By Otsile Kadiege

Alfa Romeo SA recently invited us at the posh Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate for the launch of their updated Giulia and Stelvio which received a minor nip and tuck, new technologies and host of driver assistance systems. The big news for the update is that both the Giulia and Stelvio are now sold in SA with all the bells and whistles. 

Exterior design 

Apart from the high-performance QV and Q derivatives, the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio are sold in SA in Veloce and Super grades respectively. These styling upgrades include grade specific styling like privacy tinted glass, chrome surround moulding, black grilles, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), LED tail lights, 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, and model specific badging to name a few.

Interior and technology 

Stepping inside both the Giulia and Stelvio you are greeted by a premium interior with a touch of sportiness thanks to soft touch materials and a flat-bottom steering wheel with steering column mounted metal paddle shifters which are one of the best shifters you will ever use. 

Other interior highlights are the sporty yet comfortable and supportive leather seats with the Alfa Romeo logo embossed on the headrests, a new intuitive 8.8-inch touch display with decent graphics, wireless charging and a large panoramic sunroof.

Powertrains

At launch we only sampled the Giulia Veloce and Stelvio Super which are both powered by a turbocharged 2-litre petrol engine making an impressive 206 kW/400 Nm. They’re paired to smooth 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The RWD Giulia and AWD Stelvio both sprint from 0-100 kph in 5.7 seconds and the former has a top speed of 240 kph while the latter is electronically limited to 230 kph. 

The Giulia Veloce and Stelvio Super are both equipped with the automaker’s DNA drive select rotary dial with three driving modes (Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency) which alter the vehicles throttle response, steering feel and soundtrack. During our drive on the narrow, twisty and uneven roads of Lanseria, and surrounding areas, both the Giulia and Stelvio were comfortable thanks to the new Active Suspension. 

They were also impressively quick and planted to the road when pushing them through the twisties at speed. Customers who are looking for aural pleasure will be disappointed as the duo don’t have a satisfactory bark. 

Final word

During our short stint with the pair we were impressed with the unique designs, impressive powerplant and ride quality, and interior build quality. We look forward to spending more time with both vehicles for a more comprehensive review.

Pricing

Here’s how much the updated Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio cost in South Africa:

Giulia Veloce: R989,900

Gulia QV: R1,599,900

Stelvio Super: R1,159,900

Stelvio Q: R1,749,900