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Overview

Beneath the 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia's seductive sheet-metal lies a sharp-handling sports sedan with Italian heritage. The Giulia is one of my favorite entry-luxury sedans and its driving character.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 280 horsepower provides snappy acceleration and sounds great doing it. An eight-speed automatic is standard, as is rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive can be had as option.

The cabin is upscale and well appointed, particularly in the upscale Ti Lusso and Ti Sport models; touchscreen infotainment, ambient interior lighting, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and a steering-wheel-mounted ignition button are all standard.

Want an even more hot-blooded Italian sports sedan? Check out the Giulia's high-performance Quadrifoglio variant, which I will review separately.

What's New for 2020?

Alfa Romeo has revamped the infotainment system in the Giulia (and its sister, the Stelvio SUV) and has replaced last year's 6.5- and 8.8-inch non-touchscreen offerings with one, 8.8-inch touchscreen interface that's standard across the range.

All models also receive a new 7.0-inch display between the speedometer and tachometer in the gauge cluster. SiriusXM satellite radio is now standard and several connectivity features are available for 2020, including a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

Alfa is making automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning standard for 2020 and is adding a host of new driver-assistance features as options, including a semi-autonomous driving mode.

Interior refinements include a redesigned center console with more storage, a wireless smartphone-charging pad, and more premium knobs and dials. Three new colors are available: Anodized Blue, Lunare White Metallic, and Verde Visconti Metallic.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Base: $40,640
Sport: $42,090
Ti: $42,640
Ti Lusso: $45,140
Ti Sport: $45,640

Since the Giulia's best trait is its crisp driving dynamics, I'd double down and go with the mid-range Ti model and spec the Performance package, which includes an active suspension and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, both of which elevate the Giulia's handling performance.

The Ti comes standard with leather-upholstered seats with heat and 10-way power adjustments for the driver and front-seat passenger, a heated steering wheel, wood interior trim, aluminum doorsill protectors, 18-inch wheels, and front and rear parking sensors.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Giulia's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 280 horsepower, sounds intoxicating, and feels gutsy when driven hard. The Giulia pulls away from stoplights with zeal while singing soaring Italian arias.

The rear-wheel-drive car's 5.7-second zero-to-60-mph time and an all-wheel-drive model's time of 5.5 seconds places the Giulia mid-pack in its segmen; the Audi A4 does it in 5.2 seconds and the four-cylinder BMW 330i manages 5.4 seconds despite the fact that both cars have less horsepower than the Alfa.

All Giulias come with a drive-mode selector with three unique settings: Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency—cleverly making the acronym DNA—each of which alters the car's transmission, engine management, and steering feel.

Agile and lively at all times, the Giulia is a driving enthusiast's sports sedan. The front tires are very responsive to driver inputs and speak clearly to the driver through the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Body roll is well controlled, and in hard corners the Giulia remains flat and predictable. It's easy to drive quickly and aggressively, but it's equally comfortable when driven sedately.

Fuel Economy

Among its turbocharged four-cylinder rivals, the Giulia has competitive fuel-efficiency numbers from the EPA, just shy of class leading. All-wheel-drive models see a slight deficit, but that's common in this class.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The interior of the Giulia features soft-touch plastics, fine leather, and either textured metallic or genuine wood trimmings. It's an elegantly styled cabin, with a wide, sweeping dashboard that acts as a visor to shade the integrated infotainment screen from the sun.

The seats are comfortable and well bolstered, especially the optional sport seats. Pack your sunnies, though:

The Giulia's sun visors are laughably small and ineffective when driving head-on into the sun.

The Giulia manages to fit five carry-on cases inside its trunk; with its rear seats folded, it manages 14, lagging segment leaders by one carry-on.

Giulia and Giulia Ti models have a split-folding rear seat that folds flat easily to expand cargo-hauling capability.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All Giulias feature Alfa Romeo's new 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system tucked in between the dashtop and the central climate-control vents.

Three USB ports, an auxiliary input jack, and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity are all standard. The infotainment interface is relatively intuitive and offers customization options, but I found the navigation to be occasionally slow to update at crucial times during turn-by-turn directions and several of the on-screen icons are small and difficult to activate while driving.

Although the new system has incorporated a touchscreen, Alfa Romeo has retained the auxiliary rotary knob controller on the center console.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard and a 14-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system is optional.

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Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn't released a safety rating for the Giulia, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has and it performed admirably in that agency's battery of crash tests.

Unfortunately, its standard headlamps scored Poor, which cost the Giulia a Top Safety Pick nomination. Alfa has included automated emergency braking as standard for 2020, but more advanced driver-assistance technology is still optional.

Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking
Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Warranty coverage may be an important issue to keep in mind when buying an Alfa Romeo; the brand's reputation for reliability is among the worst in the business.

Alfa Romeo's warranty coverage follows the same convention as most of its rivals, although Jaguar bucks the trend here with lengthier warranties.

Giulia owners are treated to complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first year, but the 2021 BMW 3-series and the 2020 Jaguar XF both offer better value here.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles.
2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia

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Friday, September 11, 2020

2021 Jaguar I-Pace Review

Overview

The 2021 Jaguar I-Pace is a fascinating all-electric crossover that looks good and drives well.

Its luxury designation and price will limit its mainstream popularity, but there's no denying that the I-Pace's futuristic facade captures the imagination.

This ute boasts an EPA-rated range of 253 miles plus fast-charging capability and instantaneous acceleration. The I-Pace also handles more like a sports car than a five-seat crossover, with its controlled demeanor and tactile steering.

Inside, the Jag shows off with cutting-edge design, ample passenger space, and popular features. The 2021 I-Pace proves that EVs can be electrifying in other ways.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, Jaguar gives the I-Pace a handful of improvements. The SUV now offers a complimentary 4G data plan, a 360-degree camera system, and wireless charging.

The optional Bright package adds chrome exterior trim, Atlas Grey accents, and other minor styling changes. Inside, there's a new infotainment system that's said to be easier to operate than the one it replaces.

Plus, it gains a feature that tells you where the nearest charging stations are and how long it should take to restore the battery.

The I-Pace also receives a 11.0-kW onboard charger that delivers quicker at-home charging than the old 7.0-kW version.

Now, it'll take you 8.6 hours to fully recharge a dead battery versus 12.6 hours before, according to Jaguar.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

S: $71,000 (est)
SE: $78,000 (est)
HSE: $82,000 (est)

Jaguar hasn't said how much the 2021 I-Pace will cost or when it will go on sale, but I expect to see it in showrooms later this year for just a little more than last year's model.

I think the mid-level SE is the version to get. It's considerably more expensive than the base ute, but it adds desirable features such as large 20-inch wheels, real leather upholstery, brighter and more distinct LED headlights, and a power-operated lift-gate.

The SE also gets upgraded driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The only options I'd select are the 10-way power front seats with heated cushions, the four-zone climate control, and the head-up display.

Finally, I'd optimize the I-Pace's driving characteristics with the Adaptive Dynamics package and the Adaptive Surface Response system. Together these options enhance the EV's ride and handling as well as the all-wheel-drive system's traction management.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The I-Pace boasts standard all-wheel drive thanks to two electric motors that produce a combined 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque.

That energy provides quick and effortless acceleration to zip between city stoplights and pass slowpokes on the highway. The I-Pace has a comfortable ride courtesy of its standard air suspension as well as satisfying steering feedback.

A hefty battery pack beneath the floor provides a low center of gravity that gives the electrified Jag an extra dose of agility and stability. It is unquestionably fun to drive, its uneven braking behavior when coming to a stop is a shortcoming.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Every I-Pace features a 90.0-kWh battery pack that provides an EPA-rated driving range of 253 miles. For comparison, the Audi e-tron has an estimated range of up to 204 miles and the Tesla Model X, up to 295 miles.

Still, the electric Jag includes a standard DC fast-charging port that allows 80 percent of its battery to be replenished in as little as 40 minutes.

Those without access to the fastest charging option will have to wait a claimed 8.6 hours to fully replenish the battery using the more common 240-volt AC outlet.

This is an improvement over last year's model, which required almost 13 hours to charge this way. The difference? Jaguar upgraded the I-Pace's onboard charger from a 7.0-kW unit to one with 11.0 kilowatts.

Fuel Economy

Neither the EPA nor Jaguar has weighed in on the 2021 I-Pace's efficiency, The government says the 2020 I-Pace will get 80 MPGe in the city, 72 MPGe on the highway, and 76 MPGe combined.

While those ratings are comparable with the e-Tron's, they're considerably lower than the Model X's.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Jaguar complements the I-Pace's stylish exterior with a sophisticated cabin that boasts a flashy dashboard and ample passenger space.

While the front seats are nicely bolstered, they're not the most comfortable on prolonged trips.

Of course, the I-Pace can be outfitted with many desirable features such as four-zone climate control, a head-up display, heated front and rear seats, various choices of leather upholstery, and more.

Its cubby storage is highlighted by a versatile center console that features a useful bin under the armrest and a tray below the center stack.

In the back, we managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases in the cargo area and 18 with the rear seats folded.

Jaguar I-Pace gets smarter and faster with 2021 upgrades

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every I-Pace comes with a touch-sensitive infotainment system that includes a 10.0-inch upper screen for audio and the like as well as a 5.5-inch lower display that primarily handles cabin climate.

While Jaguar claims to have updated the interface to be more intuitive than before, One neat feature of the new software is that it'll show you the locations of charging stations as well as their availability, cost, and estimated charging time.

Every I-Pace supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. A 380-watt Meridian sound system comes standard but can be swapped for an 825-watt unit.

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Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 I-Pace hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

However, this ute does have an assortment of standard and optional driver-assistance technology.

Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control
2021 Jaguar I-Pace
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Jaguar provides one of the most comprehensive warranty plans on the market, with lengthy limited and power-train coverage. Plus, it offers one of the best complimentary scheduled maintenance periods I've seen.

Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
Electric components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for five years or 60,000 miles.
2021 Jaguar I-Pace

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Thursday, September 10, 2020

2020 Jaguar XF Review

Overview

Jaguar may be moving towards electrification and building more SUVs, but its XF sedan still offers lovely styling and is still engaging to drive.

While it competes with many more sought-after alternatives, the Jaguar XF actually manages to preserve and promote the brand's exclusivity.

Its athletic handling and smooth ride satisfy both sporty and luxury intentions. Likewise, the 2020 XF S has a potent 380-hp supercharged V-6 for aspiring hot shoes.

Still, the XF has flaws such as an erratic infotainment system and disappointing leather materials. The Jaguar XF isn't one of the best sedans, but it is one of the most rare and refined in its class.

What's New for 2020?

Jaguar has made several changes to the 2020 XF, which include newly standard features and a limited-edition model.

The sedan also no longer offers a diesel four-cylinder engine. Every XF now has standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, and more.

A pair of new paint colors include Portofino Blue and Eiger Grey. The Jaguar XF Checkered Flag is a limited edition that boasts exclusive interior and exterior details as well as the more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Jaguar XF Pricing and Which One to Buy

25t: $52,095
30t: $59,545
S: $69,195

The 2020 XF doesn't need the available supercharged V-6 or a surplus of luxury options to look and feel special. I'd recommend the entry-level 25t with its dutiful turbocharged four-cylinder and suave driving manners.

We'd also add all-wheel drive for $3000 and choose the fancier Prestige model.

This requires paying more but adds nicer interior materials, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, built-in navigation, and more.

Although Jaguar offers even more luxurious upgrades, I'll let buyers decide how much more they want to pay.

Engines, Transmission, and Performance

The 380-hp supercharged V-6 is king of the XF power-train monarchy, but it's slower than most high-performance rivals and lacks auditory authority.

A pair of smooth turbo four-cylinders provide alternative propulsion choices.

Every engine pairs with a great eight-speed automatic transmission; a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system is available, too.

The four-cylinder is much quieter than the supercharged alternative. Its acceleration times, though, are much slower than those of comparable rivals.

A supple suspension delivers fluid handling along with an exceptional ride quality that reflects Jaguar's sophisticated image.

The XF also boasts a quiet, compliant ride and steering that adeptly transitioned between low-speed lightness and high-speed heft.

The brake pedal felt soft and had a gradual response on the 2017 XF S. The lack of pedal feedback was only concerning on the S model, which also has the longest braking distance at 180 feet.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Thoughtfully laid out, pleasingly spacious, and integrating several cool features, the XF's interior has most of the trappings of high society.

But less-than-luxurious leather quality and limited standard equipment clash with Jaguar's otherwise palatial presentation.

When you power up the XF, it's a theatrical experience to watch its rotary shifter knob rise from the center console and the outboard air vents rotate open.