The Alfa Romeo Giulia has garnered a reputation for its captivating blend of style, performance, and a certain je ne sais quoi that sets it apart in the sport sedan segment. While some may dwell on minor imperfections, true driving enthusiasts understand that the Giulia, especially the Giulia Ti trim, offers a unique and exhilarating experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s a car that stirs the soul, a refreshing departure from the often-clinical precision of its German rivals. To nitpick would be to miss the forest for the trees – or, in automotive terms, to complain about the tires while enjoying a thrilling drive on a winding road.
My first encounter with the Giulia family was with the formidable Quadrifoglio at Sonoma Raceway back in 2016. The Quadrifoglio, with its Ferrari-derived twin-turbo V6 producing a staggering 505 horsepower and a top speed approaching 191 mph, naturally stole the spotlight. However, I recognized that the heart of the Giulia lineup, and the more accessible choice for most buyers, lay in the turbocharged four-cylinder models like the Giulia Ti. With a starting price significantly lower than the Quadrifoglio, the Giulia Ti promised Italian flair and driving dynamics without breaking the bank. Therefore, I made it a priority to spend extended time with a rear-wheel-drive Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti on familiar territory – the roads of New York – to truly understand its appeal.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Front View
Reliability and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti: Dispelling Myths
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Alfa Romeo reliability. Historically, Italian cars have faced scrutiny in this area. However, my time with the Giulia Ti was remarkably uneventful in the best possible way. There were no dreaded “Check Engine” lights, no perplexing error codes, and no system malfunctions that have plagued some previous Giulia test vehicles. Instead of perpetuating old stereotypes, the Giulia Ti experience served to challenge them. Alfa Romeo, seeking to rebuild its reputation in America after its 1995 retreat, needs vehicles like the Giulia Ti to demonstrate a new era of dependability alongside their renowned passion.
The Thrill of Driving an Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti: A Unique Sport Sedan Experience
Beyond reliability concerns, the Giulia Ti reinforces another, more positive Italian stereotype: when an Alfa Romeo gets it right, the driving experience is unparalleled. While competitors like the BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63, Cadillac ATS-V, and Porsche Panamera are all exceptional sport sedans in their own right, the Giulia Ti offers a distinct flavor. It’s the closest sensation to driving a four-door Ferrari that is within reach for many enthusiasts.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Interior View
The beauty of the Giulia Ti lies in how it transcends mere specifications. While it might have minor shortcomings on paper, these fade into insignificance once you experience its dynamic prowess on the road, especially when tackling corners. The Giulia Ti boasts an incredibly quick 11.8:1 steering ratio, requiring only 2.3 turns lock-to-lock. This agility rivals many dedicated sports cars, yet the Giulia maintains composure and avoids feeling nervous or overly sensitive. The steering is beautifully weighted and communicative, providing an almost telepathic connection to the road. In comparison, the Cadillac ATS-V comes closest in steering and chassis feel, but even it doesn’t quite match the Giulia’s eagerness to dive into corners or its tactile feedback from the road and front wheels. Simply put, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti is just more engaging and fun to drive.
Areas for Improvement in the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti
However, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti is not without its imperfections. One notable omission is the lack of a manual transmission option in the American market. For a sport sedan with such a well-balanced chassis and a clear focus on driving pleasure, the absence of a manual gearbox feels like a missed opportunity. While the Quadrifoglio does offer elegant aluminum paddle shifters for its eight-speed automatic, these are optional on the four-cylinder Giulia Ti, and were absent on the “Lusso” luxury trim model I tested. This resulted in using a less-than-inspiring plastic console shifter, reminiscent of a budget version of BMW’s electronic shifter. For driving enthusiasts, opting for the Sport package with the Ferrari-esque paddle shifters is highly recommended.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Gear Shifter Detail
Another area for improvement is the brake pedal feel. While the Giulia Ti’s Brembo brakes offer impressive stopping power, the brake-by-wire system from Continental results in a somewhat vague pedal feel. This system, which replaces the mechanical link between the pedal and the brakes with electronic signals, aims to simulate traditional brake feedback. However, in city driving, the brakes can occasionally feel too abrupt, lacking the progressive feel of a conventional system. Fine-tuning the brake pedal modulation would enhance the overall driving experience, particularly in daily driving scenarios.
Practicality and Interior Design of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti
Practicality is another consideration. Rear-seat legroom in the Giulia Ti is somewhat limited, although headroom is adequate. The front seat cushions could also be longer for better thigh support, especially for taller occupants. The trunk opening is on the smaller side, and surprisingly, there are no folding rear seats or a cargo pass-through, limiting cargo versatility. Even the trunk lid closure felt less substantial than expected. Similarly, the front doors close with a less refined sound compared to the solid thud of German luxury cars.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Dashboard and Interior Design
Furthermore, the standard Giulia Ti, unlike the Quadrifoglio, doesn’t offer the option to fully disable traction or stability control. While the electronic aids are generally well-calibrated and unobtrusive, some drivers, particularly in specific conditions like snow or track driving, might prefer complete control.
The Alluring Design and Interior of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti captivates with its striking design and driver-focused interior. Its silhouette is undeniably Italian, with a distinctive triangular grille, flowing lines, and a sense of exoticism that turns heads. In a sea of similar-looking sedans, the Giulia stands out. Even in a city like Manhattan, the Giulia Ti drew attention and sparked conversations, with onlookers admiring its beauty and uniqueness.
Inside, the Giulia Ti strikes a balance between luxury and sportiness. While some materials might not reach the opulent standards of an $80,000 Quadrifoglio, they are perfectly acceptable in the more affordable Ti models. The highlight is the beautifully sculpted, leather-stitched dashboard, creating a driver-centric cockpit that feels refreshingly minimalist compared to some overly cluttered interiors. It evokes a touch of classic Italian design, a welcome departure from the prevailing trends. Opting for the available package that includes the leather-wrapped dash, 18-inch wheels, wood trim, and upgraded leather seats further enhances the interior ambiance. The infotainment system, while featuring a somewhat small screen and basic navigation, is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard.
Performance and Driving Dynamics of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti
Under the hood, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant delivers brisk acceleration, propelling the Giulia Ti from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 149 mph. While not as ferocious as the Quadrifoglio’s performance, the Giulia Ti offers ample power for spirited driving. It also retains the Quadrifoglio’s carbon-fiber driveshaft, contributing to its agile handling. Weighing in at around 3,600 pounds in rear-drive configuration, the Giulia Ti is also lighter than the Quadrifoglio, further enhancing its nimbleness. The engine is responsive and delivers a satisfyingly raspy engine note, with a strong surge of torque available in the mid-range.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti in Motion
Even after demanding driving sessions, the Giulia Ti leaves you wanting more. Its engaging driving dynamics and Italian character make even mundane drives enjoyable. It’s a car that encourages you to take the long way home, to explore winding backroads and experience the joy of driving.
Embracing the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti: A Passionate Choice
As an automotive journalist, I acknowledge that purchase decisions involve practical considerations. However, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti appeals to a different kind of buyer – one who values driving passion and unique character over absolute perfection. Decades ago, buyers of European cars like Alfas, Fiats, and Jaguars understood that these vehicles might require a bit more attention but were willing to embrace their quirks for the sake of their distinctive driving experience and charm. In today’s automotive landscape, where reliability and seamless technology often take precedence, the Giulia Ti represents a refreshing return to those values.
For those captivated by the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti, my advice is to take the plunge. Consider a lease to mitigate any potential long-term reliability concerns. While advertised lease deals might seem tempting, a more realistic monthly payment for a well-equipped Giulia Ti would be in the region of $450. This still represents excellent value for a sport sedan that delivers a level of driving enjoyment unmatched in its class.
Ultimately, choosing an Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti is a statement. It’s choosing passion over practicality, individuality over conformity. Be prepared for unsolicited opinions from friends and family, some of whom might question your choice. But remember, you are not like everyone else. You appreciate driving artistry, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti delivers that in spades. When you are behind the wheel of a Giulia Ti, you are driving a car with soul, a “Roman god” among more ordinary sedans. And if you do find yourself at the service center occasionally, just order an espresso and remember that even Roman gods have their moments.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Rear View
