Remember the golden era of compact premium sport sedans that didn’t hail from Germany? Think back to the early 2000’s with models like the Lexus IS, Infiniti G35, and the Acura TL. These cars were united by their robust, naturally aspirated V6 engines and brilliantly tuned chassis. While most boasted rear-wheel drive (though the Acura TL famously sported front-wheel drive), they all delivered driving thrills that left enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts satisfied. It’s a nostalgic journey, one that makes you ponder—where did all that magic go? 

Keeping the Spirit Alive 

While the Lexus IS and the rebranded Infiniti Q50 continue to grace our roads, they unfortunately lag almost a decade behind in modernization. The rebranded Acura TLX, meanwhile, has evolved, shifting its focus toward the more modest, comforting mid-size executive saloon niche, despite the sporty allure of the high-powered Type S model. Yet, in a world dominated by turbocharged German engineering, there remains a standout in the compact sports sedan category: the 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia. 

Likes: Fantastic driving characteristics, comfortable seating front and back, looks that could make a grump swoon.  

Now in its eighth year of production, the Giulia may be maturing in age, but its appearance tells a different story. It has aged remarkably well, retaining a handsome allure even after a mild refresh in 2023. The Giulia exemplifies the kind of timeless attraction seen in previous generations of sport sedans and is a testament to design that captivates like a classic work of art that never fades. 

Spirited Driving 

In today’s automotive landscape, turbocharged engines reign supreme, and the once-ubiquitous V6 is becoming a rarity in compact sports sedans. The Giulia still offers a V6 option, but it comes at a premium—over $83,000 for the twin-turbo V6 in the high-performance Quadrifoglio, delivering 500+ horsepower. For those more grounded in practicality, the Giulia is equipped with a robust 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with a spirited 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. 

Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Giulia turns every drive into a celebration with its snappy gear changes and responsive throttle. It can sprint to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds. And while some German rivals might achieve this quicker, the Giulia offers a uniquely joyful driving experience that is further enhanced by its oversized magnesium column-mounted paddle shifters, adding a tactile pleasure to the act of shifting.  

Our test model, adorned with the mid-tier Veloce badge and priced at $48,450, elevates the Giulia’s sportiness through a sport-tuned suspension and a limited-slip rear differential. Although the ride quality is firm, it remains far from uncomfortable or jarring. Instead, it strikes a balance, delivering road feedback without compromising driver comfort. Additionally, Alfa Romeo has introduced a new trim level, the Competizione, starting at $52,940. This upgrade enhances the sport suspension with adaptive dampers and incorporates unique sporty accents. 

Italian Leather not Italian Luxury  

Inside, the Giulia may not rival the luxury sport end of the Mercedes-Benz C300, but it certainly holds its own by providing a premium environment. The cabin features high-quality leather seating that offers supreme comfort for long drives and ample support for spirited driving sessions. Despite its eight years on the market, the Giulia’s interior design maintains a modern and stylish elegance. 

Dislikes: No wireless phone pairing, Italian fit-n-finish living up to its namesake, a nose so low you’ll scrape every speed bump and driveway.  

The Giulia’s infotainment system is a more modest 8.8 inches, lacking wireless phone pairing and USB-C ports, requiring the use of traditional USB cables for connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, Alfa Romeo simplifies the technology package by standardizing advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and emergency braking across all models. This suite of assistive technologies performs reliably in both slow and fast-paced traffic. 

In a sea of sameness, the Alfa Romeo Giulia remains a delightful outlier. It may not wear the crown of luxury, but it doesn’t shy away from flaunting its Italian flair and driving verve. Besides, with looks this good and driving theatrics this entertaining, who’s really sweating the small stuff? The Giulia proves that when it comes to driving pleasure, it’s more about the journey than the trimmings.