Considering a Giulia Veloce - Any Thoughts?
Discussion
Hi all, I will shortly be looking at replacing my current car, a Mountune upgraded Mk2 Focus ST. I feel that maybe (only maybe 
) I fancy something a little more grown up and which could do a bit more family load lugging than I currently do in my Focus, but it has to be at least as quick and look good! I had pretty much narrowed my choice to a Golf R estate, and to be honest this is probably still top choice on balance of boxes ticked. However, having heard a Quadrofoglio burble past yesterday I went straight onto Alfa's configurator and I think a Veloce may be attainable!
The looks of the Giulia are far better than the Golf and even though it would be slower than the Golf and my current tuned ST, I reckon I could live with that potentially, however I have read about the hazard lights coming on very easily when braking and I have seen this on Youtube videos too. Does anyone have real experience of this? Can it be switched off or has Alfa changed it on recent cars? I enjoy a 'spirited' drive and have plenty of chances on my B road commute, so this 'feature' would drive me up the wall.
Lastly, any views on the boot and boot space? My kids are 3 and 6 years old so we don't need pushchairs etc. However I had justified the Golf R estate to my wife in that we could drive away on holiday. Would the Giulia offer enough boot space for such a trip? I appreciate that there will be much less boot than in an estate.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts and insights into experiences of ownership!
) I fancy something a little more grown up and which could do a bit more family load lugging than I currently do in my Focus, but it has to be at least as quick and look good! I had pretty much narrowed my choice to a Golf R estate, and to be honest this is probably still top choice on balance of boxes ticked. However, having heard a Quadrofoglio burble past yesterday I went straight onto Alfa's configurator and I think a Veloce may be attainable! The looks of the Giulia are far better than the Golf and even though it would be slower than the Golf and my current tuned ST, I reckon I could live with that potentially, however I have read about the hazard lights coming on very easily when braking and I have seen this on Youtube videos too. Does anyone have real experience of this? Can it be switched off or has Alfa changed it on recent cars? I enjoy a 'spirited' drive and have plenty of chances on my B road commute, so this 'feature' would drive me up the wall.
Lastly, any views on the boot and boot space? My kids are 3 and 6 years old so we don't need pushchairs etc. However I had justified the Golf R estate to my wife in that we could drive away on holiday. Would the Giulia offer enough boot space for such a trip? I appreciate that there will be much less boot than in an estate.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts and insights into experiences of ownership!
Never had a problem with the hazards even in Dynamic mode. They have only fired in a full on emergency stop situation for me.
Boot space is similar to my previous E92 coupe and the rear seats fold too. No idea how that would compare to a Golf estate but can only guess you’ll get nowhere near space-wise.
The Veloce is great to drive (excellent drivetrain, handling & ride) but general quality is lacking and due to lots of small niggles it just isn’t a finished/polished product IME. Had mine 4 months from new and I can’t see it being a keeper.
I’d certainly recommend you test drive one and take it from there.
Boot space is similar to my previous E92 coupe and the rear seats fold too. No idea how that would compare to a Golf estate but can only guess you’ll get nowhere near space-wise.
The Veloce is great to drive (excellent drivetrain, handling & ride) but general quality is lacking and due to lots of small niggles it just isn’t a finished/polished product IME. Had mine 4 months from new and I can’t see it being a keeper.
I’d certainly recommend you test drive one and take it from there.
Cheers for the info, that’s really useful to know about the hazards. Interior quality isn’t so much of a concern, coming from an eight year old Focus, performance and noise is though!
I never anticipated one being a keeper, but more a stylish and fun way to get about for a few years.
Thanks again for the reply.
I never anticipated one being a keeper, but more a stylish and fun way to get about for a few years.
Thanks again for the reply.
I have one and frankly, I love it.
I've not had an issue with the hazards as per the poster above.
For me the lightness and agility win me over everytime I get behind the wheel. Moving to RWD was a masterstroke for this car, it finishes the package perfectly. They've made plenty of pretty, powerful and dynamic saloon and hatchback cars before, but nothing like this.
I'm in love and the only thing I can think of to replace it would be a QF.
I've not had an issue with the hazards as per the poster above.
For me the lightness and agility win me over everytime I get behind the wheel. Moving to RWD was a masterstroke for this car, it finishes the package perfectly. They've made plenty of pretty, powerful and dynamic saloon and hatchback cars before, but nothing like this.
I'm in love and the only thing I can think of to replace it would be a QF.
Times change!Had my Veloce for 7 months, and it's truly brilliant.
I've not had the hazard warning lights issue either, and haven't heard of anyone else having it either, and I'm on the alfaowner site and Guilia owner facebook pages a lot.
I changed from an RS Megane as I wanted a more grown up car. It's definitely that - it's genuinely civilised in comparison. But when you want some fun, it doesn't half shift and handle well. The noise is fairly subdued though (certainly compared to my raucous Megane) although it is getting fruitier now that the engine is bedded in.
Boot space isn't great though. Quite a narrow entry which means it's difficult to get large objects in. But if you break your luggage into smaller chunks it actually swallows quite a lot of stuff.
If you're looking at the configurator and thinking a Veloce will cost you around £40K, then most people (myself included) manage to get them (on PCP) for nearer £32K (that's what I paid on a factory order, with 0% APR and including misano blue paint and 19" wheels). I believe a price hike is due imminently though (although with a higher spec as standard).
I'd definitely recommend a test drive. I fell in love immediately.
I've not had the hazard warning lights issue either, and haven't heard of anyone else having it either, and I'm on the alfaowner site and Guilia owner facebook pages a lot.
I changed from an RS Megane as I wanted a more grown up car. It's definitely that - it's genuinely civilised in comparison. But when you want some fun, it doesn't half shift and handle well. The noise is fairly subdued though (certainly compared to my raucous Megane) although it is getting fruitier now that the engine is bedded in.
Boot space isn't great though. Quite a narrow entry which means it's difficult to get large objects in. But if you break your luggage into smaller chunks it actually swallows quite a lot of stuff.
If you're looking at the configurator and thinking a Veloce will cost you around £40K, then most people (myself included) manage to get them (on PCP) for nearer £32K (that's what I paid on a factory order, with 0% APR and including misano blue paint and 19" wheels). I believe a price hike is due imminently though (although with a higher spec as standard).
I'd definitely recommend a test drive. I fell in love immediately.
Edited by Noisy Neighbour on Thursday 19th July 12:38
Great stuff, it's definitely on the short list! I had seen that such deals were available with the the 0% offer and it's good to hear that they are definitely achievable!
Nice to here the views of a former hot hatch owner. My current shortlist of cars to visit and get is the Giulia, Golf R estate and possibly, if I can convince my wife, a Mk3 Focus RS as there are still pre-reg cars around. I'm finding it difficult to let go !
Nice to here the views of a former hot hatch owner. My current shortlist of cars to visit and get is the Giulia, Golf R estate and possibly, if I can convince my wife, a Mk3 Focus RS as there are still pre-reg cars around. I'm finding it difficult to let go !
Make sure you drive the Giulia first.
I had a short list of the following, and appointments booked in this order:
Giulia
3 Series
C Class
Lexus IS
I arrived at the Giulia appointment and was driving out of the dealership 3 hours later in one. Didn't even go and test the others... I was sold instantly.
I had a short list of the following, and appointments booked in this order:
Giulia
3 Series
C Class
Lexus IS
I arrived at the Giulia appointment and was driving out of the dealership 3 hours later in one. Didn't even go and test the others... I was sold instantly.
I'm really pleased with mine but I would check the boot and back seats are big enough. You can't get two big cases in the boot. It's fairly narrow.. The drivers seat moves back automatically when you turn the car off and open the door which is a pain if you have a car seat behind it. 9000 mile service intervals. Dealers that have never serviced one before. However it's a joy to drive. Mine has been faultless over 11000 miles.
pattyg said:
As I’ve said previously I’d love one but zero dealers in Scotland and I understand the dealer support is poor post sale.
Thoughts anyone
My local dealer is excellent. Same as any other brand - there's good and bad ones (I tried 4 different BMW dealers before I found a decent one when I had a 5 series. 2 of them I would never go to again under any circumstances).Thoughts anyone
G.Fraser said:
Thanks, that’s interesting. The boot is the main concern really and we’ll be checking that when we go to look. We’re planning to use the next car for big family holidays away and I’m just not sure it’ll quite have the boot space.
It’s such a nice looking car though!
2 adults, a tall 11 year old and an 8 year old went for a 2 week road trip to Italy and back in our Quadrifoglio last year. I bought a set of luggage that is sized specifically to fill the boot space and we got everything in that we needed for 2 weeks no problem. If it was winter then probably not due to the additional clothing required.It’s such a nice looking car though!
This is what I got (fantastic quality too):
https://www.carfitbags.com/product-eng-4533-ALFA-R...
The front seat only moves back (comfort entry) if the seat is forward of the pillar to start with. Also, the new versions have an option in the car settings to turn off comfort access.
Edited by smarty156 on Friday 20th July 00:52
I'm 8 months and 10000 miles into my Veloce now and still love it. It drives like nothing else, it really is that good. The steering and chassis set up is just sublime. If you take a drive you will be sold.
I have no faults so far apart from an infotainment screen which went dicky twice and returned to normal a few hours later.
Boot size is average for a 4 door saloon, I took my wife Daughter and Grandaughter up to centre parks in it, and they rammed the boot full, but nothing fell out.
As noted a price hike is coming, it looks like they are pitching it at a twitter under 40k, but adding a few options in. Mettalic would bring it over the 40k tax threshold though.
A Veloce ti model is on the way soon, which will put a lot f the QF styling and equipment on for about 45k. In the pipe line is a 350bhp mild hybrid, which will sit between the Veloce ti and the QF. its got a 48v electric Turbo, very fast very efficient very light.
I have no faults so far apart from an infotainment screen which went dicky twice and returned to normal a few hours later.
Boot size is average for a 4 door saloon, I took my wife Daughter and Grandaughter up to centre parks in it, and they rammed the boot full, but nothing fell out.
As noted a price hike is coming, it looks like they are pitching it at a twitter under 40k, but adding a few options in. Mettalic would bring it over the 40k tax threshold though.
A Veloce ti model is on the way soon, which will put a lot f the QF styling and equipment on for about 45k. In the pipe line is a 350bhp mild hybrid, which will sit between the Veloce ti and the QF. its got a 48v electric Turbo, very fast very efficient very light.
Another happy Giulia Veloce owner here.
No complaints really although I expect you will feel it a bit subdued if you’re coming from a bang 5-pot ST - the Veloce is ‘tame’ sounding although it is fairly quick once you get going through the gears in manual/flappy paddles.
You may also struggle with boot space, or at least the entry to the boot. I find it small and often tricky to get bigger items in due to the shallow depth and narrow boot opening.
No complaints really although I expect you will feel it a bit subdued if you’re coming from a bang 5-pot ST - the Veloce is ‘tame’ sounding although it is fairly quick once you get going through the gears in manual/flappy paddles.
You may also struggle with boot space, or at least the entry to the boot. I find it small and often tricky to get bigger items in due to the shallow depth and narrow boot opening.
Thanks, that's good to know.
Part of the reason I am looking to change as I have started having a few problems with my current car, that said I've just had it repaired and it's driving incredibly again, I do love it. As such, it may be prudent to just get I paid off and then just save the monthly payments until next year and see what new models come out. I understand there is a new Golf coming in 2019 and that you mention a new slightly more powerful Giulia coming as well then this is all grist to the mill. I don't want to rush into a big purchase to get the discount in time, and I can't anyway as I have a few jobs on at the moment that I won't get paid for until a few months, so it's out of my hands. I'm just doing the research at the moment!
Regarding the £40k tax thing, it is annoying but I think it roughly works out another £20 a month so it's not a deal breaker in the scheme of things. I wouldn't let it put me off the spec and options I would want.
Part of the reason I am looking to change as I have started having a few problems with my current car, that said I've just had it repaired and it's driving incredibly again, I do love it. As such, it may be prudent to just get I paid off and then just save the monthly payments until next year and see what new models come out. I understand there is a new Golf coming in 2019 and that you mention a new slightly more powerful Giulia coming as well then this is all grist to the mill. I don't want to rush into a big purchase to get the discount in time, and I can't anyway as I have a few jobs on at the moment that I won't get paid for until a few months, so it's out of my hands. I'm just doing the research at the moment!
Regarding the £40k tax thing, it is annoying but I think it roughly works out another £20 a month so it's not a deal breaker in the scheme of things. I wouldn't let it put me off the spec and options I would want.
Edited by G.Fraser on Friday 20th July 09:39
ColdoRS said:
No complaints really although I expect you will feel it a bit subdued if you’re coming from a bang 5-pot ST - the Veloce is ‘tame’ sounding although it is fairly quick once you get going through the gears in manual/flappy paddles.
Well this is my concern but to be honest, I don't think there are many options which include awesome engine/exhaust sound. I can't afford a Quadrifoglio! I have to compromise somewhere sadly :/G.Fraser said:
Well this is my concern but to be honest, I don't think there are many options which include awesome engine/exhaust sound. I can't afford a Quadrifoglio! I have to compromise somewhere sadly :/
My car makes a lovely burbling noise at certain points in the rev range - so much so that a friend actually asked if it was a V6. The price is going to £40,060 (or it could be £40,600), but you now get 5 years warranty. However, with discount, you should be negotiating to around the £32k mark for a standard car and adding options from there.
Dealers are a slight problem in that there aren’t that many of them and you then have to find a good one. Someone compared them to BMW dealers, but there is a BMW dealer in most towns, so you can make your choice. My nearest Alfa Romeo dealer is an Arnold Clark dealer and I’d never choose to take it there, but it will have to I suppose for its servicing when required (or if it goes up in smoke). I ended up buying from Beechdale who were excellent, but that’s a 180 mile round trip for me.
Be careful when/if speccing any packs - the Veloce is very well equipped as standard and some features that are included in most packs are already on the car.
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