Alfa Romeo have updated their long running duo ahead of 2023 with Giulia and Stelvio both receiving fresh faces and some new technology among other things! At the same time, Alfa insist their cars are still true to the “Italian sportiness” that has always been a pillar of the brand’s appeal. So, what’s new?
Design
The front grille and lower air ducts have been given a unique finish to make the ‘Trilobo’ nose look a little more dramatic. However, the biggest change comes with the headlights which now run a “3 + 3” style and includes Adaptive Matrix LED headlights. The main purpose behind this is to tie the range together so the Giulia, Stelvio and Tonale are all identifiable as Alfa Romeos.
The new lights are not just a stylistic addition but have also been fettled with to make for improved driver visibility and safety. ‘Adaptive Front Lighting System’ adjusts the beams based on driving conditions while ‘Glare Free High Beam Segmented Technology’ ensures other drivers are not being blinded. The new headlights also have a ‘Welcome and Goodbye’ setting for when the driver locks/unlocks the car. Taillights on both the Stelvio and Giulia have also received a little styling revamp with the glass being transparent on the sedan and smoked on the SUV.
Technology
Starting off with the digital instrument cluster, the analogue gauges have been swapped in favour of a 12.3 inch screen which will display all the car’s vitals as well as the safety technologies. There are three different themes available for the gauge cluster and those are Evolved, Relax & Heritage. With the latter being my favourite as it harks back to the 60s & 70s where the end of the speedometer featured inverted numbers on some models. Evolve offers a futuristic looks while Relax helps with a clutter free display.
Dubbed the “Human Machine Interface”, the infotainment screen offers all the functionality at the driver’s fingertips with over the air updates available to keep the system up to date. ‘My Remote’ has also been added and allows drivers to flash the lights, lock/unlock the doors from a smartphone!
Like the Tonale, Alfa Romeo have also added the NFT (non fungible token) capability to the new Giulia and Stelvio. It was an automotive first when applied to the baby SUV and now another first as Alfa’s entire range will carry the functionality. Based on this, a non modifiable digital register is created for the car’s records and will prove proper care has been taken of the car. A move which Alfa Romeo say will also help protect the resale value of their cars.
Dynamics
Alfa Romeo is a brand that has always been renowned for driving dynamics and the 2023 Giulia and Stelvio carry on this tradition. In terms of materials, both cars feature extensive use of Aluminium and a dash of carbon in the driveshaft which have been taken from the brand’s racing experience. To make the driving experience true to the brand, ‘Alfa Link’ suspension set-up has been applied to both cars with the option of either Q4 (4 wheel drive) or Q2 (2 wheel drive) layouts available.
A ‘Competizione’ launch edition has also been introduced to please the Alfa Romeo “tribe”! It brings a unique Moonlight Gray matte colour and red brake calipers as well as 21 inch wheels for the exterior. While on the inside, a standout Harman/Kardon audio system, leather dashboard and red stitching headline the cabin improvements. Competizione badging, privacy glass, Alfa Active Suspension and an NFT certificate are all standard on the launch edition.
Competizione has been dubbed “the highest expression of the essence of Alfa Romeo in terms of style, performance and technology”!
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Words by Matthew D’Souza, pictures courtesy of Stellantis Media.
