2024 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA A SPORT SEDAN

FOR THOSE WHO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Looking for a small luxury sport sedan that stands out from the crowd? The Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan may be just what you are seeking.

Introduced as a 2017 model when the company revived a nameplate from the 1960s and ’70s, the Alfa Romeo Giulia delivers captivating performance in an attractive, distinctive package and at a competitive price.

Still in its first generation, the Alfa Romeo Giulia gets  a mild refreshing for 2024 with new headlights and taillights, a new digital instrument panel that offers three different layout choices, and updated Alfa Connect services the company says “offer comfort and security and improved over-the-air update capability.”

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia also gets new trim levels with limited edition Competizione and 100th Anniversary Quadrifoglio models joining the Sprint, Ti, Lusso, Veloce, Estrema and Quadrifoglio editions from 2023.

This review is based on the Veloce trim, which is Italian for “swift, rapid” and hits the sweet spot between the base Sprint and high-performance Quadrifoglio models.(Quadrifoglio is Italian for four-leaf clover and harkens back to the company’s racing heritage from the 1920s; Google it.) 

A 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque is standard on all but the Quadrifoglia trim which sports a 2.9L, twin-turbo V6 that bumps those figures up to 505 and 443 respectively.

An 8-speed automatic transmission with huge paddle shifters mounted on the steering column is standard on all trims except the Ti, which doesn’t come with paddle shifters. Rear-wheel drive also is standard with all-wheel drive available as a $2,000 option.

My test 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce with rear-wheel drive had fuel economy numbers of 24 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 27 combined using premium grade fuel. AWD models get a mile or so less (23/31/26) and the V6 drinks fuel at the rate of 17 mpg city, 25 highway and 20 combined).

Inside, the 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce includes as standard equipment the 12.3 instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, heated front and rear seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, red-leather front sport seats, an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way power passenger seat, both with 4-way lumbar support.

Exterior features include 18-inch wheels shod with all-season performance tires, Brembo front brakes, a carbon-fiber drive shaft, dual exhaust tips, sport suspension, and LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights.

Standard safety features start with forward collision warning and continue with lane-departure warning, blind-spot detection, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic dimming exterior mirrors, and a rear backup camera.

A starting MSRP of $44,420 covers all that. Options on my test vehicle starting with the Veloce package ($3,600), a Premium Interior Package ($2,225) that included the Harmon-Kardon premium sound system and leather dash and upper doors, and an Active Assist-Plus Package ($700) that included traffic sign information and recognition, lane-keep assist, and driver attention alert. Red leather sport seats, Alfa-Rossa Red exterior paint, and 19-inch wheels (replacing the standard 18s) ran the final total to $55,140 including the destination and delivery fee of $1,595.

What I liked about the 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce RWD: Performance matches the distinctive exterior styling. It’s a fun car to drive. Three drive modes (Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency) are offered. MSRP is competitive in the class and covers a long list of standard features. The optional sport seats are comfortable. Trunk space (13.4 cubic feet) is generous for the small luxury sedan segment and you can fold the back seats for more storage space.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce RWD: Infotainment features are on the fussy side to operate and the touchscreen is kind of small especially when put up against other luxury models. It provides a small image for the backup camera. Tech features work off the touchscreen with some, but not all, also selectable via a dial on the center console. The backseat is a bit cramped. The firm ride may not be comfortable for all.

Would I buy the 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce RWD? The Italian styling has its appeal and at a fairly affordable price I would definitely give it a look. Just wish the operation of such simple actions like changing radio stations was simpler.