by "DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
Published 02/10/2017 at 18:38
by "DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
Published 02/10/2017 at 18:38
Tags: alfa romeo
; giulia
; ti
; lusso
; the oppo review
STARS: 15
“Is it a Quadrifoglio?”
All the internet commenters ring with the same echo. Ever since I posted that one picture of me behind the drivers seat of Alfa Romeo’s most important car since the Spider, I feel like I’ve been America’s most wanted man. “How is it?” “What’s it like?” “How’s the build quality?” “Is it a Quadrifoglio?” have all been thrown at me from 100 people in three different Facebook groups and on here. Well, I guess it’s time to tell you, by saying first, it’s not a Quadrifoglio
Styling: 9/10
For those of you who are still with me after that confession, if you ever had a doubt about this car’s styling (how dare you), you’ll be glad to know that it definitely looks better in person than any picture could even attempt to capture. The lines are so smooth yet muscular, everything feels well-proportioned. I feel like no matter what trim, color, package, and all that you go with, you’ll end up with a good-looking machine. Definitely one of the car’s bright points.
Quality and Ergonomics: 8/10
This morning before I set out, I was talking to a contact in Europe who said that his experience with a Giulia was less than satisfactory, as it had humongous panel gaps and mis-matched trim. This really frightened me, as one of the defining things that make a luxury car such is the build quality. Luckily for me, I couldn’t find many issues with the build. Everything felt firm and strong to the touch, and the interior smelled of quality leather and material. Ergonomically, the car does fall short a little bit. As highlighted in DeMuro’s review, the b-pillar is humongous, and while it doesn’t hurt entering the car, even for a husky guy like me, it does make blind spots a bit unbearable in quick binds. Also, my left foot kept getting caught in a small pocket in the driver footwell. Not a deal-killer by any means, just a slight annoyance.
Comfort and Technology: 9/10
Another thing that kinda had me worried was how this car would feel on the inside. Would the seats be firm and unforgiving like a Cadillac? Or soft and bed-like, like a Volvo. Well, it’s somewhere in between, which I’m fine with. The bolsters on the rear hug you in, and the seatback isn’t the softest in the world, but the actual seat itself is nicely cushioned, and I could see road trips in this car being very nice. Adding to that dynamic would be all the toys you get, most of which are standard luxury car fare, with a good stereo and all those goodies within.
Performance: 9/10
So, the most important part, can this non-Quadrifoglio stack up, or is it best to spend the extra money? Well, even though I only had a short drive around the block, I’d have to say someone going for the lesser model will be left with smiles for miles. The engine feels peppy and strong, and the steering is tight and precise, even if you’re in the daily driver, “Normal” mode. It really makes me wonder what the Quadrifoglio adds...I don’t know if I’ll ever drive one or not, but I’d be pretty damn happy with the regular Ti model.
Value: 6/10
I can’t really say that the Giulia is a bang for the buck, or really a value muncher, but it’s definitely a decent alternative to your 3 Series or A4, or even my beloved ATS. It’s got tons of different packages and trims you can select from, so no two Giulias will really be the same. I’d recommend the Ti Lusso in Montecarlo Blue Metallic over Crema Leather, like the one I drove today. You can find the listing for the magnificent beauty here .
Verdict: 8.2/10
If you’re looking for the perfect luxury performance sedan under 50k, I think the Giulia is definitely the car for you. It perfectly balances good looks with performance and luxury in a package you just don’t get in many places. BMW really shouldn’t brush the Alfa off as a mere pretender, it’s truly a wonderful machine...and if I was a little richer, I’d take her home.
"Blind Willie Tyresmoke Namington IV" (sal-man)
02/10/2017 at 18:45, STARS: 2
I’m so glad this actually turned out to be good. Makes me feel good about alfa’s future
"Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap" (ddadragon)
02/10/2017 at 18:46, STARS: 3
Also. I love how the infotainment screen isn’t just tacked on like an afterthought. It’s almost MKIV Supra in how it wraps around.
"boredalways" (boredalway666)
02/10/2017 at 18:53, STARS: 1
Wait, the Ti can run just fine on Regular Unleaded?
Cool!
ETA: what does turbo 4 sound like?
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
02/10/2017 at 18:54, STARS: 0
Easily my favorite part of the interior. It’s so gorgeous.
"BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind" (briangriffinsprius)
02/10/2017 at 19:21, STARS: 0
I didn’t realize there was going to be a “regular” Giulia. I’m excited now.
"Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap" (ddadragon)
02/10/2017 at 19:22, STARS: 0
You going to cars and coffee tomorrow?
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
02/10/2017 at 20:02, STARS: 0
I’d love to, but I’m on a morning shift again. I’m probably going to have to ask off just to be able to come again.
I’m planning on doing Caffeine and Octane in ATL next chance I get, so it might be then.
"Rico" (ricorich)
02/10/2017 at 20:09, STARS: 0
The interior in that listing is beautiful. Love the interior lines!
"Rico" (ricorich)
02/10/2017 at 20:11, STARS: 0
How were the transmission shifts? Is there a sport mode? Did you have Paddle shifters on this model?
"Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever" (superchan7)
02/10/2017 at 20:15, STARS: 4
Is it wrong that I want both this and a 4C?
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
02/10/2017 at 20:19, STARS: 1
Smooth. Yes, it has three driving modes, I can’t remember what the lowest is called, but there’s also a normal, and Dynamic, which is the sportiest mode. Nope, you have to upgrade to the Sport (the red one).
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
02/10/2017 at 20:20, STARS: 1
I was so damn lovely. I’d love to see what it looks like in Saddle.
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
02/10/2017 at 20:20, STARS: 0
Nope. Ideal garage.
"Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever" (superchan7)
02/10/2017 at 20:22, STARS: 0
What did you think of the rear seat knee room? Worse than 3 series?
"Bytemite" (bytemite)
02/10/2017 at 20:23, STARS: 0
All modern turbo engines adapt to run on any fuel. The quoted 280 HP is definitely not coming from regular though so use premium.
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
02/10/2017 at 20:28, STARS: 0
I didn’t really check it but it seemed like every other car in the class.
"LJ909" (lj909)
02/10/2017 at 20:32, STARS: 0
I saw one for the first time on the freeway yesterday. Looked good. But the dealers dont want to budge on the price and most local stocks are 50k ones. I’ll pass.
"camarov6rs" (mren2011)
02/10/2017 at 23:59, STARS: 0
As far as your value section. Is it not the best value in class? Or is it that luxury cars aren’t a good value?
"Fallout_rain" (falloutrain)
02/11/2017 at 08:55, STARS: 0
I spent some time at my dealership looking playing with the quadrifoglio. And while I’m 6'4" I can say that rear legroom is a point or compromise for many people. With the seat pushed all the way back, no thank you. But If the driver compromised or was of smaller stature, I could fit comfortably back there. Back seats are firmer in the back than the front. At least in the QV.
I’d get it anyway. It’s not a compromising machine in general. It’s well built. There are foibles. I noticed on all 3 giulias, when I shut the hood it didn’t latch on the rightside. Easily fixed with a quick push. The manager said that he’d experienced the same and you get used to shutting it a certain way.
"Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
02/11/2017 at 12:42, STARS: 0
I’ve driven more than a few Alfas, but never owned one. I will never own a car again absent a big change in our lives.
Yet I want this car to be good. I want to rent one at some point. But in this league the build quality needs to be Lexus-like. I want to be able to recommend it without reservation. But a grand marque needs to be ... grand.
"Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever" (superchan7)
02/11/2017 at 14:03, STARS: 1
Cool, thanks for the report!
"Scott" (merl3noir)
02/12/2017 at 01:41, STARS: 0
I have a test drive in a Ti scheduled for Tuesday. Wanted to test drive a Quadrifoglio but the dealer said they will only allow that once I commit to a purchase and all financing is finalized. Since I’m not certain I want one unless I can get a manual, I am certainly not going to be going through all that process just for a test drive of a car I may not want.
"190octane" (admiralcb)
02/12/2017 at 13:38, STARS: 0
I went and test drove one last night and I liked it a lot. It felt faster than my G despite having 50 less horsepower, but I think that the 60 more torque just made it pull harder whenever I put my foot down.
After driving this last night and also seeing a 4c (they had one and it was in the back with its tires off), it really makes me debate what car I want next. Do I get a base Giulia, do I finish paying off the other cars and get a 4c for the weekend car, which I would probably end up dailying anyway, or do I save my pennies and go for the quadrifoglio? I can’t imagine how crazy the quadrifoglio would be to drive considering that it’s a 225 hp upgrade on this.
"SkyNet" (skynet-z28)
02/18/2017 at 16:16, STARS: 0
I drove an AWD version last Thursday and I agree. Great engine, great transmission. Alfa definitely added a certain sporty edge to it via the exhaust note and shift crispness/harshness (in a good way).
I thought the interior was pretty good from a layout and design perspective. However, the one I drove was not a Lusso which means a vinyl dash instead of leather. For 40k+, that was disappointing.
The paddles were lovely and the transmission is leagues above my ATS. Between the exhaust note and transmission calibration and shifting, it made the car feel much sportier than a 3 Series or my ATS.
I thought it drove well. The steering and turn in wasn’t as good as my ATS. It also felt a little heavier. Also the car wasn’t quite as quick changing direction or as eager as my ATS. I would like to drive it on a more challenging road and I would like to drive a RWD version before making a final verdict.
If I had to guess, an ATS would autocross better than the Alfa and they would be pretty close on most tracks. I think the Alfa would be a little faster on straights and the ATS would be a little faster cornering. The Alfa is a little faster than my 14 ATS but I’ll bet it’s fairly similar to a 15 or newer, maybe a bit faster.