A brand new range-topping model for both the Alfa Romeo Giulia saloon and Stelvio SUV is on the way - the fully-loaded ‘Competizione’.
In case you need a recap, the rear-wheel drive Giulia is an achingly-gorgeous saloon and alternative to cars like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The all-wheel drive Stelvio, meanwhile, is an SUV to rival the likes of the BMW X3, Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60.
Both have been given a gentle nip and a tuck as part of a double facelift, with the tweaked versions due to be launched in the first quarter of next year.
But the headline news is that there’s a debut trim level in town - the ‘top of the line’ Competizione special series.
Alfa Romeo says the ‘Competizione’ incarnations of the Stelvio and Giulia represent the ‘ultimate expression of performance and style’.
It’s based on the mid-range trim ‘Veloce’ trim level, and the Competizione cars are available with every engine in the line-up. With the Giulia, that means a 2.0 litre petrol engine with power of either 200 hp or 280 hp.
The Stelvio can also be equipped with the petrol engines, but also adds the option of an economical diesel mill with power of up to 210 hp.
The Competizione Giulias and Stelvios get an exclusive ‘Moon Light’ grey matt colour and red brake calipers, sporty 21 inch alloys and the ‘Alfa Active Suspension’ system.
Inside the cabin, lease customers can expect a Harman/Kardon audio system, leather-upholstered dashboard, and seats with red stitching.
Privacy glass and the Competizione badge on the sides and front headrests complete the look.
Of course, the Competizione cars aren’t to be confused with the real bosses of the Giulia and Stelvio ranges - the performance ‘Quadrifoglio’ models, which both feature a mouth-watering 2.9 litre V6, bi-turbo petrol engine with power of 510 hp.
Elsewhere, the Giulia and Stelvio have been altered ever-so-slightly, in that they will now feature a new front grille, ‘3+3’ full-LED Matrix headlights, and a fresh rear LED tail light cluster.
The instrument panel is now ‘completely digital’, with a 12.3-inch screen, ‘where all the vehicle information and parameters related to the autonomous driving technologies can be accessed’. The cluster can be configured into three layouts: ‘Evolved’, ‘Relax’ and the Sixties-inspired ‘Heritage’.
Meanwhile the driving dynamics of the Stelvio and Giulia have been left well alone - and remain the ‘best in class in their respective segments’, according to Alfa Romeo.
A spokesperson tells us:
“The sporty dynamic behaviour of the Giulia and Stelvio is supported by the wide use of ultra-light materials like aluminium, used at the base of the engines, and carbon, used for the drive shaft, which has been taken directly from the world of racing.”
You can also enjoy a complete set of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for ‘level-two’ driving autonomy.
This means the driver can let the vehicle control the accelerator, brake and steering wheel in certain conditions via electronic systems which require the driver to be constantly monitoring them.
An Alfa Romeo spokesperson adds:
“The distinct Alfa Romeo take on the beauty of Italian design has been made even more seductive and contemporary on both models with stylistic interventions being made on their fronts to create a clear and strong family resemblance with the Tonale.”
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