Alfa Romeo Giulia review – performance and 0-60 times
Performance figures fall behind its German counterparts, with a simplified lineup leaving gaps in the range
Alfa Romeo tried hard to ensure that, on paper at least, the Giulia does not compromise too heavily that it falls off a buyer's shopping list, but its recently simplified range does reduce appeal. The entry-level car produces a respectable 197bhp for a 6.6sec 0-62mph time, more favourable than the entry-level 181bhp BMW 3-series, but stats are less attractive further up the range.
Available in the Veloce and Estrema is the 276bhp 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, capable of a 5.8sec 0-62mph time and a 149mph top speed. Though this does put the Giulia ahead of the middling BMW 330i with 245bhp, you'll pay from £4300 more for an Alfa with that powertrain.
Where the Giulia really falls behind is its lack of hybrid and diesel powertrains, with BMW's 3-series offering a wide range of options to suit all use cases. BMW's potent M340i and M340d, and Audi's S4 also plug gaps in their respective lineups that the Giulia misses.
The lack of an M340i-rivalling six-cylinder option might be considered a limiting factor for those after a bit more punch, but for the performance minded buyer, the fantastic 503bhp Quadrifoglio does still remain one of the finest performance saloons on the market. With more than enough performance chops to take on rivals like the M3 and C63 AMG, the twin-turbo V6 model is a worthwhile addition to your sports saloon shopping list.
