedly feature an electrified powertrain. Underpinned by the same platform as the Giulia Quadrifoglio, the upcoming GTV will use the same Ferrari-sourced twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 engine as its sports sedan counterpart. The engine develops 375kW and 600Nm of torque, enough to send the Giulia Quadrifoglio from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

The GTV, however, will take things up a notch by employing an electric motor as an additional drive unit, boosting power figures to at least 447kW (600hp) which will most certainly be accompanied by even more torque. With the added punch, expect the GTV to whip the century spin in around 3.5 seconds, while having some 50km of pure electric drive range.

It is also reported that a Spider open-top version will follow some 18 months later after the GTV coupe’s debut. The pair will slot below the new 8C supercar, which has been planned for a 2022 release.

Unlike the previous GTV, which came only in front-wheel drive, the new model will be motivated by all four wheels, with the petrol engine driving the rear axle and the electric motors assisting both the front and rear wheels. Both the GTV and Spider will offer a 2+2 seating layout.

Source: Carscoops

The post Alfa Romeo GTV expected in 2021 with 600hp electrified powertrain appeared first on ForceGT.com.

Alfa Romeo has revealed a limited edition version of its flagship Giulia Quadrifoglio super-sedan – dubbed the Carbonio Edition – of which just 20 will be produced for Australia. 

Although Alfa Romeo claims the Carbonio Edition package adds around $8,500 in new cosmetic features, it’s priced at the same $143,900 figure as the standard Quadrifoglio.

The upgrades, as you might have guessed, come in the way of extra carbon fibre lashings all around the car, with the grille, wing mirror caps, shift lever surround, and illuminated door sill covers now finished in the lightweight material.

Further enhancing the look is a choice of Trofeo White or Competitzione Red paintwork, different 19-inch alloys, and a combination leather and Alcantara steering wheel.

Under the skin, however, the Carbonio Edition remains unchanged from the standard car, meaning you’ll still find a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 under the bonnet putting out 375kW and 600Nm, which is backed by an eight-speed automatic from ZF that channels the power to the rear wheels. Providing the stopping power is a set of six-piston brakes in the front, with four-piston calipers in the rear.

In addition, the Quadrifoglio’s high levels of standard equipment are carried over as well, so you still get an 8.8-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and Bluetooth, a 7.0-inch display in the instrument cluster, and a 14-speaker surround sound system.

Pricing (excluding on-road costs)

The post Alfa Romeo reveals limited-run Giulia Quadrifoglio Carbonio Edition appeared first on ForceGT.com.

I must admit I have never been so excited about a new car coming on to market since the Subaru Impreza WRX STi Coupe 22B of the late 90s. Until now.

It’s been a long wait, but it’s finally here. The Alfa Romeo Giulia heralds the return of a much-missed Italian player to the increasingly competitive, German dominated compact executive saloon segment.

Alfa’s last known presence in this space was the 159 back in 2011, before it went AWOL together with much of the company for over six years, a period which saw sales firmly in the doldrums and the lack of new models. With the 159 now renamed as Giulia, Alfa Romeo is banking on this new rear-wheel drive sports sedan for resurrection. It’s the brand’s all-important “come back” model.

It’s no easy task for sure, for the landscape has drastically changed in the last decade. Back in the days, the 159 had only the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4 to compete with. Now, the premium compact segment has expanded to the Jaguar XE, Volvo S60 and Lexus IS, all credible competitors in their own rights.

But the world needs a sporty Italian rear-wheel drive sedan. As for me, I have always liked the idea of an Alfa saloon and I’m feeling that this time, they might be up to something…

Kicking off at a highly competitive $59,895 plus on-road costs, the Giulia’s Australian line-up comprises of five models across four equipment grades – Giulia, Super, Veloce and the fire-breathing Quadrifoglio performance halo. Three petrol models and one diesel variant are offered, all with an eight-speed automatic transmission standard.

The entry level Giulia is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 147kW and 330Nm, the latter on tap from 1,750-4,000rpm. This endows the Giulia enough performance to crack the 0-100km/h sprint in just 6.6 seconds, and a rated combined cycle fuel economy of 6.0L/100km.

Matching the Germans in standard equipment level, the most affordable Giulia comes fitted with leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless go, stop/start technology, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a reverse parking camera. Bi-Xenon headlamps are also standard fare though it really needs to make the switch to LED to keep up with the competition.

As with all Alfa Romeo’s, the Giulia’s driver focused interior features the brand’s DNA rotary driving mode selector, a 3.5-inch TFT colour cluster instrument panel, UConnect 6.5-inch display infotainment system with DAB and Bluetooth connectivity, and a fairly decent 8-speaker audio system.

Next in the range is the Giulia Super, available with a choice of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol variant for $64,195 or a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel model for $65,895. The sole diesel model in the range produces 132kW, accompanied by 450Nm of torque from 1,750-3,750rpm. Rated at just 4.2L/100km on the combined cycle, the diesel-powered Giulia is capable of 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds.

The Giulia Super sports a higher grade of leather which also adorns the dash and doors, an eight-way power driver’s seat, adaptive cruise control and heated steering wheel. Safety also steps up with the inclusion of blind spot monitoring.

Those looking for more sporting prowess in the Italian sports sedan will be drawn to the $71,895 Giulia Veloce, which is powered by a high output version of the turbo 2.0-litre petrol engine serving up a potent 206kW and 400Nm. The Giulia Veloce accelerates to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds, yet sips just 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.

The Giulia Veloce also gains Alfa’s SDC variable damping suspension, limited-slip rear differential, 19-inch Veloce alloys and an uprated braking package, with calipers distinctively finished in red.

Inside, the Veloce’s cabin steps up the visual performance with aluminium dash inserts and pedals, a sports leather seats and steering wheel, and a premium 10-speaker sound system.

Calling the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C 63 as rival, the flagship Giulia Quadrifoglio packs a Ferrari-inspired 375kW / 600Nm twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 petrol, beefed up body work and lots of carbon fibre from $143,900 plus ORCs. The sprint to 100km/h takes just 3.9 seconds and coming to a halt from the same speed will take only 32 metres. Flat out, the Giulia Quadrifoglio nudges 300km/h and thanks to cylinder deactivation technology, fuel economy rating sits at just 8.2L/100km.

Like its predecessors from the 155 to the 159, the Giulia is a gorgeous looking car. From those curvy headlights and tail lamps to the smoothly sculpted panels and neat detailing, the Giulia is truly a head turner. With short overhangs and a long wheelbase, the Italian mid-size sedan sports near perfect proportions, its distinctive looks are further pumped up in our test car with the optional 19-inch ‘5-hole’ dark alloy wheels that sit perfectly flush with the arches, giving the car real attitude.

The Italian flair and elegance is carried through to the interior, too, with the sweeping dashboard design commanding first attention. The steering wheel, with the integrated engine start button and column mounted one-piece milled aluminium pedal shifters, is another design masterpiece that not only looks fantastic but is also great to hold. High score also goes to the neat blending in of the 7-inch infotainment screen to the dashboard, though the built-in navigation system falls well shy of the competition in both clarity, accuracy and user-friendliness.

The overall cabin feel is suitably business like, but some may find the palette too monotone with the sea of black and grey surfaces, lifted only subtly by polished silver aluminium trim inserts on the center console and door cards. Nevertheless, Alfa Romeo offers a myriad of non-black leather upholstery customisation options for those who prefer a little more vibrancy.

Alfa’s reputation for quality has not been the best in recent years but the Giulia came as a real surprise. Overall fit and finish is not only the most impressive we have seen from this company, but also rivals the best from Germany and Japan. Throughout my week long test, there was no noticeable squeaks and rattles in the cabin. How un-Alfa that is.

Passenger space up the front is generous and the front seats have thick side bolsters providing excellent support, though I find the headrest too hard. The rear bench can accommodate two adults just as spaciously but a third person will be a bit of a squeeze.

General ergonomics are good, too, and the 3 strategically located USB ports (one at the front, middle and rear) will keep the most connected of families happy. Parents will also appreciate the 3 ISOFIX child seat attachment points in the rear seats. However, the door pockets are so painfully tiny they will not even fit a small water bottle.

The Giulia’s 480 litres of boot space isn’t too shabby but the small boot aperture makes loading large suitcase a challenge.

From behind the wheel, forward visibility is good but the height and position of the side mirrors can obstruct front quarter view. I also find the B pillars too thick.

Alfa Romeo’s have always been fantastic driving machines and I am glad to report that this hallmark is still well and truly alive with the Giulia. Based on an all new rear-wheel drive architecture, all Giulia models benefit from perfect 50/50 weight distribution and best in class power-to-weight ratio. With a light nose, well balanced chassis and a playful rear, the Giulia is an absolute joy to drive, even in base trim.

The steering points precisely and its response is immediate, giving you the feeling of a much smaller, nimbler car. It’s just a shame that it’s lacking in desirable feedback.

In contrast, the chassis is wonderfully communicative, letting you feel its movement and weight shift without being wallowy. The brakes not only bite hard under heavy use but also have a nice progressive feel through the pedal.

With a willing engine and an eight-speed auto box that shifts almost as quick as a twin clutch, the Alfa is as entertaining and engaging as a sports sedan can get through twisty mountain roads. Such sure-footed and agile is the Giulia’s handling that it’s almost too easy to forget that you are driving a four-door sedan.

It retains good manners around town, too, with a buttery smooth powertrain, imperceptible gear changes and a comfortable ride. My test car has been fitted with the optional adaptive dampers with a soft setting. In this mode the suspension manages bump isolation remarkably well, maintaining ride fluidity through broken surfaces.

The Giulia’s fuel use of 9.8L/100km at the end of my week long road test with over 800km clocked is not the best in class and falls shy of the rated 6.0L/100km but is around the ballpark for machines of its calibre.

Verdict

Design and Comfort: 8.5/10

Performance and Handling: 9.0/10

Quality: 8.5/10

Economy: 7.0/10

Features and Equipment: 8.0/10 

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is not just one of the best cars in its class to drive but also one of the best packaged and equipped. If you’re bored with the increasingly mainstream German premium brands, the Giulia is well worth checking out. It represents a true return to form for this once fabulous Italian marque.

Pros

• Handsome styling
• Superb dynamics
• Refined drivetrain

Cons

• Laggy infotainment system
• Small boot aperture

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Price and Specification

Competitors: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Jaguar XE, Lexus IS, Infiniti Q50

The post 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Review appeared first on ForceGT.com.