By Otsile Kadiege

The updated Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio have officially landed in South Africa. The updates include a subtle exterior design update, a host of interior technology updates, Euro 6b-final compliant aluminium engines, a multi-link rear suspension for the Giulia and a few new driver assistance systems for the Stelvio. 

New technology

Both the Giulia and Stelvio feature an 8.8-inch touch-screen infotainment system and smartphone-like ease of use and enables a suite of Mopar services for remote car management. Further additions to the Giulia include rear USB ports, a cargo net, passive entry, a wireless charging pad, and eight-way electrically adjustable seats with driver memory and four-way lumbar support adjustment. 

Driver assistance systems 

The Stelvio receives a new Driver Assistance Pack including automatic high-beam assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Outside and Interior rearview mirrors with electrochromic auto dimming, Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Alert. 

It also features segment-first Integrated Brake System, Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. The Stelvio boasts a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Performance

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is available in two engines, namely a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and the 2.9-litre engine co-developed with the boffins at Ferrari. The former produces a healthy 206 kW/400 Nm while the more powerful bi-turbo V6 in the Giulia QV makes 375 kW/600 Nm. Both send power to the rear-wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Powering the Stelvio is also the same turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and the bi-turbo 2.9-litre V6 engine producing identical power, and torque figures. However, it sends power to all wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. 
The front suspension of the Giulia has double wishbones with semi-virtual steering whilst the rear makes use of the automaker’s new multi-link suspension called Alfalink. 

Pricing and warranty 

Here’s the pricing for the Giulia and Stelvio range:

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce – R989,900Alfa

Romeo Giulia QV – R1,599,900

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Super – R1,159,900

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q – R1,749,900

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio comes with a 5 year/100,000km full warranty and maintenance plan as standard.