ALFA ROMEO GIULIA
Going back to the drawing board...
Still a real looker, even in a sober colour and trim. It’s all about curves, in stark contrast to the other three, with their angles and lines. Giulia’s shape is cohesive, classically Italian and not-actually-thatsaloon-like. Molto, molto bene.
Does it really move the needle?
Engine willingly lets you know that it’s a diesel, and quite a gru one at that. Punchy delivery, though, with a smooth whump of torque to exploit via the eight-speed ZF and its gorgeous metal paddles. Manual changes in Dynamic are a little lurchy but you’ll be having too much fun to care.
Can it go the extra mile?
Steering is among the best on the market, and just as lively as the hotter QF version. Ride strikes a great balance between killing bodyroll and not making ruts too much of a fuss. Adaptive dampers can be in their ‘soft’ setting even in Dynamic mode. Brakes are strong, too.