Making Giulia practical

For most people the Giulia is not about practicality, but about acceleration and handling. As of me, I couldn't care less about 0 to 60 acceleration. What I really appreciate is how the Giulia looks, handles, feels, and... This is a single car in my family. I opted it over Volkswagen Arteon and Audi A5 Sportback that are much more practical. However something can be improved in this regard, even in the Giulia. So, let's take a look at a boring Giulia's trunk.

Foam cargo tray slight customization

The first thing which I wanted to apply my hands to is the cargo tray. Like everyone else, I was surprised to find that the OEM cargo tray is made of foam. Having owned 7 cars before the Giulia I see this for the first time. However, I actually prefer this genuine tray to non-genuine rubber ones. I just decided to customize it a bit.

I had a red vinyl stripe left over from my time with the Forte, which I used it to add a red line to the side skirts. It no only looks good but is also easy to apply. The width of this line perfectly fits Giulia's tray lines. Barely visible change that feels like it came straight from the factory. Also, if one day I decide to purchase genuine rubber floor mats with the red stripes, the cargo tray line will perfectly match them.

Trunk umbrella holder

Next thing also coming from the Forte owning experience. I prefer to drive with an empty trunk, where everything is either hidden under the trunk floor or securely affixed elsewhere. One thing I always like to have in my car is an umbrella. I don't know why such a clever idea to have umbrella holder in some door panel, coming from Volkswagen Passat B6 or Skoda Superb, wasn't adopted by other manufacturers. But we have AliExpress, where you can purchase the universal umbrella holders. As I mentioned in my Forte blog, these hooks are replicas of those from SsangYong Korando. However, in any other car they look and feel like the OEM solution. And now I want to install the same to the Giulia.

Unfortunately, it is not so easy to remove the trunk lid cover in the Giulia in contrast to the Forte. This is due to the Alfa Romeo branded plastic part in the spot where the emergency sign should be, which is incredibly challenging to detach. However, in order to add the umbrella holders you don't need to remove the cover entirely. Simply bending the cover will be enough to make holes in the cover and secure holders with nuts on their back side.

Perfect! Now the umbrella has it's dedicated spot in the trunk and doesn't roll around while driving. Answering the inevitable question upfront: no you don't need to change the trunk springs. It still opens automatically perfectly fine.

Trunk baggage hook

The last thing that adds additional 10 points of respect from every Giulia's owner is the OEM trunk hook. I had this hook in my previous Giulia One. Back in 2021, before the war it only cost me just $35. Here in the US you can't purchase this hook using OEM part number:

• Trunk hook: 156129460 or 6MQ18LXHAA
• Bolts (2 pcs): 11567924 or 6106101AA

But we all know who can help us to get non-US parts. I found this hook with bolts on Alfa Workshop for just $48.80 with shipping from UK to US. It's a 40% price increase from 2021 to 2024, but still not 2x-3x. I'm fine with that.

In addition, now I have some symbolic discount for future purchases from them. So check their website, their prices seem reasonable to me.

And I'm satisfied having one more OEM addition to my car. I hope these small, easy applicable, modifications will inspire someone. Thanks to everyone for reading this. Stay safe and love your cars!

Total:

• Trunk umbrella holders: $13.76
• Trunk baggage hook: $48.80