About the Alfa Romeo Giulia
Rob V purchased this Alfa Romeo Giulia new for $65,000 (including all on-road costs). Rob V would buy this car again because: “The Giulia is a very well engineered sedan, those who know it, appreciate it. I like the size, the comfort levels and of course the style. The base Sport absolutely meets our needs, and of course there is the Veloce or QV as next step options. “
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
No issues. Car has only done 5000km, but I’ve had a Honda and an Audi that were back in the shop with less.
The engine is quiet, the auto box is bulletproof, the build quality I can’t fault – and is very much comparable to the cars it replaced over the last four to five years, namely a 1 Series and an A3.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
Last count I’ve owned 25 cars, a string of mainly Japanese, German, Swedes. I’ve always had at least one used Italian car lying around.
This is my first new Alfa – a special purchase (yep I’ll take the depreciation hit with my espresso every morning) and after the Sud Sprint ( pretty), GTV6 (owned 10 years, only now being appreciated), GTV 2000 (will never sell it), 156 (hard to find a good one like mine), 159 (up there as a ‘great’ – a solid car) this is the closest to a ‘normal’ car of all.
Of course looks are subjective, but in the Visconti Green it really is a stunner. It’s a little too quiet (my last car was a sweet sounding M140i) but makes it a pleasant place to be compared to our other current car, a raucous Abarth Competizione.
The limited dealerships is a minor concern, but a once a year trip. Warranty at five years would have been better.
How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?
The one and only dealership Sydney is a prestigious place. The sales chap is a real pro, just a little (not) disappointed with the fact they buggered up my factory order tan interior. Blamed on Head Office.
Anyway they know their stuff and really cater to the aficionado – or alfisti – as well I’m sure with everyone else with aplomb. They threw in some extras including an F1 jacket which was nice.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
Yes. Our swap out car was sold just before end of lease and resale/depreciation was negligible so the depreciation is not a concern to me on this purchase. In fact the best way to buy (especially European cars) is to buy off the floor or what is already in transit. Price is in the mid $60s which is reasonable. But I understand others may disagree.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Economy is not a main factor, but with the city/suburban driving we do – about 9.0-9.7 litres per 100km is what we are recording.
Performance-wise it’s 6.6 second car, warm/hot hatch territory but it’s quiet and serene (more than I expected). Steering is ultra sharp, love it, any one that drives it comes away amazed. The turning circle is on another planet compared to our last Alfa sedan – the 159.
Which brings me to a comparison… The family loved the 159, solid, heavier, more grunt (420Nm diesel donk), marginally prettier (Giugaro’s finest sedan?).
The Giulia rides better, of course is more modern, quieter, quicker, more agile (feels like a larger 156 than a lighter 159), ride, steering, brakes and auto transmission are on another planet (understandably given the decade in between). But we loved the 159 and kept it long after the lease… which is what I intend to do with the Giulia.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
Information and safety systems are accessible and all there in a beautiful (updated) dash surround. As intuitive as the best. Who ever is out there prioritising infotainment, you won’t be disappointed – but this is a car not a laptop (see CEO’s latest comments).
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
I had been thinking of the adaptive suspension option and had a car on order with it, but took up this car from the order queue (I’d already waited 4 mths) and the comfort level for our style of driving was the most surprising element of the ownership experience so far.
She can be as soft and quiet as any other luxury Euro. I do however jokingly refer to the Giulia as an Italian Camry or Accord!
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
We own another Alfa, closing in on 50 years of age. I don’t know if the Giulia will be with me that long (I’ll be over a 100 by then and there probably will be no petrol stations!) but the intention is to keep her for the next 10-15. She’s a keeper.