Considering a Giulia Veloce - Any Thoughts?

[G.Fraser]

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!

[G.Fraser]

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.

[G.Fraser]

Wow, great to hear! My only wish would be for a trim/engine between Veloce and the QF. Although there’ll be much I won’t necessarily miss from my current car, I know that I will miss the sound of a 2.5l 5 pot Times change!

Anyway, it’s definitely a contender, thanks for your input.

[G.Fraser]

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 !

[G.Fraser]

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!

[G.Fraser]

That is just the kind of real world insight I can use to justify a trip to the Alfa dealer! Those bags look ideal, what a great idea!

Thanks for your reply

[G.Fraser]

By the way congrats on the quadrofoglio, living the dream!

[G.Fraser]

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.

Edited by G.Fraser on Friday 20th July 09:39

[G.Fraser]

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]

Great advice, thank you.

It seem I may be quite fortunate in terms of choice of dealers. I live south of Oxford and there is an Alfa dealer about 30 minutes away in Reading and another about 40 minutes away just north fo Oxford in Kidlington.

[G.Fraser]

Just been doing a bit more research and due to my error in comparing my MR310 Focus to the Giulia, the acceleration times (for what it’s worth) are basically identical. My Focus has a quoted 0-60 of 5.5 seconds Vs a 0-62 of 5.7 seconds for the Giulia, so I wouldn’t actually be giving up any performance!

I’ve also been watching a few YouTube videos to get a sense of the exhaust sound, it’s actually fruitier than I’d expected!

I think I’m a little bit in love!

[G.Fraser]

Excellent!

Did you go for the performance pack? I’ve read in reviews that it’s questionable whether adaptive dampers and an LSD are worth it.

[G.Fraser]

Thanks, very useful.

It looks like there’s a Giulia Veloce heading to the Pistonheads morning at Alcon which I’m also attending, hoping I might get a chance to have a close look and chat to the owner.

[G.Fraser]

Ha, favourite colour! Saw one on the road in Misano blue yesterday funnily enough, looked fantastic.

[G.Fraser]

Lovely looking motors gents!

[G.Fraser]

Hmm interesting insight, thank you. How come you ended up rejecting and getting a BMW? If you don’t mind me asking?

[G.Fraser]

Crikey, what a story! It's testament to the Giulia that you still think so highly of it after all the hassle you've had, which I appreciate you sharing. I'm pleased you've found happiness with the 4 series though which also sounds fantastic! a 440 is pretty sweet

[G.Fraser]

Absolutely! You seem a thoroughly decent chap! All the best to you mate!