By Ben Barry
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live with a car that brings flair and excitement to the increasingly unfashionable saloon segment? Well, look no further than the Alfa Giulia Veloce. After spending six months and over 6000 miles with this stunning vehicle, I can confidently say that it has left a lasting impression on me. In this article, I will share my long-term verdict on the Alfa Giulia Veloce and why it deserves more recognition in the world of sports saloons.
A Captivating Design
One of the first things that captured my attention about the Alfa Giulia Veloce was its captivating design. Compared to its German counterparts, the Giulia Veloce stands out with its alluring and distinctive looks. The Visconti Green paint, complemented by yellow brake calipers, added a touch of uniqueness and elegance to the car. I often found myself cleaning the Veloce just to make the stunning paint shine even more. Strangers would even compliment the car’s design, proving that Alfa Romeo enthusiasts are a friendly bunch.
Impressive Improvements
The Alfa Giulia Veloce has made significant improvements in key areas that were previously considered weaknesses. The infotainment system, which used to be lacking, now features a new touchscreen and a tile-based menu. While it may not match the level of BMW’s iDrive, it is a vast improvement that addresses previous frustrations. Additionally, the interior quality has seen enhancements, with the cabin maintaining its driver-focused design and plush seats.
A Sporting Driving Experience
Driving the Giulia Veloce is an absolute delight. The car’s responsive steering, strong brakes, and fleet-footed chassis make every journey exciting. With a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 276bhp, the Veloce offers a punchy and energetic performance. However, power delivery can be a bit imperfect at times, with some turbo-pressure lumpiness and a narrow powerband. Nonetheless, the Giulia Veloce offers a thrilling driving experience that matches its sporting exterior.
Room for Improvement
While the Alfa Giulia Veloce has many strengths, it also has a few areas that could use improvement. Rear-seat space is one such consideration. The Giulia’s wheelbase is slightly more compact than its German rivals, resulting in less legroom for rear passengers. However, the boot size remains generous at 480 liters. Additionally, the ride quality on the 19-inch alloys with fixed dampers can be less refined compared to the previous 18-inch alloys with adaptive dampers.
The Verdict
Overall, the Alfa Giulia Veloce is an impressive and affordable alternative to its more expensive sibling, the Giulia Quadrifoglio. The combination of stunning design, engaging driving dynamics, and improved interior features make this car a standout choice in the sports saloon segment. If I were to choose again, I would opt for the model with adaptive dampers for a smoother ride. The Giulia Veloce has certainly left a lasting impression on me, and I would happily own one in a heartbeat.
FAQs
Q: What is the price of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce?
A: The starting price of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce is £40,210, with our tested model priced at £41,606.
Q: How efficient is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce?
A: The Giulia Veloce has an official fuel efficiency rating of 32.8mpg, while our test results showed an average of 29.5mpg.
Q: Does the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce have adaptive dampers?
A: Adaptive dampers are not standard on the Giulia Veloce but can be added as part of the £1950 Performance pack.
Conclusion
Living with the Alfa Giulia Veloce has been an exhilarating experience. This car brings a unique blend of sportiness, elegance, and driving pleasure to the saloon segment. With its captivating design, improved interior features, and engaging driving dynamics, the Giulia Veloce stands out as an affordable and stylish choice. If you’re looking for a sports saloon that brings excitement and flair to your daily drives, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce should be at the top of your list.
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