New Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 petrol review ~ station of gear

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24 May, 2016 10:30am Sam Naylor

We've already tried the new Alfa Romeo Giulia in diesel form, but how does the petrol version compare?

Our first drive of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia in diesel form impressed, but alongside that version you’ll also be able to buy a 2.0-litre petrol model. It won’t be a top seller, as the more economical diesel will appeal more to company car buyers - but cars like the BMW 320i, which this Giulia will rival, do still have a market in the UK.

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Putting the economy aside for now, it’s easy to see why you might pick the petrol Giulia. It’s quieter than the diesel at low revs and sends less vibration through the car when you push it harder. There’s a sporty tone to the engine as you step on the throttle too, so it’s good fun to stretch out.

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Performance is impressive too, and with 197bhp and a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds the Alfa beats the BMW 320i. There’s 330Nm of torque available at just 1,750rpm, but maximum power comes in at 5,000rpm - so you can rely on the torque for in-gear performance, or enjoy the power delivery if you feel like working through the gears.

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The automatic gearbox is the only option in the UK, and it’s a very good unit. There are eight ratios, so you can enjoy working the engine out, and the large Ferrari-style shifters are a pleasure to use. Shifts are smooth and quick, and using the manual mode is engaging. There are three driving modes using the DNA selector: Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency. These change the throttle response and gearbox shift patterns depending on the way you want to drive, and the car feels at its best in the Dynamic setting, while also settling down nicely in the Natural mode for more relaxed trips.

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Like the rest of the Giulia range the steering is very quick and accurate, and combined with the tidy body control that makes it feel agile and responsive in the corners. The Giulia is relatively light, too, weighing 1,429kg compared to the 320i’s 1,505kg, and that helps with the feeling of agility. So with the petrol engine under the bonnet, this Giulia is great fun on the right bit of road. The ride felt smooth on our Italian test route as well, striking a good balance between comfort and body control, but UK roads will be the car’s ultimate test.

Interior quality is good, if not quite up to the standard of its German rivals. The dials, centre console and seat design is excellent, combining a touch of Italian flair with the quality you would expect from a car built to rival the 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. It’s no match for the Audi A4’s high-quality finish inside, especially as the infotainment screen isn’t as easy to use as Audi’s system. Still, it’s good to see a rotary dial rather than a fiddly touchscreen interface.

Unfortunately the petrol Giulia doesn’t seem quite as desirable when you come back to the ever-important economy figures. Emissions of 138g/km and economy of 47.9mpg are provisional figures for now, but on that evidence running costs might be too high for people who do a lot of miles. The diesel versions will make much more sense for that kind of buyer. However if you’re planning to keep the car for longer, and do fewer miles, the petrol version might just be the Giulia for you.

Fitted with this new 2.0-litre petrol engine, the Alfa Romeo Giulia has impressed us. The engine has plenty of performance, sounds good and fits well with the car’s excellent handling. Most buyers will go for the diesel version, as the running costs will be lower, but you won’t be disappointed if you opt for this version. Most of the best Alfas ever have had affordable, fun petrol power up front, and this Giulia is definitely one of them.

Model: Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0-litre petrol
Price: £27,000 (est)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol
Power/torque: 197bhp/330Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto, rear-wheel drive

0-62mph: 6.6 seconds (est)
Top speed: 146mph (est)
Economy/CO2: 47.9mpg/138g/km (est)
On sale: September

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