When an Italian makes a BMW 3-series challenger that looks better on the outside and is reportedly a tough rival to a BMW in terms of handling, the competition is fierce. Test-drive the Alfa Romeo Giulia with 2.2-litre diesel, automatic and four-wheel drive.

The cheapest you can get the Giulia for yourself is just under €40,000. The engine is the most powerful of the range, a 150 hp 2.2-litre diesel. Standard equipment includes important safety features such as collision warning, automatic braking and lane departure warning.

In addition, the Giulia’s standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, rain sensor and keyless start. The Alfa D.N.A. system is always standard in the Giulia.

Two more powerful engines are available from the same 2.2-litre diesel, with 180 and 210 horsepower.

The 210 horsepower engine in the test car is powerful, but if you had to guess from the rear end, the figures would seem to be a bit over the top. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is promised at 6.8 seconds.

An automatic gearbox is available with the 180 and 210 hp diesels. The gear shifters at the wheel always come with the automatic.

Two-litre petrol engine options include four-cylinder versions with 200 and 280 horsepower. The lower-powered models have a starting price of just over €41,000. An eight-speed automatic is standard on both cars.

If you’re on a budget, you can get yourself a V6-powered Quadrifoglio version for just under €120,000.

It offers 510 horsepower combined with 600 Newton metres of torque. The car accelerates from zero to 60 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The top speed is also claimed to be 307 km/h.

Driver’s car with a big plough

As you can see from the pictures, the design doesn’t leave you cold. The looks, combined with the red Alfa Rosso livery of the test car, will turn heads in a big way.

While the looks draw the attention of others, the handling of the car provides the driver with an excellent driving experience. Overall, the driving dynamics are spot on and, whatever your age, the driver’s inner little boy comes alive behind the wheel.

The quick steering and rigid chassis provide the driver with a sporty driving experience. It’s a pleasure to drive faster on bends, but on everyday drives the stiffness of the chassis can start to feel on the backside and nerves if the driver isn’t in the ‘race wind’.

Available in Super, Veloce and Quadrifoglio trim levels

Despite its name, the Super trim level is the lowest option level. It comes with heated front seats and steering wheel, 17″ alloy wheels and a leather/cloth upholstered interior.

The Veloce trim level, also available on the test car, adds leather-trimmed sports seats, Bi-Xenon headlights and sportier bumpers.

The cherry on the cake is the Quadrifoglio, which is only available with the aforementioned V6 engine.

Of course, the price adds a huge amount of equipment, including an active front spoiler, active suspension, active differential, leather/alcantara sports seats and carbon fibre roof, bonnet, front and rear spoilers.

With a starting price of just over €55,000, the test car offers a very good-looking and sporty car that is hard to turn down, especially for an Alfa fan.

Click here to watch a video of the test drive.

Pros:

• steering
• drivability
• looks

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.2 Diesel 210 hp AT8 AWD Veloce
Engine displacement: 2143 cm³
Power: 154 kW / 210 hp @ 3750 rpm.
Torque: 470 Nm @ 1750 rpm.
Deadweight: 1535 kg.
Tyre size: 225/45 R18 – 255/40 R18
Acceleration: 6.8 s.
Test drive