We’re coming to the end of our Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio stint. Following our experience with the Stelvio from January to September, we’ve had the opportunity to drive both a 2020 and a 2021 model year Giulia to provide a more relevant perspective for potential customers.
It’s been an overall positive experience, and we can’t help but feel a tinge of sadness as we approach the day we have to return the keys. However, before we bid farewell, here are eight things we discovered during our time with the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio:
It’s not the most practical compact saloon
D-segment saloons may not be the go-to choice for practicality, but it’s worth noting that the Giulia is not the easiest car to live with in its class. While the boot capacity is on par with the BMW 3-series, the opening is smaller, making it a bit challenging to load larger items. Additionally, dropping the rear seats creates a narrow opening that requires some maneuvering. The rear space is also limited due to the large transmission tunnel, and the recessed seat belt sockets can be cumbersome when using child seats.
I’m in love with the looks
Despite the practicality limitations, the Giulia’s stunning design more than compensates for any inconveniences. The moment you park and admire it, you’ll forget about any minor hassles. The Giulia’s captivating appearance makes it easy to overlook any flaws, even if they existed, which, in this case, they don’t.
The adaptive cruise control is ridiculously nervous
Unfortunately, the Giulia’s adaptive cruise control system can be frustratingly sensitive. It tends to engage in phantom braking, mistaking vehicles in adjacent lanes for obstacles and causing unnecessary braking incidents. This issue is more noticeable on narrower sections of roads. While the lane assistance system does not seem to affect this behavior, it might be worth considering opting out of the £1000 Driver Assistance Plus pack to avoid these phantom braking episodes.
The carbon shell seats are off the options menu, but that’s not a bad thing
Although the carbon-backed Sparco bucket seats are no longer available for the Giulia Quadrifoglio, it’s not a major loss. These seats were expensive and not as comfortable for longer journeys. The standard electrically adjustable front seats, while not as visually striking, offer better comfort, which is more suitable for a family saloon like the Giulia. However, we do miss having the 14-speaker Harman Kardon Sound Theatre system, which is an option worth considering for an enhanced audio experience.
The exhaust system is worth every penny
One of the highlights of the Giulia Quadrifoglio is its twin-turbo V6 engine, complemented by the titanium Akrapovic exhaust system. The exhaust not only adds a deeper, more aggressive tone, but it also improves the overall driving experience. While there is a slight low-frequency noise at certain motorway speeds, it becomes inconspicuous and does not detract from the enjoyment of the car.
It’s noticeably less thirsty than the Stelvio, but not exactly frugal
Compared to the Stelvio, the Giulia Quadrifoglio is approximately 10% more fuel-efficient. However, it does not deliver remarkable fuel economy, especially when driven enthusiastically. On the new E10 unleaded fuel used in the UK, achieving over 30mpg is a challenge, even with careful driving. In mixed driving conditions, expect to average around 22-25mpg. It’s important to note that the remaining fuel mileage estimate might be slightly optimistic, so it’s wise to adjust expectations accordingly.
Reliability hasn’t been an issue
Addressing concerns often associated with Alfa Romeo’s reliability, we can confidently state that our experience with the Giulia Quadrifoglio has been largely trouble-free. The only minor issue we encountered was an overly sensitive alarm, which can be adjusted by a dealer. While anecdotal evidence should be taken with a grain of salt, Alfa Romeo has ranked higher than its German rivals in reliability surveys. Nevertheless, it’s always advisable to do thorough research and consider individual ownership experiences before making a purchasing decision.
I have to own one at some point
Given the current landscape of performance cars under stricter regulations, there are few vehicles that deserve a spot on the “must-own” list. The Giulia Quadrifoglio is a rare exception, with its captivating presence and thrilling driving dynamics. It’s a noisy, exciting, and exotic-feeling car that offers an affordable-ish option for enthusiasts. If it were up to us, we’d rush out and buy or lease one right away. However, for now, we’ll patiently wait for depreciation to work its magic, knowing that the wait will be well worth it.
FAQs
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Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio practical?
The Giulia Quadrifoglio may not be the most practical compact saloon, with limited boot space and cramped rear seating. However, its stunning design and thrilling performance make up for any practicality shortcomings. -
Is the Giulia Quadrifoglio reliable?
While there have been concerns about Alfa Romeo’s reliability, our experience with the Giulia Quadrifoglio has been largely trouble-free. It’s always recommended to research thoroughly and consider individual ownership experiences before making a decision.
Conclusion
After our time with the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, we can confidently say that it’s a car that leaves a lasting impression. Despite its practical limitations, the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s stunning design, thrilling performance, and refined exhaust note make it a standout choice in its segment. If you’re in the market for an affordable-ish sports saloon that offers an experience like no other, the Giulia Quadrifoglio should definitely be on your radar.