The Giulia is Alfa's entry in the compact-luxury sport sedan segment, aiming to combine performance and premium to serve as an alternative to the BMW 3 Series.
This Italian sedan is brimming with style and character, and thanks to its super agile handling, it's fun to drive. We found it to be quick and fuel efficient. But ultimately, compared to some of its near-perfect peers, the Giulia falls short on interior quality, quietness, and ergonomics, among other things. These and other setbacks play out as annoyances during daily driving.
When it comes to performance, there's no question that the Giulia has the handling credentials for a driver's car; it puts the emphasis on "sport" in the sports sedan category. With its super-quick steering and perfectly balanced handling, the Giulia is a delight to drive. The 280-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine does its part with robust acceleration and a snarly exhaust sound. But even with these strengths, it isn't a complete achievement. When it comes to ultimate cornering grip and braking performance, the Alfa is compromised by its pedestrian tires, while the eight-speed automatic transmission lacks polish in smoothness and response.
At least the Giulia's 27 mpg overall fuel economy is one of the best in the segment.
Ride comfort is civilized and commendable considering that agile handling, but there's a firm edge that makes it less plush than, say, an Audi A4. The Alfa is fairly quiet inside, but it is missing the level of substance and solidity one finds in a BMW.
Inside, you're treated to a few quirky touches that add personality, such as the start button located on the steering wheel. While there are some interesting details, the Giulia is ripe with frustrations. The gear selector is a nuisance to use, requiring the press of a button when going from Reverse to Drive. The center dash vents are too low, causing your elbows to freeze when the A/C is running. The driver's seat is limited in its adjustments, compromising the driving position. The rear seat is cramped -- not entirely unusual for this class -- and the trunk is small, as well.
Recent updates have included improved controls, with a more user-friendly screen that's touch-enabled. Fit and finish has been improved as well with more attention to detail.
Safety systems consist of standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning.
Ultimately, its sporty character and styling shine brightly but the Giulia is not as thoroughly designed or as solid feeling as its main peers.