ALFA Romeo certainly knows how to make executive motoring fun, as the Giulia Quadrifoglio proves in abundance.
The famous Italian marque’s compact premium-sector saloon in this guise is truly potent, high-class and a real head-turner.
It also has the rare qualities of being able to thrill enthusiastic drivers while still being practical enough for everyday motoring needs.
The impressive powertrain consists of a 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo petrol engine developing a whopping 510hp and 600Nm of torque.
Mated to a superb eight-speed automatic gearbox and driving the rear wheels, the Quadrifoglio is propelled to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds.
The top speed, meanwhile, is an eye-watering 191mph, so it is safe to say that it’s more than capable of handling any UK driving demands.
A number of other factors add to the agility and sure-footedness of this Giulia, such as the 50/50 weight distribution, special suspension set-up, active aerodynamics and torque vectoring system.
Four distinct driving modes – accessed via a handily placed dial – also really add to the fun and car’s capabilities, depending on your motoring desires.
The standard Natural setting manages the suspension for a more comfortable ride around town, while Advanced Efficiency calms the engine response for motorway cruising.
Dynamic produces an altogether more sporty, connected-to-the-road experience and notches up the exhaust soundtrack. Cleverly, though, you can soften the suspension at the press of a button.
Then there is Race mode, which really dials things up for proper fun and ideal if you are a confident driver on quiet, twisting, undulating Scottish back roads.
This choice activates supercharging, boosts the exhaust noise even further, encourages use of the steering wheel’s large, aluminium, paddle gear-shifters and disengages the electronic stability control.
Considering the fun you can have, the average fuel economy and CO2 stats aren’t too bad either – 28.2mpg and 227g/km respectively.
One of the other things that really makes the Alfa stand out from, frankly, bland opponents is its athletic kerb appeal and relative exclusivity on the road.
You wouldn’t ever look at it and think “boring saloon” as it has plenty of swooping lines and dramatic creases – not to mention the trademark triangular grille.
My test car came in the classic Alfa red but featured lots of optional carbon-fibre finishings – including the roof – as well as 19in alloy wheels housing yellow brake calipers.
If the front and profile shout out its performance credentials, the rear reinforces that with quad tailpipes twin split between a large diffuser, dark-tinted rear lights and a sporty boot lid spoiler.
The cockpit is equally sporty, wrapping itself around the driver, with all the controls falling to hand and a superbly clear instrument binnacle. Even the 8.8in infotainment screen is angled towards the motorist.
The cabin is awash with carbon-fibre detailing, leather and suede-effect Alcantara and feels solidly put together. The test car featured some attractive green contrast stitching, too.
It was also fitted with the optional Sparco Carbonshell sports seats that look stunning and are extremely cosseting, while the very effective dual-zone automatic climate control is standard.
There is good room for four adults to travel long journeys in real comfort and a decent 480-litre boot space can be extended by folding the 40/20/40-split rear seats.
The infotainment system is top-notch, with a series of easy-to-use, interactive widgets to control numerous car functions as well as the likes of music, phone and 3D sat nav.
It has full smartphone integration and can be operated from central controls or via the touchscreen. There’s also a wireless charging pad.
Owners also benefit from Alfa Connect Services, which includes an emergency assistance service, remote smartphone control of various functions and data, and on-board wi-fi.
As you would expect, it has all sorts of other driver aids, including keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and a reversing camera.
There was also an extensive list of safety features, while a very reasonably priced optional pack added the likes of lane keeping aid, active blind spot assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed control, and driver attention alert.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is priced from £68,995 on the road, although the extras my car featured pushed the cost up to about £83,000.
However, you really are getting an exceptional machine that will ensure you stand out a country mile from the humdrum executive offerings.
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