A CERTAIN former TV motoring journalist turned farmer/pub landlord once famously said you cannot be a true petrol-head until you have owned an Alfa Romeo.
Now while I disagree with much of Mr Clarkson’s rhetoric I am with him on this one – there is just something about an Alfa that gets the pulse racing.
None more so that our latest test car the Giulia Quadrifoglio which has a staggering 510bhp under your right foot and needs very careful handling to avoid the attention of the speed camera community.
Eco warriors look away now because here are some numbers for our pure petrol-head readers… 0 to 62 in just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 191mph, all thanks to its 2891cc V6 twin turbocharged engine which is mated to a super smooth eight speed auto gearbox.
If you are brave enough to bury the go pedal into the carpet then it’s a bit like that part in Star Trek where they engage warp drive. This thing goes like stink – up to the legal limit of course.
The down side, apart from potentially losing your licence, is below 28mpg but who cares when there is so much fun to be had… and at a shade under £70k it’s a bargain as to get this kind of performance anywhere else you would have to venture into the world of very expensive supercars.
Externally the classy Quadrifoglio logos on the front wings, stylish alloy wheels and some body kit details hint at the wolf lurking beneath – but it’s the two big twin stepped exhaust pipes at the back that let you know just why this car has passed you with ease.
Inside it is pure quality with lots of high class finishes including carbon fibre effect, aluminium and leather details plus the biggest steering wheel gear shift paddles I have ever seen.
Equipment is also top drawer including digital instrument and infotainment screens for everything from sat nav to a rear view camera and top quality sound system. Other highlights are wireless phone charging, active cruise control auto lights and wipers and a raft of the very latest safety systems.
This really is a proper driver’s car with superb seating position, thanks to electric seats, quick and nimble electric power steering and sporty yet comfortable suspension, more fun that more expensive competitors.
Those great looks, improved by a refresh in 2023, and that iconic badge also help the overall driving experience. Alfa also boosted that 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6 up from 503bhp to 510bhp, but pretty much left everything else alone – lightweight and responsive.
There are four drive modes including Race for the brave (or foolhardy) which means ESP is off and dampers and powertrain on full throttle. D is dynamic, N normal and A stands for advanced efficiency – which I suspect will get little use.
So this Alfa certainly lives up to that tradition of cars to get your pulse racing and a week at the wheel, with no brown envelopes afterwards, all added up to a truly great driving experience.
For more information see: www.alfaromeo.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth