Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

Beauty is not spec-specific – it’s universal when it comes to Giulias

By Shahzad Sheikh

Click below now to watch my Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

I reviewed the Giulia QV back at the international launch a couple of years ago (read it here now) and at the time also had a go in the ‘regular’ 200bhp 2.0-litre version. However it’s only now that I’ve had some decent seat-time in a 2.0-litre Turbo Veloce (which has more power), during my recent Summer spell in the UK.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

Of one thing there is no doubt, whatever spec of Giulia you get, you’re buying a beautiful saloon. Just standing there parked in front my home it looks the business, and you never feel visually short-changed about not having got a Quadrifoglio version.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

It sits perfectly, even on 18-inch 10-spoke Turbine Alloy rims, with artfully nurtured lines swooping back from around the distinctive Alfa grille, with just the right mix of aggression and style.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

Even from the rear, it’s punching way above its weight by doing a better impression of Maserati than a Maserati! The  only bits you lose are the side scoops and the extra air intakes as well as the wider track.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

And yes it’s not a melodious 500bhp 2.9-litre V6 under the bonnet. But what you do get is a clever 2.0-litre four-pot that is only 1.8 seconds slower to 100kph from rest at 5.7 seconds – more than respectable for a sports saloon.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

This is courtesy of a engine producing 280bhp and 295lb ft of torque through an 8-speed auto (with lovely large fixed paddles) in this case and powering the rear wheels as is right and proper. Top speed is 240kph and yet it’s still remarkably economical at 6.1L/100km on the combined average run.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

Certainly driving it around London, you don’t miss the extra 220bhp a QV would offer, this feels plenty quick enough. Never short of breath or torque, it’s a joy to push up through the gears and even sounds delicious for a four-cylinder motor.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

Before I get onto the handling, I must just mention the ride, because despite being a sports saloon, it’s remarkably comfortable and that’s undoubtedly thanks in part to the 18-inch wheels which still fill out the wheel arches and look great.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

Of course the handling is superb, especially when you’re pressing on. It’s got precise responses and rear-wheel-drive feel. It could do with meatier and more feelsome steering, and perhaps the Dynamic part of the DNA mode selector should stiffen things up a bit more dramatically.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

So it looks good and drives well. Can you live with it? Well try the seats out first, I definitely prefer the pews from the QV for my lanky frame and well-worn back. And big feet can get trapped in the back. But for most people it’s spacious and comfortable enough and boot space is handy too.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

How much is it? AED188,000 ($51k) puts it in the executive-level arena, but it’s a stylish motor to leave in the company car park.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

So here’s the key question. Would I have one? In the UK I would consider it, though I’d have to have different seats. In our region, I still think that if you’re going to get an Alfa Romeo saloon, you might as well go all-out and get the M3/M4-baiting QV version.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo Veloce Review

 

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