2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia
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production sedan. Given space to stretch out (like an open track day at a race course) the engine impresses with speed and sound. Especially in Race mode, where the car’s reflexes are sharpened, engine tone is less muffled, and downshifting is punctuated with rev-matching throttle blips. Perfect for channeling your inner Fangio. Equally impressive is how well mannered the car is in daily use. Old school car guys like me never stop being amazed at how modern, high performance cars can shrug off the indignities of modern driving (like a summertime traffic jam) – things that would’ve provoked overheating headaches from classic muscle cars and sports cars.
Most of the changes for the 2020 Giulia are found on the inside. The center console has been redesigned, with larger cup holders, the better to accommodate the American preference for mega-volume beverages. A wireless phone charging pad is now available. The center console bin has been enlarged, but even with this, the small door pockets and the glove box, Giulia is light on in cabin stowage spots. The driver instrument cluster (7” display), has upgraded functionality and sharper graphics. The infotainment system has been redesigned as well. Screen size - formerly 6.5” or 8.8” is now standardized at 8.8” Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility is still standard, and Sirius/xm radio is now complementary, for 12 months. Several, new connectivity features are offered, including a 4g LTE Wi-fi hotspot. Added, standard safety features include automated emergency braking and forward collision warning. Advanced driver assistance features have been expanded. The Active Driver Assist Package, for example, includes highway assist, traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, active blind spot assist, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, adaptive cruise control with stop, automatic high beam headlamp control and an infrared windshield. Like all electronic, joystick shifters, the Alfa’s requires finesse moves, the imprecision of which meant that I frequently had to make more than one swipe at gear selection, which is annoying.
The standard, sport seats are highly adjustable, supportive of spirited driving and yet long trip comfortable. Giulia accommodates six footers comfortably up front. A workable compromise can be reached where six footers can fit in both rows, but only with a concession from those in front on seatback rake. Smaller feet also come in handy in back, owing to limited foot well space. Cargo capacity is about 13 cubic feet, rear seatbacks fold flat forward to accommodate long items, though you may first have to move the front seatbacks forward.
Most people will find the base model with the standard suspension comfortable and sufficiently entertaining. Enthusiast drivers looking to up the performance ante will want to consider the TI series. Any model in this range can opt for a Performance Package that includes active suspension, limited slip differential and aluminum, steering column paddle shifters. If your budget allows, there’s the Giulia Quadrifoglio to consider. Dripping in carbon fiber, it packs an exotic blend of performance and advanced technology, wrapped in Italian style.
A regular contributor to the Times Union for over 25 years, Dan Lyons is the award-winning author of six books, and photographer of more than 200 calendars.