Alfa Romeo Giulia (2016-2026)
Also referred to as: Alfa Romeo Giulia 2025 and Alfa Romeo Giulia 2027.10 reviews
I bought a second hand MY22 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce sedan (colour Misano Blue) in May 2025 with about 15K kms on the odometer. It was first registered in 2023. I’ve been looking to get one ever since the Giulia was launched. I think it is one of… Read more
the most attractive mid-size sedans on the market. I don’t like SUVs or those types of vehicles, still preferring a coupe or a four-door sedan. One came up at a dealer just around the corner from where I live so I checked it out and ended up buying it.
So, some eight months later, what is it like? Okay, in all fairness, I am an Alfa Romeo fan. I also own a 2010 159 TBi Ti which I’ve also written a review on then I purchased that vehicle back in 2013. I’ve been happy with that car.
The best way to describe the Giulia is to compare it to probably it’s biggest competitor, the BMW 320i M Sport. Just so happens I had a 2022 model as a hire car for a few days in the UK in 2024 so I could compare the two.
The BMW was very nice, easy to drive safe and swift. However, three things put me off. First were the hard seats, for me anyway. The second was the digital instruments which are fine but not to my liking preferring the older analogue instruments. The third was the Lane Assist function which I found terrible. It was like driving a bus as the steering was so heavy. Took us a few hours on the website to find out how to disconnect it which then made the car more pleasant.
In comparison, the Giulia is much better in all those areas. Probably the only thing the BMW does better is it is somewhat smoother, the Giulia, at least mine being a bit less smooth when cold but then is as smooth as silk. The handling is it’s highlighting feature followed by the performance and comfort. Considering the model was launched around 2016/2017, I think it is still class leading in those areas. As footnote, I hired a 2010 BMW 320D sedan back then in Sicily while on holidays and that was a much better car than the current BMWs in my opinion.
The interior has been gradually improved from the early models and have the right level of quality and feel. I had it serviced just after buying it as it was due and there were no issues. Not had any major issues. Keep in mind that almost all these types/class of cars, especially compared to the German cars basically use the similar electronics and components like brakes, transmissions etc. The only real issue to watch out for is the battery as that is the most likely component that will eventually fail. Mine was okay but the Stop Start function (which I rarely use anyway) was not functioning. There was no fault code picked up at the service but it is a sign the battery isn’t where it should be for full performance. So, I connected it up to my C-Tek trickle charger for a couple of days and now the Stop Start works. I know a lot is said about the Infotainment system and yes, perhaps not up there with the current offerings but I bought the car to drive and enjoy it, not watch television. The radio is very good; it has Apple Car Play so that’s all I am interested in.
In summary, overall, I am very happy with my Giulia. It stands out from the crowd and is something different. Two of my neighbours both have black BMW sedans so that says it all, just being with the crowd, hardly being special, is it? And finally, don't worry about reliability, my 159 has never let me down, this one will be no different if it's looked after correctly.
Follow-up · Just a quick follow up on the Giulia. I have taken it on a couple of long trip and it performed perfectly. The fuel economy was acceptable and despite low profile tires and sports suspension provided a more than comfortable ride. I even tried the semi autonomous driving mode where it steered itself whilst keeping ones hands on the wheel of course.… Read more
An all time great… – I upgraded to the QV model after 2 years with the Veloce. I’ve had it 5 years now and it remains fantastic. Amazing performance and handling when you want to go hard, refined and relaxing when you don’t. This is the longest I’ve ever kept a car but I genuinely cannot think of anything else I’d rather have. It’s easy to be scared off by the… Read more
reliability “stories” but my car has been almost faultless. I had one warranty claim after a week when an electrical component failed but since then, nothing but routine maintenance and a replacement battery after 2 years of little use during Covid lockdowns.
The maintenance can be expensive - 3k for a belt change and 5k for front discs and rotors but you do need to remember that this is very close to a 4 door supercar and that sort of performance does not come cheap.
There are a few things that niggle but really very little - the infotainment is a bit dated but I really don’t use it so it’s never bothered me. The automatic start-stop is really poor - jerky and poorly calibrated but I just turn it off. The standard Pirelli tyres are probably great for track days but aren’t great for Melbourne winters. Other than that, one of the all time greats and I doubt I’ll ever sell it - it’s currently my daily but I’ll probably gradually retire it to weekend fun duties.
Get one whilst you can as they won’t make anything like this again!
A cut of beauty in a age of aggressive edges – It’s not perfect, but it’s beautiful, it makes you feel special, even going down to the shops at 40 Kph an hour it’s a joy to drive, the steering weight is perfect and the v6 is to die for. I love BMW’s and have M3’s of old that replicated this feeling I’ve described, but I can’t say anything like that about the new M cars I’ve driven, the M2 is… Read more
close, but the QV is just a gem and a rare breed we will never see again, little niggles of early builds aside (17-19) this is one of the best cars in modern history. - a car fanatic & gear head.
Absolutely the best car I have driven – This is my 5th Alfa Romeo and although I only drive it a couple of times a week it is always a joy - I can't stop smiling every time I take it out. I've enjoyed some spirited driving in it but it is so well balanced it just hangs on effortlessly on twisty mountain roads and I love the surge of immediate power when accelerating. After front wheel… Read more
drive in my recent cars, it is great to go back to rear wheel drive.. I have done a few touring trips in it as well as commuting the 100 kms to Sydney from the South Coast and the occasional drive in Sydney traffic. It is simply a joy to drive in all conditions. Current mileage is just over 20,000, only a battery issue to report and all scheduled servicing has been done. I have owned/driven a wide range of vehicles covering European & Japanese sports cars, 4WD's, sedans, etc but nothing else comes close. The Giulia Veloce is awesome. I love it.
Best Alfa ever – This car is amazing. I use it as a daily driver no faults at all. Alfa has come a long way since the 156. I get it service 3-4 times a year. Show details
Best car ever – My 8th Alfa among 20 cars that I've owned.The best of the lot..built on Giorgio platform engineered in colaboration with Ferrari, 33000 km of pure pleasure and joy. My next one is V6 Quadrifoglio Show details
Uneven tyre wear – My only gripe is that when I took the car for the second schedule service 30K I was told that the two front tyres were badly worn on the inside and I should change them. How can this be? is called too much negative camber, one maybe, pothole maybe, but both? I blame the original wheel alignment and Alfa should pay for the tyres, instead, they told… Read more
me that tyres are a consumable item and therefore the owners responsibility. These tyres are not cheap (run-flats) looking at the condition of the tyres I would say that they started to wear uneven from day one. I'm very disappointed with Alfa Australia response.
Fabulous look, style and performance – Great looking car, sleek and stylish. Interior is very stylish and high quality with comfort a priority. Our Giulia is used a second car for leisure and longer distances but just as good for local rides. The performance is superb with the acceleration very fast and responsive. The car has all the latest safety extras for added security and peace… Read more
of mind. We service the car at the Alfa Romeo garage and so far no issue have been found and we bought it from new (ex demo). The old reputation for Alfa's being a lemon car and always breaking down and rusting have been blown out the window with this generation of Alfa.
Great depth of engineering – I have the 2.0 Veloce model. And have had it 2 years now. It has been first rate in every way. Looks great, drives brilliantly and despite the scare stories has been very reliable. There has only been one recall on the car - for a software update. Performance is excellent and the chassis is fantastic - it drives like a car half it’s weight.… Read more
The interior is highlight for me - uniquely Italian and very comfortable on long journeys.
There are a few niggles but nothing that seriously undermines my enjoyment of the car - the infotainment is not quite as good as the offerings from the Germans, the kick panels in the driver footwell are a little hard and cheap feeling and the start/stop is a little intrusive.
My previous two cars having been a BMW 428i and Audi A5, the Alfa is more than a match for them, is more enjoyable to own and is just as dependable. If you don’t believe me - look at the UK magazine - “What Car?” - their 2018 reliability survey placed the Giulia comfortably ahead of the 3 series, the A4 and the C class.
Horrible Quality, Terrible Customer Service – Car was written off as a result from an collision with a tree at 60km/h. Contacted both Alfa Romeo Australia and Alfa Romeo Italy Customer Service by phone and Facebook. Both disregarded any requests I had about their vehicle quality. The only reply I received was a "handball" to another department which did not help either. Shame to see this is the type of car/service you get from $160,000. Show details
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