The Goodwood Test: Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce

Heritage

Most of us will remember the Alfa Romeo Giulia as the mainly hapless pursuers of the Italian Job Minis through the streets (and sewers) of Turin. This depiction is something of an injustice to this boxy but rather lovely example of a classic Alfa Romeo sporting saloon, one reprised recently with the new Giulia on an all-new rear-wheel drive platform. With this foundation, Alfa Romeo finally has the substance to back up the style it has always lived by. If not entirely flawless, the Giulia is at the very least competitive against accomplished rivals like the Jaguar XE, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. The revival of the Veloce badge and its introduction to the range should, therefore, be something to celebrate! 

Design

While the fire-breathing Quadrifoglio and its ‘Ferrari inspired’ engine acts as a halo for the Giulia range the heavy lifting in sales terms is done by the four-cylinder petrol and diesel models. These are currently available in standard, Super and Speciale trim levels, the latter only available with the 180bhp 2.2-litre diesel but getting a more aggressive look thanks to its different bumpers and body kit. The Veloce takes that basis and adds a 276bhp version of the 2.0-litre petrol engine, unique 18-inch Turbine wheels and a new (optional) paint shade called Misano Blue. It looks good and with this engine, it hopes to deliver on the sportiness the non-Quadrifoglio models haven’t quite achieved. 

Performance

The 276bhp in the Veloce compares well with the equivalent models in the Jaguar XE and BMW 3 Series range, which both have around 250bhp. It is put to the road via an eight-speed automatic gearbox with supercar-style aluminium shifter paddles as standard – on other Giulias these are a cost option. Our left-hand drive test car was fitted with Alfa Romeo’s Q4 all-wheel drive system but in the UK our Veloces will be rear-wheel drive and a little lighter and more frugal as a result. An optional £1,950 Performance Package bundles adaptive dampers and an active locking differential and adds further scope to already appealing package. 

Passion

Passion is Alfa Romeo’s major selling point in a crowded and competitive market packed with highly accomplished rivals. But passion isn’t enough anymore and the Giulia has to live up to the promise. Largely it does. While not breathtakingly fast the Veloce has enough extra performance to bring the standard Giulia to life and from the fast, agile steering to the balanced and controlled chassis set-up the Veloce is equally delightful on a spirited drive as it is relaxing on a long run. Though some of the detailing isn’t quite up to the standard of the German rivals the interior is stylish and comfortable too and you no longer need make any excuses for following your heart.

Price tag of our car: £37,935, before options