So much fun to drive
At a glance MODEL
PRICE: MECHANICAL:
MAX SPEED: 0-62MPH: COMBINED MPG: INSURANCE GROUP:
BIK RATING:
Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.2 Turbo Diesel 180hp Speciale £35,540
180ps, 2,143cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox 143mph 7.1 seconds 67.3 27 CO2 emissions: 109g/km 26% and fast, responsive steering, contribute to an excellent ride and some very nimble handling. Speciale trim sits in the middle of the Giulia range between Super and Veloce models and, with its efficient 180ps, 2.2-litre diesel engine (2019 models will get 190ps) paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, is aimed at the business buyers who dominate this class.
With low carbon emissions and offering a claimed 67.3mpg on average it’ll keep fleet managers happy while a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.1 seconds and top speed of 143mph means the driver will also be smiling.
There’s a business-class feel to the interior too with the driver-focused cockpit complementing the sporty character of the Giulia, with the push-button ignition switch mounted on the flat-bottomed, racing-style steering wheel as well as aluminium sports pedals, power-adjustable heated front sports seats and leather upholstery.
An 8.8-inch infotainment display dominates the dashboard with menus and functions accessed via a Bmw-style rotary controller on the centre console, where you also find Alfa’s DNA drive mode selector, offering dynamic, natural and advanced efficiency settings.
Other kit includes dual-zone climate control, sat nav, digital radio, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning.
There are three seatbelts in the back but a sizeable transmission tunnel means that it would be almost impossible for anyone, even a child, sitting in the middle to get comfortable.
It is much more sensible to regard this as a four-seater allowing two rear passengers to benefit from the drop down armrest with cupholders, dual aircon fans and USB charging port in relative comfort despite the slightly compromised head and legroom that is an inevitable result of that slippery design.
In all honesty, though, anyone driving the Giulia will probably be enjoying themselves too much to care about how comfortable those in the back are anyway.