The Alfa Romeo Giulia is an AutoTrader favourite. Set aside the old notion of petrol heads loving Alfa Romeos and you will find that the current Giulia is a rather impressive motor vehicle. I say current because we're only talking about the Type 952 here, despite the Giulia name being used previously in 1962 for the Type 105. The modern Giulia competes with the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and others in the hotly contested D-Segment compact executive sedan category.
Related: Compact executive sedan shootout! Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. Lexus IS vs. Jaguar XE
We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with both the high-performance Quadrifoglio version as well as the Base and Super models when it was released in South Africa in 2017. While the fire-breathing Quadrifoglio is able to convincingly threaten the BMW M3, it was the Super that impressed us the most with its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. It struck a wonderful blend of driver engagement, performance, style and practicality that we felt was sorely missing in the segment at the time.
Models
At the time of its local launch, there were three models on offer; the Base, Super and Quadrifoglio with the Super available with a Stile pack and the Quadrifoglio available in Launch and Race editions. Since then the model lineup has been streamlined to only include the 2.0T Veloce and Quadrifoglio.
| Model | Spec | Price |
| Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0T Veloce | 2.0T 147 kW / 330 Nm | R869 900 |
| Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio | 2.9T 375 kW / 600 Nm | R1 449 900 |
Style
One of the undeniable facts about the Giulia is that it is good to look at. It manages to be striking without having to resort to gimmicky styling cues with massive grilles, creases and unnecessary vents. The simplistic 4-door sedan shape is fluid and muscular with a purposeful stance. It's the sort of vehicle that is beautiful from all angles.
Opt for a Veloce model and you will glide in and out of traffic without drawing too much attention to yourself. Those that know will admire your choice in motor vehicle while the rest will simple appreciate seeing it on the road.
Interior
In keeping with the simple, minimalist approach of the exterior, the interior is clean and uncluttered with controls exactly where you expect to find them. Comfortable, leather seats will hold you in place as you drive and offer support and comfort no matter how long the journey while a host of technology will keep you satiated.
The Giulia is fitted with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream audio from your phone or use approve in-car apps.
Space
Despite being a compact sedan, the Giulia offers seating for 4 adults and a generous boot for luggage. The interior is cosseting but not to the extent that it feels cramped or claustrophobic.
| Area | Dimensions |
| Boot | 480-litres |
| Length | 4643 mm |
| Width | 2024 mm (mirrors incl.) |
| Height | 1436 mm |
| Front overhang | 795 mm |
| Rear overhang | 1024 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2820 mm |
You're also given a generous cubby hole and centre armrest storage and while smaller than some of its peers, the Giulia also offers door bins.
Safety
You won't need to worry about safety in the Alfa Romeo Giulia. The Giulia tested well in both the IIHS and Euro NCAP crash tests, scoring a full 5-stars and 98% in the NCAP and full marks in the IIHS tests. It was also awarded with the Top Safety Pick+ award in the IIHS test.
You will get 6 airbags along with a host of driver assistance and active safety systems. You can also expect to experience the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB) and pedestrian detection systems for additional peace of mind. The Giulia also has ISOFIX mountings in the outer rears.
Verdict
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a lovely compromise for family use. It allows generous space (for a sedan) for front and rear passengers, adequate tech and ample safety systems for all occupants as well. It may not have the cavernous interior of some of the larger SUVs but it makes up for that with ease of use.
The added bonus is that it's attractive and great to drive, which means that you will still be able to enjoy the vehicle, even when the family is not with you.
