The Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV have been updated for the brand’s 111th anniversary.
The exterior designs of both vehicles remain untouched, while the performance of the vehicles and their interiors have been updated.
According to Alfa Romeo, connectivity is a key element in these updated vehicles – and both are now more focused on comfort and a “typically Italian zest for life”.
What’s new
The interiors of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio were updated to include an 8.8-inch touch display that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support – along with a suite of Mopar online services for remote car management.
In addition, the vehicles receive rear USB ports, keyless entry, a wireless charging pad, and eight-way electrically-adjustable front seats.
The Stelvio then adds a new driver assistance pack comprising high-beam assist, active blind spot assist, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, and driver attention alert on top.
Both the Stelvio and Giulia score a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, too.
The rest of the model-year update went towards improving performance and handling in these Alfa Romeos.
The Giulia debuts the new Alfalink rear-suspension set-up alongside a carbon fibre driveshaft.
This system features a four-and-a-half link suspension layout which is “rigid when cornering, but also longitudinally flexible”, said Alfa Romeo.
The Stelvio also gets a carbon fibre driveshaft with its lightweight body structure, which lets the SUV weigh in at a segment-leading 1,660kg in the Q4 trim level.
Additionally, both entry-level models are fitted with an all-aluminium, 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
This motor generates 206kW, and allows the Stelvio Super to sprint to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 233km/h.
The range-topping Giulia and Stelvio come with a 2.9-litre, V6, bi-turbo petrol engine that puts out 375kW.
A specially calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission delivers this power to the rear wheels in the sedan and all four wheels in the SUV, allowing these vehicles to sprint to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and 3.8 seconds, respectively.
An electronic chassis control unit, a semi-virtual steering axis, and an active suspension set-up then assures exceptional handling at any speed in the top-of-the-line Giulia, said Alfa Romeo.
The Stelvio Q, on the other hand, is treated to an electronically-controlled cylinder deactivation system and a “sailing” function to improve fuel consumption and decrease emissions.
Price
The South African pricing for the new Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio is as follows:
- Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce – R989,900
- Alfa Romeo Giulia QV – R1,599,900
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio Super – R1,159,900
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q – R1,749,900
All models are sold with a 5-year/100,000km warranty and maintenance plan.
Keyword: New Alfa Romeo Giulia – Pricing and details