Name: Alfa Romeo Giulia (2016 onwards) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Alfa Romeo Giulia
Rating: 57.0

Table of contents – Alfa Romeo Giulia

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Summary

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a premium mid-sized saloon, and the first volume rear-wheel drive Alfa in decades. Launched in 2016, it was developed in a separate facility away from the rest of the Alfa/Fiat family, employing a number of seconded and former Ferrari engineers.

There is a high-performance model called the Giulia Quadrifoglio. We have a separate page for this car here.

The Giulia has received many positive reviews and many awards from the motoring media in the UK and around the world with particular praise for its driving dynamics, styling and performance. However, criticisms have been levelled at some of its interior fittings and infotainment system, which lag behind the best rivals in this class. A mid-life update has improved these points, although still not to the levels of the best in its class.

For its first four years on sale, multiple UK surveys showed that the Giulia was proved solid in terms of reliability, but our data (see below) shows that things have become much more problematic over the last four years. It’s also not a cheap to car to live with.

As of August 2024, the Alfa Romeo Giulia has a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 57%. It gets good grade for its positive media reviews and low CO₂ emissions, but its safety rating is now out of date and its running costs are high. Reliability to date has also been poor.

Giulia highlights

Styling has been almost universally admired
Strong performance from both petrol and diesel engines
Driving dynamics better than most in its class

Giulia lowlights

Interior quality not to German standards
Infotainment system is also sub-par
Residual values can’t match best in class
Reliability scores have fallen over time

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-sized saloon
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £33,595 on-road

Launched: Summer 2016
Last updated: Autumn 2019
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8.1 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Giulia offers enough highlights to make it worthy of consideration for those wanting something different to the regular German rivals.”
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Auto Express+

Model reviewed: (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“The updates to the Giulia don’t really change the car’s basic recipe, but they do enough to keep it in the mix compared with its German rivals.”
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Model reviewed: Veloce
Score: 8 / 10
“New technology updates and additional equipment make the Alfa Romeo Giulia more competitive, but in Veloce trim it’s still the way in which the Alfa Romeo drives and handles that makes it one of the best saloons on the market – and a worthwhile alternative to its more subdued German rivals.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“Overall quality is up, the connectivity is much better, and the instruments and infotainment have also been improved.”
Read review

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 9 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a characterful package that offers rear-drive thrills and plenty of Italian charm.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Adding a dash of Italian glamour to the otherwise formulaic executive saloon segment, the Alfa Romeo Giulia plays to the brand’s sporting traditions with slinky styling, sporty handling and a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic on all models.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: 2023 update
Score: 8 / 10
“Beautifully formulated Alfa Romeo Giulia saloon has been given a minor but well-considered update.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Sprint
Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Giulia is the most enticing car in its class. Charisma and that fine-handling chassis, only now with added comfort and convenience… it’s a special blend.”
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Model reviewed: Veloce
Score: 7 / 10
“Interior upgrades aim to help sweet-handling saloon keep up with its fast-evolving rivals.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re bored with the traditional German establishment you might also find there is much to be commended in an Alfa Romeo Giulia.”
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Business Car+

Model reviewed: (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“Overall, the updates are welcome, but not game-changing, and sensible company car drivers will probably be looking elsewhere – especially when a plug-in hybrid BMW 3 Series is only a few hundred pounds more on P11D.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual Veloce
Score: 8 / 10
“Handsome, great to drive and sweetly pitched, both in terms of performance for the money and chassis aggression versus refinement, the Veloce is a compelling proposition. It’s not perfect but it’s quite possibly the affordable Alfa sports saloon you’ve been dreaming of.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“The tweaks brought via this new model have definitely helped to sweeten the deal, but the same fundamentals that made the Giulia so exciting in the first place have been left untouched.”
Author: Ted Welford
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Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Giulia retains everything that made it good in the first place — the impressive powertrains, exquisite looks and exciting driving characteristics — and adds a dollop of improved quality to the mix.”
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Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic Super
Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Giulia manages to pack an engaging and fun driving experience into a sharp-looking package, setting it apart as a genuine alternative in the mid-size saloon market.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a stylish, luxurious and great-to-drive alternative to established executive saloons like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.”
Author: Ben Custard, Andy Goodwin
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a sleek, stand-out saloon car that’s spacious and enjoyable to drive. Audi and BMW alternatives beat it on interior quality.”
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Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic Sprint
“Style remains unchanged and is still the Giulia’s biggest selling point, although elements have been improved.”
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Daily Mail+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Veloce
Score: 10 / 10
“Like most things Italian – the Sistine Chapel, Sophia Loren, Margherita pizza – it’s really quite gorgeous.” (Chris Evans)
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Evo+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“In such a competitive marketplace, the Giulia holds its own and represents Alfa’s best effort in years.”
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Model reviewed: Veloce Ti
Score: 9 / 10
“The regular Veloce is already among our favourite sports saloons, and while the Ti is mainly a visual upgrade, it’s also an opportunity to refresh our memories.”
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Green Car Guide+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Super
Score: 9 / 10
“For car buyers who have been put off diesels, the petrol-powered Alfa Romeo Giulia combines 48mpg economy with a sporty driving experience.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Giulia certainly looks the part. It’s aggressive, sleek and distinctive. What’s more, on paper at least, there is a Giulia for everyone, with the range encompassing everything from efficient diesels to supercar munching V6 petrols.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: 2.2 190ps
“This facelift represents a commendable job of improving the Giulia’s weak points and if you want a car that’ll stand out on the motorway and handle brilliantly, it could be the vehicle for you.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“It has some very likeable traits that make it a genuine alternative to the mainstay of otherwise bland looking upmarket saloons. We should also point out that the Alfa Romeo Giulia boasts superb handling.”
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Model reviewed: 2.2-litre MultiJet diesel automatic
“Compromises aside, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is a welcome addition to the premium car ranks. If you can look past its shortcomings, and want an attractive, performance-focused saloon that stands out, the Giulia could be the perfect choice.”
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Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“While most buyers searching for a compact executive saloon opt for something with a German badge, the Alfa Romeo Giulia presents a compelling alternative.”
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Motors.co.uk+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“In an attempt to unseat (or at least unsettle) the German dominance in the executive saloon market, the Alfa Romeo Giulia offers a new angle on the market as it combines great design, fun driving and efficient engines – so basically combining all the good bits from everyone else.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Italian flair for the company car park.”
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: Veloce
“The Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce is a great car and cuts a striking image on the road and on the driveway compared to its direct rivals. If you want to try something a little different, then the Veloce is the sweet spot of the Giulia range.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Veloce
Score: 9 / 10
“Alfa Romeo’s changes to the Giulia might be described as minimal at best, but they have made a small difference. But while the Giulia may be better than before, and it remains one of the best cars to drive in this class, it still doesn’t quite have the all-round quality to match the likes of the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. They’re just that bit more polished.”
Author: James Fossdyke
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Model reviewed: Veloce Ti
Score: 8 / 10
“A sublime sports saloon in the finest traditions of the genre, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Ti is fabulous to drive in every respect. Yet it’s also spacious and classy enough inside that it doesn’t feel like a compromise, while the five-year warranty should bring much-needed peace of mind.”
Read review

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Despite a number of disappointing flaws, the best Alfa Romeo in at least a generation.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Giulia, no matter how it’s powered, is a very good looking and capable small sports saloon from Alfa. It’s the first compelling rival to the Germans from Alfa in over a decade.”
Read review

What Car?+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Giulia is great to drive, with genuinely sporty performance and a selection of smooth engines.”
Read review

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Alfa Romeo Giulia is great to drive and a fine alternative to the usual German suspects. Interior quality is below par, though.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: June 2016
Date expired: January 2023
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 98%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 69%
Safety assist: 60%

Notes on safety rating

The Alfa Romeo Giulia was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2016 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2023 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used Giulia to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings may also have expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of August 2024, the Alfa Romeo Giulia has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. If the Giulia is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 48
Average repair cost: £1608.39
Last updated: August 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of August 2024, the Alfa Romeo Giulia holds a very poor reliability score of just 17%, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, MotorEasy.

Several of the repair bills have also been hugely expensive, such as an average gearbox repair cosy of more than £8,000. Electrical system repair are also far more expensive than you’d expect to see, with an average repair bill of almost £3,000. Fortunately, both of these problem types have been relatively rare to date.

In owners’ surveys conducted by the likes of What Car? and Which?, the Giulia has scored very well. However, these are not based on verified objective workshop data like the information we have above.

If you own an Alfa Romeo Giulia, or are looking buy a second-hand model, you should definitely think about purchasing a used car warranty that covers these problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	34 mpg	D	33 – 36 mpg	D – E
Diesel models	53 mpg	B	52 – 54 mpg	B – B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	166 g/km	C	161 – 195 g/km	C – D
Diesel models	140 g/km	B	135 – 143 g/km	A – B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	38	C	32 – 44	C – D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£447	D
Year 2	£1,069	D
Year 3	£1,625	D
Year 4	£1,873	D
Year 5	£2,507	D
Overall	£7,521	D

Running cost data supplied by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data for the Alfa Romeo Giulia offers a rather mixed bag of results.

Offering 34 mpg on average, petrol models are thirstier than the market average, though diesel models are much more economical. Insurance premiums are not very expensive, but not low cost either, and service and maintenance costs are higher than key rivals like the BMW 3 Series over the course of five years of ownership.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Alfa Romeo Giulia

Date: September 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2020 to 05/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 973
Defect: The automatic headlight position sensors may not have been calibrated and therefore the function does not comply with the requirements of ECE R48.
Remedy: Recalibration of the automatic headlight position sensors and alignment of the headlights.

Date: January 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2020 to 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 157
Defect: Due to a production nonconformity there may be the possibility of a fuel leak from the fuel pressure and temperature sensor.
Remedy: Replace the front fuel supply pipe and sensor.

Date: September 2021
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 37
Defect: The vehicle may not comply with ECE Regulation 16 Amendment 07 where all seats must be equipped with a safety belt reminder function with visual and audible indication of seat belt status.
Remedy: Conduct a software update to ensure the seat belt indication is available for all occupied seats.

Date: January 2020
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2018 to 09/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 57
Defect: The seats may not lock in the correct position.
Remedy: Check and replace the seat frame if necessary.

Date: December 2019
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2017 to 09/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 116
Defect: Fuel leakages may occur and fumes may form inside the passenger compartment.
Remedy: Fit a new plug and seal to the fuel fitter assembly.

Date: September 2019
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2016 to 08/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 2,402
Defect: More fuel than actually present in the tank could be displayed on the instrument panel.
Remedy: Update the software of the control module which governs fuel level management.

Date: July 2019
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2016 to 06/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 493
Defect: Undesired acceleration of the vehicle may occur whilst active cruise control is operational.
Remedy: Update the software in the brake system module.

Date: March 2018
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2017 to 12/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 11
Defect: The brake/clutch system components may be damaged and system performance may decay as a result of the potential presence of mineral oil in the brake-clutch fluid because the components are not compatible with mineral oil. As a result brake/clutch system performance may deteriorate.
Remedy: Replace the components in the brake-clutch system.

As of August 2024, there have been eight DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Alfa Romeo Giulia. These cover headlights, fuel system, seats, software and brake issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Alfa Romeo dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Giulia, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.