The Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio mid-size cars could be in line for true mid-life facelifts in six to 12 months’ time, Drive understands.
Alfa Romeo Australia has confirmed to Drive the Giulia and Stelvio will undergo updates in the second half of 2022 – and while details of the changes are yet to be revealed, it’s believed the Model Year 2022 versions of both cars will at last usher in their long-promised mid-life facelifts.
First announced in late 2019, a “mid-cycle freshening” for each car was initially slated for launch in 2021, however COVID-19, semiconductor shortages and other factors are believed to have pushed them well into 2022 – similar to Alfa Romeo’s smaller Tonale SUV, originally due in 2021, but now set for an early 2022 unveiling.
Fans will note updated versions of the Giulia and Stelvio were revealed in late 2019 – before reaching Australia in late 2020 and early 2021 respectively – however changes focused largely around upgraded infotainment software, improved interior materials and new driver assistance technology – leaving the door open for a full mid-life exterior styling update.
Spy photos of the updated models have yet to be captured, though it’s possible styling cues will be drawn from Alfa Romeo’s upcoming Tonale small SUV – the first brand-new model in four years – set for unveiling in 2022, but previewed in concept form in early 2019.
Imagined in Giulia form in this computer-generation rendering from @avarvarii, a Tonale-inspired styling upgrade would centre around a new front fascia – incorporating a new grille and six-eye LED headlights – along with other mild tweaks, which could include new wheel designs or revised tail-light signatures (though details are yet to be confirmed).
Whether Alfa Romeo will update the interior or safety suite remains to be seen, though given these areas were the focus of the aforementioned 2020-21 update, it’s less likely.
Under the bonnet, rumours out of Europe suggest the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder – and the Continent’s 2.0-litre turbo diesel – could receive 48-volt mild-hybrid power, given such a system is fitted to the petrol mill in the Maserati Ghibli and Levante – though these rumours are yet to be confirmed.
Leaked screenshots in 2017 suggested a high-output 260kW version of the 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder was en route, though this is yet to eventuate.
The Model Year 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio are slated to launch in Australia in the second half of 2022 – suggesting a global unveiling is due in the coming months, if not imminently.
The updates should keep the mid-size models fresh until next-generation models arrive towards the middle of the decade – likely with all-electric power, thanks to a new STLA Large platform shared with other vehicles beneath the Stellantis umbrella.
Keyword: Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio facelifts due in Australia in late 2022