PHOENIX — The Genesis of Alfa Romeo is a sporty 115 years old, centenary automotive brand that checks all the boxes of what one would expect of an Alfa Romeo: Aesthetically beautiful, comfortable, thrilling driving dynamics, reassuring behavior with a sense it can inflict at least a mild case of Stendhal Syndrome — a psychosomatic condition that can trigger a rapid heartbeat, fainting, even hallucinations when individuals become exposed to objects of art, great beauty or lust.

The Giulia was first introduced in the US for the 2017 model year in the compact luxury sedan segment as the brand's answer to the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and others.

The 2024 Giulia Veloce 4 door tested here is indeed a very good looking and a capably accomplished sports sedan that wears haute couture bodywork that conveys its intentions in an unmistakeable way. The benefactor of a mild facelift for 2024 which mimics some of the best design features of Alfa Romeo's new Tonale SUV include updated and modern redesigned headlights and smoked taillight lenses, updated grille insert, and a new standard all-digital 12.3-inch digital gauge display that features three different configurations — Evolved, Relax, and Heritage, each with their own distinct look.

There's also a new Carbon Edition available as a very limited production.

Available in a choice of four trim levels our Veloce ranks the third highest model giving the Giulia more premium interior surroundings to better compete with its German competitors. 18-inch x 8-inch dark turbine aluminum wheels standard however our test Veloce came equipped with outrageously handsome 19-inch x 9-inch sport 5-hole aluminum wheels with 225/40R 19 front and 255/35 rear summer tires with gloss-red brake calipers with white Alfa Romeo script, a perfect match to the optional Misano blue metallic exterior paint. Nothing short of stunning.



There's three USB ports, an auxiliary input jack, in-dash navigation, and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity are all standard. The infotainment interface is relatively intuitive, but we found the navigation to be occasionally slow to update at crucial times during turn-by-turn directions. Also, several of the onscreen icons are small and difficult to activate while driving.

In addition to touchscreen commands, users can also interact with the system using an auxiliary rotary knob controller on the center console. Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto integration are standard, as is Sirius XM and a wireless charging pad. Our test Alfa included the $2,225 optional 14-speaker Harman/Kardon Premium Audio System.

Other standard features include heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, 8-way adjustable power driver's seat, 6-way front passenger seat, 4-way power lumbar for both, remote start, universal garage-door opener, steering wheel mounted push-button start, and power folding heated outside mirrors.

While the Veloce comes standard with an ample amount of convenience, comfort and tech features, the overall look and feel is noticeably less luxurious and substantial than its German competitors. Also know, the Giulia is a small sedan and interior space is at a premium. Surprisingly at 6-foot 6-inches I don't fit well in most cars but I did find the seating position and generous power adjustments to find one most comfortable. Still, the back of my seat just about bumped up against the rear seat and no room for a passenger back there at all. But know that the Giulia is a small sedan — 2-inches shorter than a Honda Civic in total length, weighs about 300 pounds more and has a four-inch longer wheelbase.



Power is delivered via the 280-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooler SOHC 16-valve inline-4 and an 8-speed automatic transmission that in addition to a console mounted gear selector are a pair of the largest aluminum manual paddle shifters behind the steering wheel we've ever seen. Rear wheel drive is standard and AWD a $2,000 option.

We'd stick with the rear wheel drive. Alfa Romeo says it will accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds — healthy numbers but about middle of the pack in its competitive set. Top speed is 149 mph.For those seeking the ultimate Italian performance sedan experience, the Giulia is available in the Quadrifoglio trim level and boasts a twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers 505-hp. That vehicle isn't reviewed here.

All Giulias come with a drive-mode selector with three unique settings: Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency — cleverly making the acronym DNA — each of which alters the car's transmission, engine management, and steering feel. Agile and eager at all times, the Giulia is a driving enthusiast's sports sedan. Alfa also seems especially proud of the Giulia’s suspension and steering setup, with a double wishbone up front and a four-arm layout for the rear axle that makes it ride incredibly well. A lot better than you’d expect from a car this size.

On the road we were especially impressed with its linear delivery of horsepower and acceleration with absolutely zero turbo lag. The summer tires and sport suspension was especially responsive to driver inputs with superb confidence and predictable handling, steering and braking.

Overall, exceptional driving dynamics and gorgeous "eye candy" styling has the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce a tempting choice in its class. While it isn't the latest state-of-the-art compared to its German competitors it is a wonderfully satisfying, yet small sized, sports sedan that's a compelling rival in its class at a generally value oriented price.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $44,520
Price as Tested: $54,550
Engine/Transmission: 2.0-liter 280-hp inline turbocharged
4-cyl, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive.
EPA Fuel Economy: 24/33/27 mpg - City/Highway/Combined
Seats: 5

Where Built: Cassino, Italy

Crash Test Safety Results: The Alfa Romeo Giulia has not been crash test rated by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of this writing.

Competes With:
Audi A4
BMW 3-Series
Cadillac CT4
Lexus IS
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Likes:
Thrilling driving dynamics
Stunning design
Loaded with standard features

Dislikes:
Interior is sub-German luxury and quality
Very small rear seat
Annoying seat belt tapping on B-pillar when seat is unoccupied

— Jim Prueter