Rumors: Some Interesting Changes Coming For Alfa Romeo Models In 2020:

Since the launch of the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio models, the brand has been racking up awards with automotive publications across the globe. While the trophy case might be full, both of the performance-oriented Alfas have also gotten some criticism about not being up to snuff compared to some of the other Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) vehicles in the company’s portfolio when it comes to interior quality as well as infotainment. The good news is, that’s about to change for the new model year.

Both the Giulia and Stelvio models will receive a vast amount of improvements for the 2020 model year. While powertrains will stay the same, the updates will fix many of the drawbacks that customers have been experiencing since the launch of both vehicles, according to our sources.

Starting with the interior, both vehicles will receive an updated steering wheel design as well as a new asymmetrical design center armrest. Currently, both the right and left-hand drive models have unique designs for the central armrest. There will also be an all-new automatic transmission shifter design, which will be leather-wrapped in higher trim levels. Most people will be happy to hear that Alfa has made the cup holders larger. This was a big complaint with customers and in order to do this, it means that the Giulia will ditch the cup holder cover door. There will also be a pad for wireless smartphone charging, also made available.

One of the biggest downfalls of both vehicles has been its awkward infotainment system. Alfa will ditch the smaller 6.5-inch units and instead, all Giulia and Stelvio models will come standard with a new 8.8-inch touchscreen. That’s right, finally, a touchscreen infotainment system will be equipped as standard equipment. According to our sources, even though the new system will be a touchscreen, the rotary infotainment selection knob will be kept. The new system will also feature a new graphics interface and menu structure which will be simplified compared to the current system and will be similar to what was shown on the Tonale Concept at the Geneva Motor Show.

Technology upgrades will not stop there. Both the Giulia and Stelvio will get some new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), according to one of our sources. In addition to the current systems available, both models will add intelligent speed adaption, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and driver fatigue detection for the 2020 model year.

On the exterior, there will be a few slight changes. Stelvio models on certain trims will receive body-colored wheel arches instead of black plastic, an option currently only available on Quadrifoglio models. Two new colors will be introduced for the new model year, Anodized Blue and Lunare White. In addition to that, the Giulia should be getting a new Victonti Green paint color for select markets as well.

While a lot of these changes might sound like its a Mid-Cycle Action (MCA) which is FCA’s name for a refresh, it’s far from one. Both models should be receiving a more in-depth MCA in the very near future.

So are these upgrades enough to get Alfa Romeo sales back on track in the North American market? Let us know in the comments below.