Less choice and admission prices rise, but tech also improves

ALFISITI considering a Giulia sedan and Stelvio sports utility will be less stressed about decision-making from now on, with arrival of a mid-life facelift allowing the distributor to slim down each model line.

The lines now each present with just two choices of engine, both petrols, a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder making 206kW and 400Nm and a 2.9-litre V6, with two turbos, that creates 375kW/600Nm.

Common derivative names also span the two families; so the base car in each is now a Veloce Carbon, while the flagships continue with the Quadrifoglio nameplate.

With the previous $69,990 Giulia Super and $79,990 Veloce having been dropped, the entry ticket to Giulia driving starts at $89,990. In Stelvio, the Diesel ($77,990), Petrol ($74,990), and Ti ($94,990) have all been removed from consideration. So the least expensive model is now a $99,990 choice.

The Quadrifoglio Giulia holds the same $139,990 sticker as it predecessor while the Stelvio flagship costs $5000 more.

Both cars have modest exterior styling revisions and the biggest common point of difference in their cabins is a new infotainment interface paired to an 8.8-inch touchscreen.

Giulia picks up lane keep assist, blind spot assist, autonomous emergency braking and radar cruise control.