Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce

Refreshed 276bhp saloon continues to make a strong case for forgoing the obvious German options

INITIALLY LAUNCHED IN 2016 AS ALFA Romeo’s most potent Giulia model without a four-leaf-clover badge, the Veloce applies some of the Quadrifoglio’s magic to a more affordable, practical saloon. Over half a decade on, the model has been given a midlife update, but are the tweaks enough for it to keep up with the latest German rivals?

Alongside the refresh comes a rationalisation of the Giulia line-up. Quadrifoglio aside, all UK cars now receive the same 2-litre turbocharged ‘GME T4’ four-cylinder, all with 276bhp and 295lb ft. The 197bhp 2-litre petrol is therefore no more, joining the 2.2-litre diesel in retirement. So while there are three trim levels – Sprint, Veloce and Competizione – the names no longer imply different power outputs. An eight-speed ZF automatic remains standard across the board and is still operated via some of the most tactile column-mounted paddles you’ll find outside of Maranello. While the Giulia’s closest rivals, the 254bhp Mercedes-benz C300 and 288bhp BMW 330e, have turned to hybrid assistance, the Italian has bucked the trend and stuck to combustion power alone. Thanks to this, along with an aluminium block and some surprising weight-saving measures (such as a carbonfibre propshaft that weighs just 7kg, saving 15kg), the Giulia tips the scales at a modest 1429kg. That’s some 416kg less than the aforementioned BMW…

Aided by its snappy ZF transmission and the arrival of peak torque at 2250rpm, the Giulia immediately feels more spritely than its power figure might suggest. A 5.7sec 0-62mph time and 149mph top speed are near identical to its rivals’ performance stats, and rarely are you left wanting more from the boosted four-cylinder. The Giulia feels genuinely quick.

On the move, the benefits of the Alfa’s lower mass and 50:50 weight distribution are easily felt, inspiring huge confidence with fantastic balance and reassuring feedback through the chassis. Although occasionally crashy, its damping is well suited to a spirited drive on some of the UK’S bumpier roads, handling tricky marred surfaces and undulations quickly and without fuss. Its spring rates may be softer than we’re accustomed to in 2023, but the Giulia retains a good level of body control while generating strong traction and delivering a ride suitable for everyday duties.

While not as hyperactive as the Quadrifoglio’s, the regular Giulia’s steering is quick, offering plenty of accuracy and off-centre response. There’s little feel, but the way in which the chassis responds helps make up for some of that lost information. The seating position is good, if a little high, and once in Dynamic mode the sharpened throttle allows for the kind of mid-corner adjustability lacking in most of the

Alfa’s rivals. At low speeds and from a standstill the gearbox is still a tad clunky, but swift shifts and those tactile paddles help make up for it.

The brake-by-wire system, meanwhile, provides a firm pedal and good consistency at everyday speeds, with Dynamic mode increasing that firmness and reducing pedal travel by 15 per cent. It’s a nifty feature that initially appears to work wonders, but the brakes don’t inspire huge confidence when you pick up the pace in this mode.

The Giulia’s exterior design remains largely familiar, but with tasteful updates to the front and rear bumpers, wheels and lighting units setting it apart from earlier versions. Inside, the new 12.3-inch digital instrument display is the only notable change. The faux-carbonfibre trim won’t be for some and its German rivals still have the edge in terms of overall build quality, but there are very few hard plastics, with the main touchpoints being high quality. While sharper than before, the infotainment system can still be slow to respond, and the new digital dash is near impossible to navigate on the move with the bewildering array of steering-wheel controls.

The middling Veloce trim is expected to be the best seller, and it’s easy to see why. For a £4500 premium over the entry-level Sprint you get a limited-slip differential, handsome 19-inch ‘petal’ alloys and a whole host of other niceties. We also drove the range-topping Competizione, and while most of its hardware matches the Veloce’s, its extra features include adaptive dampers. In their default mode the ride is virtually indistinguishable from that of the passively damped car, but enable the soft damper setting – the only other option available – and it’s night and day. Not unlike Ferrari’s ‘bumpy road’ mode, it takes the edges off harsh surfaces and provides more compliance.

Costing from £47,759 in Veloce trim (£43,259 for

Above and left: new headlights feature three individual elements in reference to past Alfa models; Veloce trim level brings 19-inch wheels (up an inch over the Sprint items). Top: interior gains new digital instruments

the Sprint and £52,259 for the Competizione), the Giulia plugs a gap in the market for a reasonably priced, entertaining rear-drive saloon. Stump up an additional £10,000 and the likes of the BMW M340i xdrive and Audi S4 come within reach, but if you can do without their headline power figures, you can’t go too far wrong with the Alfa.

Engine In-line 4-cyl, 1995cc, turbocharged Power 276bhp @ 5250rpm Torque 295lb ft @ 2250rpm Weight 1429kg (196bhp/ton) 0-62mph 5.7sec Top speed 149mph Basic price £47,759

+ Inspiring handling, relatively light weight - Interior and infotainment off the pace in places evo rating