giulia veloce interior
giulia veloce interior

2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce: Still the Stylish Sports Saloon to Beat?

The Alfa Romeo Giulia has always been a head-turner, a car that injects Italian passion and flair into a segment often dominated by German pragmatism. After spending six months and covering over 6,000 miles in the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce, it’s clear that this stylish sports saloon continues to offer a unique and compelling alternative. While the market increasingly favors SUVs, the Giulia Veloce makes a strong case for the enduring appeal of a well-engineered, driver-focused saloon. Is the 2022 model still a standout choice? Let’s delve into the details.

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Italian Design and Road Presence

One of the first things that strikes you about the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce is its stunning design. In a world of increasingly homogenous car designs, the Giulia stands apart with its elegant lines and unmistakable Italian style. Our test car, finished in Visconti Green and accented with yellow brake calipers, amplified this visual appeal. The paintwork in particular, seemed to draw attention and compliments wherever it went, proving that the Giulia’s beauty is more than skin deep. Compared to its German rivals, the Giulia’s design feels less contrived and more naturally beautiful, a testament to Alfa Romeo’s design heritage. This inherent visual allure gives the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce a significant edge in a competitive market.

Updated Infotainment and Interior Refinements

Inside the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce, updates have addressed previous criticisms, particularly concerning the infotainment system. The new touchscreen interface with a tile-based menu is a welcome improvement, making the system more user-friendly and responsive. While it might not quite match the sophistication of BMW’s iDrive, it’s now a perfectly functional and aesthetically integrated system. This upgrade is crucial in today’s market where technology plays a significant role in buyer decisions.

Beyond the infotainment, the interior of the 2022 Giulia Veloce retains its driver-centric focus. Ferrari-inspired elements like the twin analogue dials recessed in tubes, long, column-mounted paddle shifters, and exceptionally supportive sports seats contribute to a sporty yet luxurious ambiance. The low seating position further enhances this feeling, creating a cockpit-like environment. While rear passenger space remains a consideration – the Giulia’s wheelbase is slightly shorter than some competitors – the boot offers a generous 480 liters of space. For families who regularly use the rear seats, it’s worth noting, but for most, the balance of sporty design and practicality is well-struck. Quality improvements are also noticeable throughout the cabin, elevating the overall feel of the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce.

Driving Dynamics and Performance

The driving experience in the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce is where this car truly shines. Its sharp steering, powerful brakes, and agile chassis make it a joy to drive on both winding roads and open highways. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, producing 276bhp, provides ample power and a responsive character that perfectly complements the Giulia’s chassis. Weighing in at a reasonable 1429kg, the Giulia Veloce feels surprisingly quick and engaging, offering a level of driver involvement that is often missing in modern saloons.

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While the power delivery isn’t entirely flawless – there’s a touch of turbo lag and a somewhat narrow powerband – the overall performance is impressive. Fuel economy is also respectable, averaging around 29.5mpg in mixed driving conditions and capable of reaching the official 32.8mpg figure with more conservative driving. This balance of performance and efficiency makes the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce a practical choice for everyday driving, without sacrificing the thrill of a sports saloon.

One aspect that warrants consideration is the ride comfort. While the Giulia Veloce handles beautifully, models equipped with the standard 19-inch wheels and fixed dampers can experience a firmer ride, particularly on less-than-perfect road surfaces. For optimal ride quality, especially for those prioritizing comfort, opting for the adaptive dampers, available as part of the Performance Pack, is highly recommended. This upgrade significantly improves the Giulia’s ability to absorb bumps and imperfections, resulting in a more refined and comfortable driving experience. The decision to not offer a fully defeatable stability control system is also a point of contention for some driving enthusiasts, particularly given the availability of a limited-slip differential.

A Cut-Price Quadrifoglio Experience

Ultimately, the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce offers a compelling alternative to the range-topping Giulia Quadrifoglio. While it doesn’t possess the Quadrifoglio’s exhilarating twin-turbo V6, it captures much of the essence of a high-performance Alfa Romeo in a more accessible and affordable package. The Veloce delivers a significant portion of the driving enjoyment and style of the Quadrifoglio, making it a smart choice for those who appreciate the Alfa Romeo brand and driving dynamics but are seeking a more budget-friendly option. The 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce stands out as a stylish, engaging, and well-rounded sports saloon that continues to impress.

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Final Verdict: Should You Consider the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce?

The 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce is a car that appeals to the heart as much as the head. It’s a stylish sports saloon that delivers on driving dynamics and offers a unique Italian flavor in a segment often dominated by more conservative choices. While factors like rear seat space and standard ride comfort might be considerations for some, the Giulia Veloce’s strengths in design, updated technology, and engaging performance make it a compelling option. If you’re looking for a sports saloon that stands out from the crowd and provides a genuinely enjoyable driving experience, the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce deserves a serious look. For those prioritizing ride comfort, especially on varied road surfaces, specifying the adaptive dampers is a worthwhile investment, unlocking the full potential of this impressive Italian saloon.

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