Al-Qalam 
By Al Qalam reporter
South Africans are huge fans of German cars – in fact in some parts of the country we have arguably the largest number of German cars per square kilometre. But sometimes the choice of the German offerings can make you bored – and if you see yourself as different, there is much excitement that lies in wait for you in the Giulia. It sets you apart from the pack.
The 2.0T is less known than the much talked about Quadrifoglio but is nonetheless up against stiff competition from especially the BMW 320i and the Mercedes-Benz C200.
Abroad, In a comparison test that included the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Alfa Romeo Giulia won thanks to its super blend of efficiency, quick acceleration, and agility without sacrificing ride comfort. It wasn’t all perfect, though; the Alfa’s interior ergonomics weren’t the best and the fit and finish wasn’t consistent. Some even say that the leather doesn’t feel like it is real and the plastic bits in the cabin feel cheap.
Safety
In a safety rating test, the Giulia received a 2018 Top Safety Pick award. In the IIHS’ front crash prevention test, the 2018 Giulia earned a superior rating.
Active safety tech including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams are available as part of the Driver Assist Dynamic Plus package.
Admirers all over
Like mentioned above driving the Giulia sets you apart from the pack. People are always looking admiringly and questions are plentiful. People are no doubt intrigued by the Giulia. And its extraordinary sportiness adds to the appeal.
Comfort
The comfort levels may not be exactly like a BMW or Mercedes but the suspension is impressive and its handles the bumps effortlessly ensuring great comfort and a sense of solidness. At maximum legal speed on the highway the Giulia is comfortable. There’s not much road noise to worry about, and the Alfa holds its own in terms of wind noise when compared to its German counterparts.
Power and Performance
In the power and performance department the Giulia is impressive. The 2.0-litre turbopetrol boasts 147 kW and 330 Nm of torque.
It has different drive modes, ‘D’ for Dynamic, ‘N’ for Normal and ‘A’ for Advanced Efficiency – you really get a selection of responses from these choices. One tends to spend most of the driving experience on Normal mode and it’s a rewarding drive. Fuel consumption is 9.0-litres/100km
Standstill to 100 kph is claimed at 6.6 seconds -really impressive bearing in mind this is the lower end of range.
Inside the Giulia
It feels somewhat sophisticated inside – it could do with less cloth and more leather (one can upgrade at extra cost). Nonetheless, one is drawn to the uncomplicated straightforward neat design.
The 8.8 inch infotainment system connects quickly via Bluetooth and USB ports but navigation is only available on the next model up (Super).
While the interior is elegant and somewhat sophisticated, one does expect more when paying this amount of money.
Alfa Romeo Giulia price list in South Africa
2.0 Base R555 000
2.0 Super R625 000
2.0 Super with Stile Pack R696 000
Quadrifoglio R1 400 000
All Giulia derivatives come standard with 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plan
