The Alfa Romeo Giulia made its debut in 2016 as the brand's latest effort to challenge the three German executive car heavyweights. 

Who are these competitors? They are the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes C-Class—models that have dominated this class for decades.

Equipment, options and extras

The Alfa Romeo Giulia launched in 2016 with four initial trims: Giulia, Super, Speciale, and Veloce. The entry-level Giulia trim features 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a chrome exhaust pipe, LED rear lights, and an array of safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. Inside, you'll find manually adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, automatic wipers and lights, and Alfa's infotainment system with a 6.5-inch display, DAB radio, and USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

Upgrading to the Super trim adds 17-inch alloys, aluminum door sills, and part-leather seats, along with an upgraded infotainment system featuring an 8.8-inch display and sat-nav. The Speciale trim enhances the package further with luxurious additions like 18-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires, bi-xenon headlights, electrically adjustable and heated front sports seats, a heated steering wheel, electrically folding door mirrors, and a sporty body kit.

The top-of-the-range Veloce model comes with unique alloy wheels, an upgraded braking system, front parking sensors, and stylish aluminum paddle shifters.

In 2020, the Giulia received several minor updates, including a redesigned center console and an upgraded touchscreen infotainment system, while still retaining a rotary dial for certain functions. The interior materials were also enhanced. The trim names were revised to Super, Sprint, Veloce, Veloce Ti, and Lusso Ti. The 2.2-liter diesel engines were improved, offering 160 bhp and 190 bhp versions.

Further updates in 2022 streamlined the lineup to just the 197 bhp 2.0-liter petrol, the 276 bhp 2.0 280 Veloce, and the Quadrifoglio, with new trim names including Estrema, Sprint, and Veloce.

Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2

The Alfa Romeo Giulia offers a variety of petrol and diesel engines with impressive outputs, starting with a 197 bhp 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol. For those seeking more power, the Veloce and Veloce Ti versions provide a punchy 276 bhp. On the diesel side, there's a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine available in two outputs: 148 bhp and 177 bhp.

At the pinnacle of the Giulia lineup is the Quadrifoglio, featuring a potent 2.9-liter V6 that delivers an impressive 503 bhp. This model is designed to compete with performance icons like the BMW M3, showcasing its capabilities with a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds during testing.

All Giulia models come equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. For those not opting for the Quadrifoglio, running costs are quite reasonable. The diesel variants are especially economical, with both the 148 bhp and 177 bhp versions achieving a combined fuel economy figure of 53.3 mpg. The 197 bhp petrol engine offers 36.2 mpg, while the 276 bhp variant provides a slightly lower figure at 33.6 mpg. However, the Quadrifoglio's official WLTP fuel economy is notably lower at 27.2 mpg.

The Car Planet verdict

The Alfa Romeo Giulia may not claim the top spot among its competitors, but it remains a compelling option, particularly when considering its reasonable used prices. Its combination of stylish design, engaging driving dynamics, and a range of engine choices makes it a strong contender in the executive car segment. For buyers seeking a blend of performance and value, the Giulia is definitely worth a closer look.

Car Planet are experts in used cars in Watford and Hertfordshire. Our virtual viewings mean you can check out a car from the comfort of your own home, or you can come in and view our cars in person. Every car goes through a thorough 150-point check to ensure it’s totally roadworthy. We’re transparent, too: we always display the details of a car’s imperfections. We care about sustainability, which is why we plant a tree for every car we sell, and we provide a 7-day money-back guarantee to any customer who isn’t absolutely satisfied with our service. With our competitive finance deals and part exchanges, you’re sure to find what you need, so check out our selection of secondhand Alfa Romeo Giulias today and let’s get the ball rolling!