2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia review - is it better than a 3 Series?
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- Опубліковано 16 лип 2024
- The Alfa Romeo Giulia's been given its first proper facelift, and I've driven it. Watch along for a full review of the changes in the facelift Giulia Veloce, along with a full review of the interior, boot and back-seat space… oh, and a driving review on some spectacular roads. You can only get the Giulia with the 280hp 2.0-litre petrol engine now (the Quadrifoglio will be updated later this year), so is it enough? And - more importantly - is it finally a good enough car to tempt you out of a BMW 3 Series? I have opinions on all this… watch and find out!
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5.5 years and 42k miles in my Giulia Veloce, and it's been flawless. I still look back at it every time I walk away from it.
I’m picking up a Speciale in a few days and I’m looking forward to not wanting another car for a long time!
Hows the servicing and reliability? I had the previous 159 and it was up and down. Seems like Alfa is really reliable now.
@@jinsy_ Reliability has been great, but it was for my previous GT and 156 too despite reputations for dodginess. I've been lucky to have a decent Alfa garage nearby who serviced all my cars. The dealer network is what lets Alfa down in the UK.
+1, I have a 2018 Giulia Lusso models, 30K, no issues.
Almost 44k miles on my 2018 Giulia and no issues whatsoever and no issues servicing it. Lots of great Alfa specialists in my area.
I am 76 and have owned three rear wheel drive Alfa over 30 years, a Berlina 1.6, an Alfetta 1.7 and finally a Giulietta 2.0 (for 24 years).
Only serious health problems forced me to sell the Giulietta. I regret it every day.
There is something about rear wheel drive Alfas which is so special that if I recover I will buy a Giulia Veloce at the drop of a hat.
Yes Alfas require regular servicing and are not perfect but not in a reliability sense. Yes they demand that you drive them with some concentration but then give you back such delicious feedback as a reward. They truly become an extension of your fingers and toes. And that exhaust note!
Please at least test drive a Giulia before buying a German brand. If you are the right type you won’t be able to resist. I promise.
A 76 yo should not drive a nearly 300hp car.
@@wpww3343 What an ignorant comment. Based on absolutely nothing. My father was still a superb driver until a year before his death at 85. Also he had never had an accident of any kind in 55 years of driving.
@@wardth1 big X to doubt
You missed the Alfa 75, i wish you to have and enjoy the Julia again.
Giulia, sorry for the dictation
4 years in a Giulia Veloce - absolutely flawless. Needed something slightly more practical so now in a Stelvio. If you're on the fence about one of these, try one. The Giulia in particular drives like people think a 3 series does.
3 years with stelvio, dream, no issues, still happy and excited to jump in car and start driving
Giulia Veloce owner from new 2017. 38000 miles in and no reliability issues at all. A truly great car that handles superbly.
Nice, AWD or RWD?
Great review.
The Alfa Romeo is by far the most entertaining car of its category. It's a beautiful car with a timeless design, and it's fun to drive.
I can vouch that the reliability of this car is something to be admired. I have a 2018 ti and a 2019 QV, both have been near perfect and the best cars I have owned. The back seat would not flip down on the ti, fixed under warranty.
You are my idol
Our family has had four newer Alfas, 2018, 2019 QV, 2021 and another 2019. None have had problems of any kind. The driving experience has been great.
Do you prefer the Stevia or Giulia?
I must have an Alfa. The Giulia is too perfect, flaws and all. I fell in love with her the moment i saw her. Great video man!
Very good video!!
me too...there is the slight problem of paying for one, finding a roof to put it under and actually using it(norwegian hill farmer, but with the local store 5 minutes drive away, not all that many ocasions fit for an AR through the year..) but I know I want one..
@andersbjrnsen7203 that would be difficult to justify, but i think as long as you accept that it would be limited use, it would be okay.
@@albertlira7443 there is always the possibility of going for a Stelvio, it would probably fill all the roles my current Subarus do, though a bit more fragile and less reliable. Its not quite the same though, a Giulia would be nicer🤷
@andersbjrnsen7203 a Stelvio Q4 would be a great car. I would love to look more into their dependability at this point in time as that transmission is used in so many cars and the engine is shared with the Jeep Wrangler.
The 159 still looks awesome as well.. Alfa is just really good at designing sedans 👏
32000 miles in my veloce, not skipped a beat been driven hard as well only averaging 28mpg since I've owned it but puts a smile on mu face every time I'm on the country lanes handling is unreal.
Hooray! Now don't shout too loudly, I'd like to keep 2nd hand values down so I can own one one day...
I got my dream car 2021 Giulia Ti in November 2021. 17,000 miles later, no problems whatsoever! Best car I've ever owned!
I have a MY22 Quadrifoglio and have covered nearly 10k of amazing and trouble free miles. No other car makes me smile like my Alfa!
10 years of Giulietta QV (stage 2) ownership, never a problem and since 2022 proud owner of a giulia veloce Q4🥰. It's important to treat her well in my opinion:
- always warm up the engine
- always cool it down for a minute
- change the oil regularly
..such a fun car, especially with a remap🥰
Picked up a 2018 TI Sport and am loving it. Such a fun car to drive, and with the tunable knob you can switch from hooning to miserly gas mileage at the twist of the wrist. Steering is quick, the AWD version puts the 280hp down smartly, and my research has shown no meaningful reliability issues out there. It's just something I see people like you keep repeating, despite none of you owning one. :) Great car, highly underrated, and the red interior is 👌
I’m on my second Giulia with no issues. The first one I ran the hell out of for 30,000 miles no issues!
Ah yes, Alfa Romeo….a sublime history associated with an historic badge. And the Alfa Giulia? That will be a car for the cognoscenti, the driver who knows what he’s looking for in terms of driving dynamics, panache and style. He’s the chap who cares little whether the out-of-sight plastics contain the odd rough edge, there aren’t enough cup holders on the dash and the, ahem, ‘infotainment system’ isn’t quite world beating. No, provided he has unlimited pleasure at looking at the car when parked, being inside the car and surrounded by a very pleasing interior and knows that when he puts his foot on the accelerator the car responds with classic Alfa Romeo driving character and ability, he will indeed know there could be no other choice. BMW, Audi or Mercedes Benz? No….just too common.
Loved my first Giulia QV so much that I bought a second. Neither have ever had a single issue and have been 10-20K less than AMG/M equivalents when bought used. Giulia was my first Alfa and I'm a fan for life now.
7 years and 41,000 miles on my 2017 Quadrifoglio and can't imagine letting it go. I had always wanted an Alfa since I saw my first 105 GT at 12. I had two issues with 2017 first one was entirely my fault and essentially caused by my fear of reliability issues. The second was I drove to empty and it ended up ruining the injectors which were replaced under warranty. They told me that it wasn't a case of fouling from sediment but rather the lack of fuel damaged them and that it was a known issue. I've never done a burnout in it but I have more than 1000 track miles on several tracks. The most recent track use was two days at Watkins Glen. In the middle of the second day had it threw a caution light but I couldn't concentrate on what it was until safely off the track at which point the specific info was gone. A quick inspection revealed that the coolant level for the turbo radiators was below the min line. While I can't be sure that the light was caused by this it is striking that the car was great for the rest of the session. I'm a spirited driver who is on the 6th set of tires since new. All of this seems normal and reasonable for a car with quite complex systems and factory installed racing parts. I wonder how much of the reliability issue stuff is driven by the fud around Alfa reliability so it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Clearly that was a factor in my own experience.
This Alfa and my 1971 2000GTV are the most connected cars I've ever driven. The connection breeds enthusiasm, joy, and complete immersion in the act of driving like no other family of vehicles in my experience. I've had seat time in Ferrari's, Lambos, Maseratti's, Mercedes-McLaren GT's, Vipers, Porsche's, BMW's and others. The the old BMW's came close to the Alfa experience but lately not so much in my opinion. The Porsche's are the only ones that are currently close but the value is messed up by the high prices and impractical because all the one's I would consider are 2 doors and no meaningful backseat which I need in my daily driver. The interior is tastefully and simply beautiful. I love the way the screen is integrated seamlessly and it is easy to use when you've lived with it a few weeks. The competition seems focused on bigger screens which look to me as though they were added after the fact. Are they expecting the drivers to focus on driving or watching TV? I love that the Quad's interior sticks to simple and clean rather than flashy tech. The materials are great throughout and a pleasure to touch except for the hood release which should be replaced with black anodized aluminum from the plastic one in mine. This is a car which is sensual which this review captures -the touch of the materials is wonderful from shift levers to steering wheel to leathers and alcantera it is inviting, to the eye it is beautiful inside and out, the exhaust sound is wonderful without being overbearing. I've had people pull up to me at stop lights and mention the sound and ask me to rev. The steering is the most responsive and connected feeling of any car I've driven. Net result Alfa carefully and and consciously lives up to their tag line "La meccanica delle emozioni" the mechanics of emotion.
One weird thing in this review is when the reviewer says something to the effect that having a 4 cyl in an Alfa seems wrong, it should be a 6 or more. That is bizarre to me. Pre-WWII only about 25% of Alfa by number of models were 4s but after the war 70% of Alfa's by model were 4s( about 130/185 this includes race cars and prototypes). If you go by production numbers the 4's were by far the high volume models and often very high performance such as the GTA in the late 60's. Other than that really good review.
👍
I have had one for 4 years, over 70k km and it is an absolute gem. A beast also down a windy, twisty road!
I had one in 2019 and did 30k miles in it with no major problems. Oil cooler replaced under warranty. Dealer was fine with it. Just changed to a 2020 version and that has been just as good so far. Best cars I’ve ever driven.
My Giulia Ti's have been awesome. No reliability issues so far, way better than any Merc or BMW it it's class.
No definitely not lmao
@@_fantasticscenes damn, what have you been driving? Let us know!
Let me re-clarify: Yes Alfa's are awesome. Yes they are more reliable than most are aware of. Way better than any Merc or Bmw in its class? FALSE. lol A Ti gets out classed all day. The only Alfa that outclasses the German's is the Quadrifoglio. But even that is in M3 and AMG C43 territory and the new M3 is no slouch. A Ti has like 280hp lmao So it sits right between a 330i and 340i. Wouldn't say it outclasses anything really. It's a great car. It's superior in handling that's for sure. Sadly, dealer networks are lacking compared to other European brands. Especially in the states.
I've driven tons of cars and brands including Porsches, Bmw's, Mustangs, STI's, etc. Want a list?@@drivewithanam
@@_fantasticscenes hmmm I guess we look for different things in a car. I’ve driven Porsches, Mercs, BMWs, and a bunch of other cars too. I’d still pick a Giulia Ti Sport if not the QV over all of them.
It's a great choice if you live near a dealer for when things go wrong, and they will lol. I'm looking for the exact same thing you are. Doesn't change the fact that it's not the "best". Pros and cons ;) I was literally shopping for them this month and found out my local dealer is closing and the closest one is 3hrs away. I'd hate to have that commute when it needs warranty work done :/ There's some Bmw's I'm interested in though. May have to go that route.
@@drivewithanam
I went with a ‘23 Giulia Estrema over an M340i and C43. Yes it’s down on power compared to the mid range performance models of the Germans but the steering and chassis tuning more than made up for it. Threw an ECU and it’s super quick too.
Ya it is SOOO much more fun, playful, and engaging to drive than the Germans.
How much horsepower does it have now ?
@@manoszervas9613 it’s supposed to be good for 20% gains in torque and HP and based on the driving experience I think that’s accurate. So I would conservatively estimate HP is now around 320 and torque is around 350.
Another very happy Estrema owner here, the Q2, adaptive suspension, Alcantara seats, carbon fibre touches and the Quadrifoglio wheels sold it to me. Power wise exactly the same as all other 280 hp Giulias. Came from a Stelvio which is the best SUV imo but the drive in a Giulia is a step up.
@@murrayrogers highly recommend looking into to the JB4 or MaxPowerPro
Another great review….AND it’s an Alfa….what’s not to like 👍
I have always said, I'd have one of these over a BMW, even an Audi.
Love them.
Good Review btw🙏
It has class, quality and power.
Great video owned a few high powered bmw so bought a veloce 14 months ago its not coughed or rattled at all and as you say it puts a dam good smile on my face every time I go out
Design and Italy perfect match. Also under the bonnet. A car with a soul.
What I appreciate about these cars is that you could option colored brakes and wheels from the QV model, something small but it shows that they don’t want you to miss out on not getting the QV model. The Germans don’t even offer stuff like that on their regular cars.
Germans would charge you for each individual brake you want painted
BMW offers you painted brakes, M steering wheel, M belts, and M sport seats ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
excellent review,
one of the best saloon sports cars out there, as a gulia owner I definitely agree that the feelings this car gives is something else
Thanks for showing me the pillar, really helps me with the thought of the pillar.
Love the trilobo headlights, it suits the front looks. this is a timeless design, will remain a seductive car even decades from now.
I'm so happy that people starts to see, that the new alfa giulias are sooooo good. Great review!
Thanks!
My 67 plate Veloce is on 55k miles, and the only reliability issue has been with the German Bosch battery system, shared with the BMW. Its a lovely car to drive. I find the autobox shifts a bit early for me, so use the paddles every day. As others have said, you can't help but look back when you park it and think how gorgeous it is. Do the same with one of the German alternatives and you think "which one's mine again"
Edit -bought the Alfa after trying BMW M140i and M340i. They were too clinical and boring to drive. Totally dead compared to the Alfa which is in a different league
yes only in D it shifts good. @2100-2200RPM. A and N is ok on Autobahn.
Proper reviews for proper grown ups, nice one sir
Great vid. I had a 2019 2.0 for about 6 months. It was a fantastic car. I wish I hadn’t sold it. I will have another one day
Fantastic video Tim - what a beautiful thing - quirky but cool.
Il say yes. For driving experience the Alfa has soul and is such a great drive. Best looking sedan in a very long time.
Great review, Alfa Romeo is AWESOME 👌
I actually love this car - love the wordplay my friend!
2,5 years and 60 000 km. No problems and I absolutly love my Misano blue Giulia 2.0 facelift 2020. Puts a smile on my face everyday.
Considering BMW’s recent series of reliability disasters, I cannot imagine this could be any worse.
It could be worse
Pity you didn't get the premium interior and sound package. Having more leather trim and the HK sound system make this a true gem.
Have a 2019 Giulia. I replaced the radiator under warranty, but besides that it's a joy that I would recommend to anyone. Also I know from 2020 and up they're basically perfectly reliable
This Giulia model has really grown on me over the last couple years. I really wish they made the veloce with a natural aspirated v6, it would sound amazing!
On my 3rd giulia, when they talk about ownership experience, they are referring to the appalling dealer network. (Poor service) They are removing loads of dealers over the UK right now and getting new ones 😅
I have the same car but a 22 that we got last year and absolutely love it. It is so fun to drive and a great road trip car. I do love the new dash and head lights but if I'm honest you can find slightly used Giulias in the states for a big price difference over new and I think that is the better way to go. My only complaint that I have had with the year of having it is it has to have the worst paint I have ever had in a car. The amount of bad rock chips in the paint in just a year is very bad compared to any other cars I've had and it isn't even the nose specifically. I also wish it came with the older 5 hole wheels instead of those new ones as I'm not a big fan vs the old. Great review though and hope to see them grow more over here in the states.
“You don’t really have to thrash the knackers out of it”. Couldn’t agree more! I just traded my 2018 Giulia Ti Sport for this same 2023 Veloce model. Well not exactly the same, my 2023 Veloce does not have the same new headlight or tail light style. It think in the USA we got screwed on that part. The rest of it looks the same as in your video. Anyway, nice review!!
You found some suitably pretty countryside in which to feature that pretty car and its pretty wheels. And the combo of hills and firing range reminds me of Yorkshire: spent a very lovely couple of days driving newly collected pork around there when we took our cat to be irradiated (long story).
My Alfa has been bulletproof. It’s a 2020 and the battery finally died last week. And that’s it. It’s an amazing car and I would buy one again tomorrow.
Yes, she is and painfully gorgeous. I only wish there was something like a Nitron suspension solution. Big brake kit, too.
Looks Awesome I've a 330e my preference would be the Alfa ❤
Its looks so good
I have had 12 different cars and 4 different built cars and this car as stock... it an awesome car!
We love ours and ours is AWD too.
2009 159 Tbi here. The lumbar support settings in the driver seat is broken but that's about it, I think. Oh, and a couple of clips for the floor mats are gone too.
I have a 156 Alfa Romeo, about ten years i own it.. never had a problem. Never. The guy that had it before me had done all the work. This is the secret
3:33 I agree Karman hard-on sound system is my favorite as well
I have a 2017 RWD 280 HP and it’s the best car I’ve ever owned. Bought extended warranty and never had to use it so far.
Lovely car. I would like to see a two hour cross country road test with you in the back seat.
Just so you can see me puke on camera? 😆
Had a Giulia Veloce for a month now (2018 version) and it's hands-down the best car I've ever owned! Beautiful to drive, stunning to look at. A bit thirsty, but that's more my driving style in the honeymoon period I think,. Get one - you'll not be disappointed.
I have a 2018 TI Sport and it has a phantom drain somewhere in it. It really doesn't like cold weather. I put a brand new H8 AGM in it and it still wanted to drop below full charge when not driven.
Otherwise, it looks fantastic, rides comfortably, handles better than sports cars I've owned and goes like stink.
Tim still delivering great videos. Nice work. Lovely car but I’m a fat old man now so I have to have an suv
Haha thanks! There may be a similar video on a similar Alfa SUV coming soon
I drive a stelvio estrema,had a Giulia as a courtesy car,only a standard, but what a drive!! Having owned a couple of 3 series in the past,would definitely get one instead, of a 3 series?stelvio and Giulia are some of the best drives❤️
She share is a looker!
Nice to see some big fixed paddles 🤓
House is looking lovely too Tim 😅
Thanks! I'm a big fan of doric columns
Tidy bushes 👍🏻
Brilliant car with an excellent presenter
My experience: no problem with my first Giulia (2016), no problem (up to now 🤞) with my 2nd Giulia (2021), only fun and pleasure of driving 👍
I have had an opportunity to drive one of these and agree 100% with your review. It really is one of the most stylish and fun to drive sedans. I wanted to buy one but two things put me off on it, first is when you really push it hard (and it is so good that you will), just when it starts getting really fun the traction control steps in to ruin the fun. :( And I was told there is no way to turn it off on the 4 cylinder car, (perhaps there is an aftermarket solution?). And the stories about reliability and dealer experience.
I am sure there are some that have not had issues, and/or have great service experiences. However, it does have more issues than most, and I have been to a dealership, and talked with Alfa customers. Some of the things they tell me did not sound great. Part of it seem to be that it is a relatively small brand in the US and the number of dealers and service centers is limited. But also stories of issues and the dealership not being very accommodating, as in 'Hey my new car is having problems, okay how does six weeks from next Tuesday work for you? Oh, and we don't offer loaners or offer pickup/drop off service so...
I still want one, I am just a bit apprehensive, I like to keep car's long term. I may try to get a used one if I can get it for cheap, that way if things go sideways you have some cash for repairs. I read some of the comments saying no problem, "flawless"... But those are for 2-4 years and less than 70K miles. I want to hear stories from those that have had it for 8-10 years and well over 150,000 miles, how does it hold up at that point? What are the service/parts cost?
Eric hello. Mine is 2017 and have 280.000km I think around 174000 miles. It is a diesel version (I live in Europe) and only issue that I have, was a EGR cooler. Other than that I really didn't have any other issues. I owned other Alfas in the past (155, 156, 159) and Giulia is one of the most reliable. I understand your concern and scarce of Alfas dealerships in America and I heard it a lot, and Alfa should do something about it if they want stay in America.
I’ve owned a 2019 Q4 since new and it’s been a dream. We own a Stelvio and GTV6 as well! Nothing like them…..
To me, this is the spiritual successor to the e46. I'm glad you like it.
That's about right actually!
Got the 2023 Giulia as my dailydriver it’s awesome makes fun and is absolutely flawless I also get mails every months from my Alpha Romeo App about my car and if everything is fine oil etc
These look soo good in red
Agreed. And blue. And grey.
I bought a 2017 and drove it to 99,000 miles basically problem free. At 99k miles the "throttle body" light came on and since i need a saloon that can handle 3-15 hour road trips. I bought a 2022 VW Arteon and it's tech chimed me into oblivion, explains in part why Deiss the former VW CEO was fired last year (he couldn't get the tech right). Traded the Arteon in for a 2022 280 hp Giulia and am now at 9k on the odometer. I know the inner workings of the 280hp Giulia pretty well if you have any questions.
I just like the fact that it’s still got dials. I’ve never had an Alfa. Closest I’ve come is a Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo which I managed to destroy around Nardo back in the day (looong story). I need to scratch the itch at some point.
Better than any german smartphone on tyres
Such a beautiful car!
The Guilia fills the void left by the E46 3-Series better than any of its follow ups ever did.
Karmon hardon! Love it 😂
Yes, it is.
The Giulia is one of those rare gems that everyone loves.
A-pillar appreciation post
I just bought a used 2019 Ti Sport and I haven’t had any issue.
Done 150.000km in a Quadrifoglio, with 1 small issue. What a ride!
I currently drive a 2002 330Ci with 280kkm on the clock, if I were to buy a new car now, it would either be a Toyota GR product or a Giulia. New BMWs are very capable but, in my opinion, soulless cars. We have a 2011 Giulietta too, love the steering, Alfas are underrated as hell.
Trilobo! Alfa Romeo's signature “trilobo” grille debuted in 1950 on the Alfa Romeo 1900, sporting a v-shaped central shield and side whiskers.
That's the word! I was this close to calling it the quattro stagioni.
I have 2017 Giulia an I've had zero issues except for a software update.
Haven't owned an alfa, but one thing i can say about ownership of an alfa in Aus, not many places do Alfa parts as not that common in Aus, so if need alfa parts, try and souce international or go to the alfa dealer, where as lots of parts for BMW/Merc/VAG available aftermarket in Aus due to popular
On a positive note, it is a very pretty car the alfa
2016 QV… nearly 100.000 kms and flawless. ✅
yes
Of course
Yes I'm in - enough of Audi etc. This is basically the last opportunity to buy a banging internal combustion engine saloon. Even Alfa say its next gen cars will be electric. Get in the queue.
is this also better then a ct4 sport or ct4 v. don’t need to compare to a blackwing. but I am curious how it is vs a ct4 sport
22K KM on My Veloce, love to drive this car. No big issues at all, battery died. Best Sedan ever. Only getting inside and outside is hard^^, can be thirsty. German Alfa Romeo Dealers are Bad. Its hard to find a good service point. Biggest issue for me.
How does the all wheel drive feel, compared to the rear wheel drive?
Yess.
way better! 😍
definitely
It’s the only 4 door saloon I bother to look at whether base or top quadrophoniccywonkydoo spec, I want one.
I wonder if the lights would swap over to older models
Agree that if the base colour is desirable they will sell more.
F the BMW I will buy any Alfa before anything.