Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio upgraded with revised engines and Apple CarPlay

Alfa Romeo is upgrading the Giulia and Stelvio range in time for the September 2018 registration change, with cleaner Euro 6D ‘WLTP-compliant’ engines, new trims, and the introduction of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range.

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The smartphone-linking functionality is part of the 8.8-inch Alfa Connect infotainment system, which also includes standard sat nav on all models.

The Euro 6D upgrade sees AdBlue NOx reduction added to both 2.2-litre turbodiesels – and they both receive a 10hp power boost, so are rated at 160hp and 190hp respectively. In the Giulia, both claim 57.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

The 2019 model year Giulia range, which starts from £32,490, receives an equipment boost for individual models, too. Speciale versions have new 18-inch diamond-cut alloys, rear privacy glass and black brake calipers, while Veloce models get dark-finish five-hole 18-inch alloys, rear privacy glass and a standard auto-unlock Convenience pack.

The fiery Quadrifoglio (pictured above) also gets rear privacy glass, along with anodised black brake calipers and, for the more practicality-minded, 20/20/40 split-fold rear seats with a third rear centre seatbelt.

Alfa has introduced a new model for the 2019 model year, called Giulia Veloce Ti. Priced from £45,500, this is aimed at mixing Quadrifoglio looks with more accessible (and affordable) Veloce 280hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol performance.

The Veloce Ti gets the 19-inch dark five-hole alloys previously reserved for the Quadrifoglio, plus carbon grille and door mirrors, red brake calipers and the choice of optional Competizione Red and Trofeo White. There’s a £1,650 Carbon Pack option too.

(Top tip for spotting it at a glance over the Quadrifoglio? The replacement of the ‘green cloverleaf’ shields on the front wings with a ‘Veloce’ badge – although it doesn’t get the flared arches of the QV, either…)

Inside, Quadrifoglio leather and Alcantara sports seats are fitted, plus carbon interior trim, leather dashboard, black rooflining and illuminated carbon door sills. A Quadrifoglio in all but engine – and the turbo four still does 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, while also returning 40.9mpg instead of barely 30mpg…

And the 2019 Stelvio range? Priced from £36,990, Super models receive Michelin Crossclimate winter tyres, the Speciale has rear privacy glass and black brake calipers, and the Quadrifoglio gets rear privacy glass, anodised brake calipers and 20-inch five-hole alloys in silver.

Alfa Romeo launches five-year warranty

Alfa also reminds us that its cars are now offered with a five-year, 75,000-mile warranty, which is backed up with three years’ free servicing and five years’ roadside assistance. A sign, perhaps, that modern Alfas now appeal to the head as well as the heart?