• Only one petrol engine – plus standalone Quadrifoglio
• Expensive to run regardless of choice
• High CO2 ratings

How much is it going to cost to run?

The Giulia is class competitive when it comes to fuelling and taxation costs, but servicing tends to be pricier than its rivals – which is worth considering if you’re a high-mileage driver. Since early 2021, the diesel models have been dropped, meaning you need to go elsewhere if you’re chasing maximum MPG.

Alfa claims a maximum of 38.2mpg from the 280hp petrol engine, which will be achievable – but only on a long, slow motorway run. Around town or when making the most of the Giulia’s wonderful chassis, expect mpg in the low 30s.

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CO2 emissions of 168g/km mean the Giulia’s in the 37% band for BIK company car tax – several bands above its plug-in hybrid rivals, and making it a pricey choice.

Servicing and warranty

Alfa Romeo offers a number of service plans, depending what you want to spend on it up-front. The most comprehensive is what Alfa Romeo calls Easy Care, which covers all servicing and can be paid for when you buy the car or factor it into your monthly payments. Service Care is a similar package designed for Alfa Romeos older than a year, while Oil Care allows you to buy oil and filter services in advance. Service plans are transferable between owners as long as the schedule is adhered to via Alfa Romeo dealers.

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Reliability

• Alfa Romeo has not been a byword for reliability
• Giulia has been recalled seven times since launch
• Feels better screwed together than previous Alfas

There’s a big question mark here. Alfa Romeo’s reliability record is best described as ‘eventful’ but the Giulia – and its engines – are proving dependable. While the Giulia has been subject to seven recalls, they’ve all affected a comparatively small number of cars. Still, check carefully if buying used that any recall action has been undertaken.