Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Our Italian supersaloon wins itself another admirer

IT HAD LONG BUGGED ME THAT I’D NOT managed to get myself into a Giulia Quadrifoglio, but that changed recently when I bagged the job of testing the mighty GTAM for last month’s issue, giving me the excuse to wheedle my way into Adam Towler’s long-term test car by way of preparation.

The fact I only got round to handing it back to him almost a month later should tell you all you need to know about this intoxicating car. Not to mention my brazen lack of conscience. That there’s no longer a metallic red Giulia Cloverleaf on my drive is a genuine source of distress.

Character is that hardest of qualities to define, but the easiest to feel and the toughest to objectively resist. It’s also a polite word used by motoring journalists to sugar-coat flaws and failings. So, when I describe the Giulia as being one of the most impressive and characterful current cars I’ve driven in a very long time, what I’m basically saying is that it’s brilliant, but not without failings, and that I couldn’t care less because it absolutely nails what I want. Both as a potent (190mph!) supersaloon and a modern Alfa Romeo.

The looks, sound and performance are all utterly intoxicating. The motor is very special indeed, both in terms of output and delivery, with the balance of grunt and grip just in favour of the former. Not in a spiky, sweaty-palmed way, but enough to know there’s a lot of shove going to the rear axle. It feels properly potent, goes like stink and rewards skilful driving without demanding it.

I think what I really love about it is the way it was clearly conceived as a rival to the usual suspects from Audi, BMW and Merc, yet instead of trying to beat the Germans at their own game pursued a truly, madly, deeply Italian approach. What you get is an exuberant, original and warmly soulful machine, not some iron-fisted Terminator.

What does come as a surprise is how well the car works as, er, just a car. The new infotainment system is simple and easy to use. The screen is beautifully integrated into the sweeping dash, not a cheap-looking tablet that’s slapped on wherever it’ll fit. It’s also comfortable, nicely finished, generously equipped, spacious and – most pleasingly – Not Another SUV. Though of course if you want an allwheel-drive Alfa then there’s the Stelvio…

Despite its abundant appeal, the Giulia’s sales numbers suggest dropping £70k on a new Alfa Romeo is too big a leap of faith for most people. That’s a real shame because the Quadrifoglio is an absolute cracker.

Date acquired January 2021 Total mileage 3672 Mileage this month 901 Costs this month £0 mpg this month 21.1