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Alfa Romeo Giulia review - design

One of the rather more limited talents of the old 159, the Giulia is perhaps not as pretty or well detailed as its predecessor, but the look is sleek and crucially different to the German aristocracy

Evo rating
RRP
from £40,829
  • Keen engines, enjoyable handling
  • Firm low-speed ride, option packs soon add up

Thanks to an all-new rear drive chassis, Alfa Romeo designers were gifted the chance to reform Alfa Romeo design for this next generation. Hardly a cradle of distinctive design, the compact executive class doesn’t provide a huge amount of creative expression beyond branding exercises, but the lack of aesthetic distinction seen in the Giulia is disappointing, especially compared to its 159 predecessor and the 156 before that.

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Despite the traditional Alfa Romeo grill, from most angles one might struggle to identify the Giulia. Its oversized headlights lack the aggressive scowl of the 159 and despite pleasant details like some attractive wheel options, the overall design is disappointing considering Alfa Romeo’s track record.

The Alfa’s saving grace may well be its relative rarity on UK roads, as in the sea of BMW 3-series and Audi A4s, the fact it is not a German compact executive might well be enough for most.

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