As a content creator for cardiagnosticnearme.com and a lifelong auto repair expert, I often get asked about my opinion on new cars. Recently, during a casual conversation, the inevitable question arose: “If you were buying a new car today, what would you choose?” It’s a question that, surprisingly, doesn’t have an immediate, straightforward answer. The current automotive landscape, while offering a vast selection, often feels… uninspiring. Many new vehicles lack the spark and excitement that older models possessed, making the choice less about desire and more about necessity.
With a plethora of brands and models flooding the UK market – more than ever before in the post-war era – one would expect finding a truly desirable new car to be easy. However, for someone passionate about driving and automotive character, the selection can feel disappointingly dull. The market is saturated with vehicles that prioritize practicality and technology over driving pleasure and distinctive design.
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Now, I must admit, I’m not the typical target demographic for most mainstream car manufacturers. Crossovers and SUVs, while incredibly popular, hold little appeal for me. Their ubiquitous design and general driving experience leave me cold. Similarly, many German marques, along with diesel engines, traditional saloons, automatic transmissions, and the current wave of all-electric vehicles, don’t ignite my passion. These personal preferences significantly narrow down the field of potential new car candidates.
Of course, aspirational vehicles like a new Rolls-Royce Wraith are always tempting, but the price tag and running costs are simply prohibitive. And sadly, the final editions of the Lotus Elise, a car that truly embodies driving purity, are no longer available. Even charming and practical options like the Fiat Panda 4×4, with its robust character, are becoming less appealing as manufacturers prematurely phase out internal combustion engines in favor of electric-only models.
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Among the hundreds of new models available, only a select few genuinely pique my interest. Interestingly, many of these come from manufacturers whose names begin with “A.” The Abarth 695 hot hatch, especially with a manual gearbox if you can still find one, is undeniably appealing despite its firm ride and limited practicality. Then there’s the Alpine A110, a car that resonates with my past ownership of classic 1970s models. Alpine has brilliantly addressed the original A110’s rear-engine layout by placing the engine centrally, achieving optimal handling balance after all these years.
But for me, the standout choice, the car that truly captures the essence of driving passion in the current market, is the Alfa Romeo Giulia. In my expert opinion, the Giulia is simply the best-looking new car on sale today. Beyond its stunning aesthetics, it delivers a driving experience that is genuinely engaging and rewarding.
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While a Caterham Seven offers unparalleled excitement and driver involvement, its compromises in everyday usability are significant. Similarly, the Citroen Ami EV, while charming and innovative for urban mobility, is too limited in range and speed for broader driving needs. Even modern Ferraris, with some exceptions like the magnificent 812 Superfast, have lost some of their allure for me. Brands like Citroen, Honda, and Renault, once known for their quirky and innovative designs, have become somewhat predictable in their current offerings. The new Range Rover, despite its luxury and capability, remains too much of an SUV for my personal taste. And while Volvos boast exceptional interiors, as a former Saab enthusiast, the brand doesn’t quite align with my automotive sensibilities. As for BMW, Mercedes, and Audi? “Nein danke,” as they say. Perhaps it’s the somewhat homogenous and often overly serious image associated with some of their drivers.
So, faced with over 60 brands and countless models, predominantly crossovers and SUVs, the question remains: which new car to choose? After considering all options, my answer, after much deliberation, remains firmly with the wonderful Alfa Romeo Giulia. Ideally, in its exhilarating and highly capable 2.9 BiTurbo Quadrifoglio guise. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio offers a compelling package: breathtaking looks, a glorious engine note, and a truly involving driving experience. And perhaps, most satisfyingly, it provides the opportunity to outshine those driving the predictable German “executive” saloons, offering a refreshing alternative for those who appreciate genuine automotive passion and individuality. For the driving enthusiast seeking a new car that stirs the soul, the Alfa Romeo Giulia stands out as a truly exceptional choice in a market often lacking in character.
