First Impressions: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrofoglio

There’s an old adage that you aren’t a true ‘petrolhead’ unless you’ve owned an Alfa Romeo. This isn’t something that I’ve ever quite understood, until now. 

You see, Alfa Romeos aren’t everyone’s first thought as a sports car. Yes, they have some classic icons - think the various generations of Spider, or the 2000 GTV, etc, but these days they have somewhat faded into obscurity, trying to make the most of small hatchbacks and the family car market.

Equally, they aren’t necessarily up at the forefront of GT or Sedan ownership choice. Arguably, BMW have become the de facto choice for most professionals of a certain age, if not Audi or perhaps even Mercedes-Benz; all of which sounds bleak for the Italian brand. 

However, there are a loyal band of drivers that are keeping the world of ‘hot’ Alfas alive. Those who don’t want to fit in, those who like a ‘left-field’ choice of car, or those that understand the appeal of Alfa, their heritage and their position in the automotive ecosystem. It is precisely this demographic that you’ll find behind the wheel of the Giulia Quadrofoglio, and I now have a greater understanding of just why these cars are so revered.

For starters, there’s the looks. Yes, the basic 4-door sedan shape remains much the same as any other model on the market, but in a typically Italian show of style, everything is just far more attractive than on its German brethren. 

Continuing the technophobe-friendly appearance of the interior, the speedometer and tachometer are both still analogue dials, whilst the infotainment is firmly modern in its abilities - with CarPlay and Android Auto integration - but the screen is not all-conquering as is often the case with new cars; Alfa clearly still build their systems around the purpose of the car, rather than the other way around!

Of course, the most important part of any performance car such as this is the driving experience, and thankfully Alfa Romeo have hit the bullseye here. 

Outstanding performance, a wonderful soundtrack from the Ferrari-derived engine, and surprisingly refined road manners all come together to produce a show-stopping driving experience, that delivers both in terms of facts-and-figures (with the Giulia QF boasting class-leading performance) but also on an emotional level, which - as we all know - is the most important factor with any performance car, as these are purchases made with the heart, not with the head.

In a straight line, the QF picks up and goes down the road in a manner that almost doesn’t feel right for what is still perfectly useable as an everyday family sedan, whilst throwing it into a few corners shows no cracks in its Italian-styled armour, though no doubt it would very happily kick its tail out and misbehave when provoked. Whilst in 99% of everyday situations the Giulia lulls you into a false sense of security, there are occasional moments where it will remind you of its true purpose in life, and woe betide anyone that doesn’t heed these warnings. 

Stick the Giulia into one of its more docile driving modes, and you’d quite happily do a cross-continental road trip in comfort and style, yet activate its more aggressive side, and you have a supremely capable car that would provide all the thrills you could ever yearn for on the road. 

Whilst my time with the Giulia Quadrofoglio was short-and-sweet, it’s left a lasting impression upon me, and given me a glimpse into the world of Alfa enthusiasts and brand loyalists. What more could you ever need…