Revised Alfa Romeo Giulia, Stelvio here soon

ALFA Romeo’s sleek Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV models have undergone a styling and tech revamp that will arrive in Australian showrooms during the first half of 2023, with local pricing and specifications to be announced closer to launch.

This mild update brings the pair more into line with the newer, smaller Tonale SUV in terms of styling, the way the various trim levels are structured and technology.

Both styling and technological changes are represented by new all-LED adaptive matrix headlights with triple beam unit graphic referencing the hens-teeth Alfa SZ Zagato sportscar of the late 1980s and early 1990s while providing a closer family resemblance to the Tonale.

The new LED headlights are complemented by a new LED tail-light design on both models – transparent on the Stelvio and smoked on the Giulia – promise longer component lifespan and improved energy efficiency while a 12.3-inch customisable digital instrument panel becomes standard on both Giulia and Stelvio.

A revised infotainment system is said to improve ease of use, including Alfa Connect Services and a range of safety, comfort and convenience features delivered through over-the-air software updates. 

Like the Tonale, a new line-up structure is split into entry-level Super and upmarket Ti specification grades that can be respectively paired with Sprint and Veloce option packs to create four trim levels with distinct styling and driving characteristics, all named after historic Alfa models.

The Sprint pack features additional equipment and sporty components while the Veloce upgrade, much as previously, ratchets up performance and dynamics.

Australian models will likely be offered with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder developing 206kW and 400Nm output while Quadrifoglio flagships will reprise the 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 with 375kW and 600Nm.

Landing between the Veloce and Quadrifoglio spec, a launch edition of both Giulia and Stelvio called Competizione Special Series will offer what the Italian brand claims to be an “ultimate expression” of its performance and style.

Based on Veloce trim and available with exclusive Moon Light grey matte paint finish and red brake callipers behind 21-inch alloy wheels, the CSS features interior upgrades including Harman Kardon premium audio and leather upholstery for the dashboard and seats with red contrast stitching.

Rounding out CSS trim are privacy glass and the Competizione badge on the sides and front headrest as well as adaptive suspension plus a Non Fungible Token (NFT) that certifies the “uniqueness” of each Competizione car with a digital record of its original configuration stored forever on the blockchain.

Also stored on the blockchain is a digital history of each vehicle, containing a certificate for each service, repair, modification and other event in the car’s life. Alfa Romeo claims the technology, which debuted on the Tonale, “can be used to guarantee proper vehicle preservation and, thus, support its residual value”.

“The NFT certificate provides a further source of credibility which helps the owner/reseller, but also reassures the buyer in the choice of a used vehicle,” claims the company.