Alfa-Romeo’s stylish siblings, the Giulia Sedan and Stelvio SUV, have received a number of updates. The new models, now available in South Africa, are limited to just two models respectively. The highly desirable Quadrifoglio models remain, thankfully.
Starting off the Guilia range is the Veloce derivative, with a price tag of R989 900. Featuring a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine, the sporty executive sedan offers up 206 kW/400 Nm of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Veloce is blessed with a comprehensive list of standard features, including leather-trimmed sports seats, satellite navigation (accessed through the new 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen) , AEB (autonomous emergency braking - with pedestrian detection) and much more, including two-zone climate control.
The M3-rivalling QV remains the halo Giulia, with a retail price of R1 599 900. The sonorous 2.9-litre V6 engine remains under the muscly bonnet, with an impressive 375 kW and 600 Nm of torque on tap. Like the Veloce, the QV sends its power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed auto ‘box. Special touches include carbon fibre trim and alcantara in the interior, while underneath, active torque vectoring provides a thrilling experience for keen drivers.
Like its Veloce sedan sibling, the Stelvio Super receives the same turbo four-pot, producing the same power and torque figures. Only here, the eight-speed auto sends its power to all four wheels. The larger Stelvio comes with a larger price tag, too - R1 159 900. Like the Veloce, however, the Stelvio Super is very well-equipped. Aside from receiving the upgrades that have been bestowed upon the Giulia, Stelvio also receives eight-way electrically operated seats with memory (for the driver) and lumbar adjustment, among other features.
A performance derivative of the Stelvio is available too - at R1 749 900, the Stelvio Q uses the same powertrain as the Giulia Quadrifoglio, but with four-wheel drive.
Alfa-Romeo has included a five-year/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan on all models, as standard.
Also worth a look: the Alfa Romeo Mx 5 and the Alfa Romeo Milano: A Glimpse into the Brand's Electrified Fu.
FAQ
Q: What does the Alfa Romeo Giulia cost in South Africa?
The Alfa Romeo Giulia starts at R989,900 for the Veloce derivative, while the range-topping Quadrifoglio will set you back R1,599,900.
Q: How much power does the Giulia Quadrifoglio make?
The Giulia Quadrifoglio produces an impressive 375 kW and 600 Nm of torque from its 2.9-litre V6 engine, making it a proper M3 rival.
Q: What's the difference between the Giulia and Stelvio pricing?
The Stelvio SUV commands a premium over its sedan sibling, with the Stelvio Super starting at R1,159,900 compared to the Giulia Veloce's R989,900, while the Stelvio Q tops out at R1,749,900.
Q: Is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio all-wheel drive?
Yes, both Stelvio variants come standard with all-wheel drive, unlike the rear-wheel drive Giulia models.
Q: Are the revised Alfa Romeo models worth buying in 2024?
The updated Giulia and Stelvio offer compelling performance and Italian style, but reliability concerns and steep pricing compared to German rivals make them best suited for enthusiasts who prioritise character over practicality.
Should You Buy It?
The revised Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio are gorgeous, characterful machines that'll make your heart skip a beat every time you fire them up. The Giulia Veloce at R989,900 offers serious performance and style, while the Quadrifoglio variants deliver supercar-baiting thrills. However, Alfa's patchy reliability reputation and the hefty price tags make these cars a head-versus-heart decision. If you're after the most sensible executive sedan under R1 million, stick with a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class. But if you want something that sounds like an Italian opera singer and looks like it belongs in a magazine, the Giulia Veloce represents the sweet spot of the range. The Stelvio, meanwhile, faces tougher competition in the premium SUV space, making it harder to justify unless you're completely smitten with the Alfa badge.
