2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio review

Having felt something of a lone voice in my disappointment for the hot Alfa saloon since introduction in 2017, I’d been told by colleagues I respect that the apparently minor revisions brought for 2024 have transformed the car for the better. In particular the replacement of the previous torque-sensing electronically controlled differential with a conventional mechanically locking diff really did make all the difference.

Not to me I’m afraid. If you want to hold the car in a drift at the limit of its steering lock, doubtless the locker will allow you to maintain it for longer because the old diff used to get somewhat hot and bothered if treated like that for too long. But that’s not the real world. Out there, when the alternative is a BMW M3, the Alfa doesn’t do the job well enough. It’s great-looking – unlike its rival – and the 2.9-litre V6 is a remarkable engine, much sharper and less prone to lag than you’d expect for such a relatively small unit producing so much power, but the throttle is hard to modulate smoothly, the ride is unsettled even in its softest setting and the steering is far too aggressive.

The interior, while improved, is now light years behind the opposition. This is a car with real character, a fine engine and great balance when driven absurdly fast. But in everyday driving its flaws remain too obvious to appeal far beyond the ranks of loyal Alfisti. AF

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

• Price £78,315
• Engine 2.9 litres, six cylinders, petrol, twin turbocharged
• Power 513bhp at 6500rpm
• Torque 443lb ft at 2500rpm
• Weight 1660kg (DIN)
• Transmission Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
• 0-60mph 3.9sec
• Top speed 191 mph
• Economy 28.0mpg (WLTP)
• CO2 229g/km (WLTP)
• Verdict Problems outweigh positives.