New Alfa Romeo Giulia vs Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series
Alfa Romeo's new Giulia saloon certainly looks the part, but is it as good to drive, easy to live with and cheap to run as the best German rivals?...
Our verdict
Let's cut straight to the chase: Alfa Romeo has once again failed to overcome its big-named German rivals. That said, the Giulia gets nothing like the drubbing suffered by some of Alfa’s previous efforts in this competitive class.
The Giulia’s main strength is its sharp handling, which will really put a smile on your face whenever the road gets twisty. Add to that its stunning looks, competitive pricing and a strong diesel engine that’s frugal and has low CO2 emissions, and we can genuinely understand why you might decide the Giulia is the right car for you. The trouble is, the BMW 3 Series is slightly roomier, nearly as good to drive and has a better interior. Add in its superior infotainment system and more compliant ride, and the Giulia doesn’t stack up in enough areas to gain second spot.
Beating them both is the Audi A4. In this lower-powered 3.0 TDI form it remains class leader and doesn’t feel anywhere near ready to give up its Car of the Year title, something it will have to do next month. The fact that you’re able to enjoy six-cylinder diesel performance and refinement with minimal financial penalty is extremely compelling, and the air of quality inside continues to embarrass some cars from the class above. It genuinely feels like a baby luxury limo.
True, Audi has taken a more relaxed approach with the A4’s handling, which makes it the least entertaining of our trio to drive. However, we think that’s a price worth paying, given the extremely comfortable ride you get in return.
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1st – Audi A4
For Superb refinement; strong performance; classiest interior; most comfortable ride; plenty of kit
Against Scrabbles for traction in wet; tightest here for rear space
Verdict Still the finest all-round executive car money can buy
Rated 5 out of 5
Read our full Audi A4 review
Find a great Audi A4 deal
2nd – BMW 3 Series
For Handling; rear space; best infotainment system
Against Noisiest engine; so-so interior quality
Verdict Still a great choice, just no longer the best
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full BMW 3 Series review
Find a great BMW 3 Series deal
3rd – Alfa Romeo Giulia
For Huge fun to drive; punchy engine; stylish looks
Against Low-rent interior; road noise; low-speed ride
Verdict Great fun, but there are better all-rounders
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Alfa Romeo Giulia review
Find a great Alfa Romeo Giulia deal
Also consider:
Specifications: Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.2d 180 Super auto
Engine size 2.2-litre diesel
List price £31,950
Target Price £31,950
Power 178bhp @ 3750rpm
Torque 332lb ft @ 1500rpm
0-60mph 7.2sec
Top speed 143mph
True MPG 45.7mpg
Gov't fuel economy 67.3mpg
CO2 emissions 109g/km
Specifications: Audi A4 3.0 TDI 218 Sport S tronic
Engine size 3.0-litre diesel
List price £34,700
Target Price £31,309
Power 215bhp @ 4000-5000rpm
Torque 295Ib ft @ 1250-3750rpm
0-60mph 7.1sec
Top speed 155mph
True MPG 42.0mpg
Gov't fuel economy 67.3mpg
CO2 emissions 109g/km
Specifications: BMW 3 Series 320d xDrive Sport auto
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price £33,460
Target Price £29,249
Power 187bhp @ 4000rpm
Torque 295lb ft @ 1750rpm
0-60mph 7.4sec
Top speed 145mph
True MPG n/a
Gov't fuel economy 62.8mpg
CO2 emissions 119g/km
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