Alfa Romeo Giulia review

When perusing the options for your next company car, it may well involve a list that includes a lot of German executive saloons. If you’re bored with that oh-so-familiar line-up, though, the Alfa Romeo Giulia was tailor-made for you.

History has illustrated that few car-making nations can offer a finer-looking four-wheeled breath of fresh air than the Italians, and this is one that can confidently take on the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. Unlike some of its predecessors, the Alfa Romeo Giulia shouldn’t be dismissed as an oddball or irrational choice, even if it’s far from an obvious one; it certainly has the substance to back up its style.

Unlike its front-wheel drive predecessors, the Giulia is available with rear or four-wheel drive. The switch from front to rear-wheel drive allows the car to sit more comfortably next to its driver-focussed German counterparts, while the use of lightweight aluminium in the car’s structure and bodywork should be good news for fuel efficiency and cornering poise. Remember, too, that as well as BMW and Mercedes, the Giulia also faces competition from the Audi A4, a former Car of the Year, and the Jaguar XE.

The engine range is made up of two 2.2-litre diesels in 187bhp or 207bhp guides, plus two 2.0-litre turbocharged petrols with 197bhp and 276bhp, and a range-topping twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 Quadrifoglio version with 503bhp, which you can read all about here. All come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard; there’s no option of a manual ’box.

Read the next few pages for everything you need to know about the Alfa Romeo Giulia, including which engine, trim level and options make the most sense. And if you decide you want to buy a Giulia, or indeed any other car, head over to the New Car Buying section of our website to find out how much you could save.