Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (2022 - )

Before the Giulia came along, Alfa Romeo had not offered a viable alternative to the BMW 3-Series.

That is even more true once you dial it up a notch into the performance saloon section of the market, where the Giulia Quadrifoglio competes against the BMW M3.

Although the Giulia Quadrifoglio isn't quite on par, it nevertheless manages to take BMW's punches and give a few back, too.

Now, Alfa has tweaked it to celebrate the centenary of the Quadrifoglio name, which translates as ‘four-leaf clover’ and first appeared on the Alfa Romeo RL in 1923, a car which entered and won the legendary Targa Florio race in Sicily.

That means a modest power increase and a few new features, adding to the stylish Italian manufacturer's already sizeable offering.

Being the top model, there's only one trim to choose from, but the equipment list is good.

The 19-inch darkened rims with circular patterns, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with navigation, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system are merely the appetiser.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the heated steering wheel.

You also get aluminium sports pedals and gearshift paddles, keyless entry, ambient lighting, an active aero splitter, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a wireless smartphone charger and dual-zone climate control.

Comfort is aided by four-way lumbar adjustment and six-way power-adjustable heated front seats, with the driver able to save up to three configurations using the memory function.

The Giulia Quadrifoglio is powered by the same Ferrari-derived bi-turbo 2.9-litre V6 petrol mill, but it’s now uprated to 520PS, a 10PS increase on the previous model.
 

In terms of looks, the Giulia has all its foes licked, with stunning aesthetics from front to back.

The triangular trefoil grille takes centre stage, with two large, wide lower grilles on either side of the triangle. When combined with the shape of the headlights, this results in a very aggressive front end.

Creases in the bodywork along the side add to the sportiness, while the back features a quad-exhaust system which screams performance.

It is almost as lovely inside, too, with the cabin design having lasted the test of time since its launch several years ago.

New carbon fibre patterns add much to the vibrancy, though, complimenting lots of brushed aluminium to add a more premium feel. At the same time, the flat-bottomed steering wheel entices you to rough it up around some quick corners.

It tempts you further with its significant aluminium paddle shifts behind the steering wheel, which feel satisfying to use.

The sports seats add to the athleticism, while a new 'Race' setting has been added to the three existing modes on the digital instrument cluster. This mode allows you to choose from different layouts to prioritise important information.

That, added to the attractive gear lever and silver surround, plus the inclusion of various rotary dials – one of which conveniently controls the infotainment system – makes it a sexy cabin to sit in.

The infotainment system itself is customisable and based on widgets that can be moved about. Although it's not a class-leading system, it's more than adequate for most.

Alfa's offering is further enhanced with the use of various innovative features. These enable you to connect your smartphone to the car, control some things remotely, and even send notifications to an Amazon Alexa device if the vehicle leaves a user-defined area.

Acceleration in the Giulia Quadrifoglio is brisk, to say the least. Zero to 62mph is over and done within just 3.9 seconds, while its top speed is not restrained by electronic limiters, reaching a mighty 191mph.

Active aerodynamics, such as a carbon fibre front splitter, help it achieve its top speed. While most folk will never go that quickly, it's good to know it'll get from 50 to 70mph on a motorway to make short work of an overtake.

Any concerns that the eight-speed automatic transmission might give the Giulia too much choice are quickly quashed with fast, responsive acceleration and downshifts when you bury the throttle pedal.

Around corners, the Giulia Quadrifoglio also impressed, thanks to the precise 50:50 weight distribution, which aids stability.

Rear-wheel drive and torque vectoring, which sends the clout to whichever wheel needs it the most, really help pull you round bends.

As a result, those who like to slide the back end out around a corner and power their way out are well-catered for.

The Brembo braking system is potent (although ceramic brakes are an eye-wateringly expensive optional extra). Still, Alfa Romeo uses a brake-by-wire system, which can sometimes feel unpredictable and grabby.

Adaptive suspension means you can set the car up as you want, prioritising handling above ride comfort by changing the driving mode.

Nevertheless, no setting is excessively uncomfortable, while the higher modes generate more burbles and crackles from the exhaust system. However, the Race setting turns off almost all electronic interventions and is best used only on a racetrack.

It is very well designed, in terms of its on-road performance, and anything it lacks against its competitors is more than made up for by its energetic personality.

Safety tech features prominently with optional Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, which can move you along in traffic jams and maintain a gap from the vehicle in front at higher speeds.

Inside the cabin, the sports seats add to the look – and they’re comfortable, aided by the adjustable lumbar support.

Finding a comfy driving position is easy, too, thanks to the six-way electric seat adjustment, which allows you to feel hunkered down and low to the ground.

Admittedly, that limits your view somewhat, no thanks to the relatively thick front pillars, and it's even more of an issue when looking over your shoulders. Still, parking sensors and a rear-view camera are standard, offering a helpful workaround.

There is a charitable amount of space inside the cabin, although some opponents can offer marginally more.

Nevertheless, there’s enough room to journey about in comfort, while headroom will only be an issue for the tallest of rear-seat passengers, in part because of the slight slope in the roofline.

Again, some rivals offer more space, but small-to-mid-sized saloons have never been designed to comfortably carry five adults.

In terms of storage, there are four cupholders, various USB ports and several spaces to keep things, including underneath the central armrest.

The boot is 480 litres, the same size as you'll find in a BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63. Meanwhile, the rear seats fold down in a versatile 40/20/40 split to open up even more space, although Alfa doesn’t provide a figure with the rear seats down.

If you can get over the shallow boot opening that comes naturally to any saloon car, you’ll find you’ve plenty of space for an average trip to the supermarket.
 

Anyone buying a performance saloon won’t be doing so because of its excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

The Giulia averages 28mpg, though that isn’t bad given the size of the engine. And it’s helped by cylinder deactivation, which switches off some of the unit’s six cylinders when they’re not required.

Emissions are very high, though, at 229g/km of CO2, meaning the first year’s road tax will cost a dizzying £2,220, then £750 a year for the next five years, followed by £180 a year after that, going by today's figures.

The high emissions and the lack of plug-in hybrid technology mean the Giulia Quadrifoglio is all but redundant as a company car. Hybrids and electric vehicles offer big savings on Benefit-in-Kind tax.

A three-year, unlimited mileage warranty is included, which will offer some peace of mind for the first few years.

If you’re buying with your head, there are plenty of reasons not to have an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Competitors are more sophisticated, have better screwed together interiors, superior infotainment, and are more practical. Some also offer similarly powerful plug-in variants that will suit company car users.

But all the above does the Alfa a massive disservice.

Yes, it’s beaten in many categories – but so what?

It isn’t bad at anything listed above – it’s just not quite as good as the likes of BMW – and that’s no shame.

Besides this, it thunders off the line and performs superbly around corners, so what more could you ask for?

And anyway, Alfas are cars bought by people using their hearts, and, in that respect, few foes can hold a candle to the Giulia Quadrifoglio in terms of the passion it oozes.

It is beautiful to look at, lovely to sit in and great to drive.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio may only add an extra dollop of sugar to the existing recipe, but it’s never been more worthy of the four-leaf clover badge.