A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.6
Comfort & Interior
4.2
Running Costs
3.6
Practicality
4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a premium saloon that combines Italian passion with everyday usability? The Alfa Romeo Giulia delivers exactly that blend of style and substance. This executive saloon stands out in a competitive market dominated by German rivals, offering distinctive design and engaging driving dynamics that few competitors can match. The Giulia excels where many premium saloons feel clinical, bringing genuine character to the executive car segment. Whether you’re considering rivals like the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C Class, the Giulia offers something different with its rear wheel drive setup and distinctive Italian flair. The range includes efficient diesel engines alongside petite turbocharged options, all delivering impressive performance and reasonable running costs. Build quality has improved significantly over previous Alfa Romeo models, while the interior combines luxury materials with intuitive technology. For drivers seeking an alternative to the usual German executive saloons, the Giulia represents excellent value with flexible finance options available. The Giulia proves that choosing an executive saloon doesn’t mean sacrificing personality for practicality.
What's the Alfa Romeo Giulia Like to Drive?
The Alfa Romeo Giulia offers an impressive range of engines, all tuned for driver engagement. The entry level 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol delivers around 200 horsepower, providing smooth acceleration and a satisfying soundtrack. For those wanting more punch, the 280 horsepower Veloce variant transforms the driving experience completely. At the top sits the legendary Quadrifoglio with its Ferrari derived 2.9 litre twin turbo V6, producing an incredible 510 horsepower that can propel this executive saloon from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo / 2.9L V6 Twin Turbo
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Power Output
200 - 510 bhp
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0-60 mph
6.6 - 3.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 45 mpg
- Boot Space
- 480 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia?
Step inside the Giulia and you’re immediately struck by the distinctive Italian design approach. The dashboard features flowing lines and premium materials, while the signature three spoke steering wheel feels perfectly sized and positioned. The infotainment system centers around an 8.8 inch touchscreen that controls everything from navigation to smartphone connectivity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, making it easy to integrate your digital life seamlessly.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia blends Italian flair with sharp performance, offering a compelling mix of driving excitement and refined execution. Its engines, from the punchy 2.0 turbo to the ferocious Quadrifoglio, deliver visceral thrills, while the cabin balances premium materials with ergonomic clarity. Though running costs feel steep compared to rivals, its character and dynamic prowess make it a standout in the premium saloon class.
Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Expensive to Run?
As a premium Italian saloon, the Giulia comes with running costs that reflect its positioning in the market. Fuel economy varies significantly across the range, with the base 2.0 litre achieving around 40 to 45 mpg in mixed driving conditions. The more powerful variants naturally use more fuel, but they’re still reasonable for their performance levels. Insurance groups range from moderate to high depending on the variant, with the Quadrifoglio commanding premium rates due to its supercar level performance.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Alfa Romeo Giulia
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BMW 3 Series
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Audi A4
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £32,000 | £35,000 | £33,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L Turbo 200hp | 2.0L Turbo 184hp | 2.0L Turbo 190hp |
| Power | 200 bhp | 184 bhp | 190 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.6 seconds | 7.1 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 45 mpg | 47 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 480 litres | 480 litres | 460 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Rear wheel drive, Distinctive styling, Engaging handling | All wheel drive available, Premium interior, Strong residuals | Quattro all wheel drive, Virtual cockpit, Refined ride |
Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Practical for Everyday Use?
For an executive saloon, the Giulia delivers impressive everyday usability. The 480 litre boot easily accommodates a week’s shopping or several large suitcases, while the wide opening and low loading lip make it easy to load bulky items. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage spaces for phones, drinks, and other daily essentials. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split configuration, extending the cargo area when you need to carry longer items like skis or flat pack furniture.
I’ve owned German executive cars for years, but the Giulia is something special. The styling turns heads everywhere I go, and the driving experience is in a different league. The interior feels genuinely luxurious, and reliability has been excellent so far.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia stands out in the crowded executive saloon market by offering genuine Italian flair combined with impressive performance and refinement. It wraps distinctive styling, engaging driving dynamics, and premium interior quality into a package that challenges the German establishment effectively. While it may not match German rivals for ultimate refinement or dealer network coverage, it excels in the areas that matter most for driving enjoyment and visual impact.