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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 65

Distinctive Italian design makes Alfa Romeo's Giulia stand out in the compact executive saloon segment, but this Latin contender has far more up its tailored sleeve than just good looks. Innovative engines, perfect weight distribution, unique technology and a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio deliver a car worthy of its famous maker. Here, we check out the earlier 2016-2022 versions of this model as a used buy.

Modelsword count: 10

4dr Saloon (2.0 petrol, 2.9 V6 petrol / 2.2 diesel)

Historyword count: 453

The Alfa Romeo Giulia in this modern-era 'Type 952' form was probably the most important car to be launched in the history of this famous Milanese brand. You'll want to know why. Well at its introduction here in 2016, this premium compact executive sports saloon was the first completely new mainstream Alfa we'd seen since the Giulietta in 2010. And it was the first rear wheel drive contender the marque had sold since the 75 model went out of production back in 1992. That was the last car to be developed by Alfa Romeo before Fiat took control of the company. Which was significant because all the products launched by the brand since were front-driven and, to put it politely, very Fiat-orientated. To some extent, that explained the relative lack of success of the two sports saloons the firm introduced after the 75, the 156 of 1998 and the 159 of 2006. These stylish contenders had some, but unfortunately not all, of the basic elements really needed for a car of this kind: an ideally weighted chassis, superb handling, emotive looks and crisp, characterful high performance engines. Alfa itself knew this, having originally established these fundamentals in what could be seen as the very first car of this kind to be launched on the market, the original 'Type 105' Giulia model, which sold between 1962 and 1978. In reviving this famous badge, the brand also hoped to revive the unique appeal that once made its products so appealing and different. Certainly, the prospects with this 'Type 952' model seemed promising. The rear-driven 'Giorgio' platform this model shared with Alfa's Stelvio SUV was all-new, plus there was a raft of new engines including, crucially, an all-aluminium four cylinder diesel unit - the kind of powerplant that the majority of business buyers in the sports saloon segment still wanted back in the 21st century's second decade. Plus, to provide a few halo headlines for the line-up, there was also a 510bhp V6 Biturbo Quadrifoglio super saloon variant, the fastest Alfa ever made. Following this Giulia's original launch, Alfa put quite a lot of effort into refettling it over the years, starting with the first of the two range updates - in September 2018, which saw the introduction of more efficient Euro 6D engines. The line-up was further revised for the 2020 model year, with upgraded cabin infotainment, level 2 drive assist features and a range of Alfa Connected Services. And an even faster 540hp limited-run GTA version of the Quadrifoglio arrived in February 2020. Before diesel engines were dropped in early 2022. A further update package was announced for the 2023 model year, but it's the earlier 2016-2022-period Giulias we're going to look at here.

What You Getword count: 316

You might, quite justifiably, feel pretty pleased with yourself when parking one of these amongst the Mercs, BMWs and Audis of your middle management colleagues. Even before you notice the evocative badge on the classic triangular trefoil nose, it's clear that this is a car with a uniquely Italian sense of flair, something further emphasised by the long bonnet, the short overhangs and the muscular haunches. There really is nothing quite like the Giulia in his segment. And at the wheel? Well you'd hope for old fashioned Alfa charisma with modern functionality and Teutonic quality and this Giulia makes a good stab at achieving exactly that. True, there are a few issues with fit and finish, especially with some elements of the switchgear - and the Giulia can't match its German rivals in terms of media connectivity, though the 8.8-inch centre dash infotainment screen works effectively. There's so much else that's seductive about this cabin though; the deeply-cowled dials, a grippy little three-spoke wheel, splashes of aluminium and huge, evocative gear change paddles behind the steering wheel (fitted to plusher models) that look as if they were originally designed for a Ferrari - and probably were. Get a car whose original owner added a bit of embellishment - say the luxury 'Lusso Pack' with stitched 'Pieno Fiore' leather sumptuous 'Silverwood' trim - and the interior can look absolutely gorgeous. When it's time to take a seat in the rear, taller folk might find access hindered a little by the swept-back roofline. Still, the rear door opens decently wide and once inside, you'll find that there's a decent amount of back seat space by class standards, with plenty of space to push forward your feet beneath the front seats. The boot opens to reveal a 480-litre capacity that, surely not co-incidentally, is the exact equal of a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes C-Class from this era.

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