The new Giulietta boasts renewed style, new engines and more technological content than ever before
Alfa Romeo may have been living on its past glories for some time now but is the Giulietta the car to stir the Italian soul asks Suzanne Keane
What is it? The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is without a doubt the most stylish in its class and the 2014 revisions of a new grille, front fog bevels and improved colour range have only enhanced it further. It’s a 5 door hatchback with a coupe look and feel.
Who is it aimed at? The Giulietta is aimed at a coupe buyer who needs something a little more grown up but it will also appeal to fans of Italian style and design.
Styling? The front of the Giulietta screams Alfa Romeo with its distinctive V shaped grille and as you head towards the back the muscular line and quarter panels don’t fail to please. The back end is set off with angular LED taillights. It looks like a much more powerful car – I was asked on more than one occasion what was under the bonnet and I was surprised how much attention it got on a daily basis.
Under the Bonnet? We drove a 105bhp 1.6 Diesel JTDm-2
What about inside? Sitting into the Giulietta is like sliding yourself into a designer handbag. The dark roof lining and dash board are complimented by the tan leather finishing touches and the steering wheel shape is excellent. The heating controls are really easy to use without having to look down and the aluminium gear knob and pedals really add to the sporty feel. The shape of the A-Pillars minimise any blind spots while still appearing strong and chunky while the high window line will make you feel like you’re cocooned in a sports car. My only complaint would be that the seat belt obstructs the seat adjustment when fastened! On the road the Uconnect system reads out your text messages and the voice activation actually works with Irish accents.
On the Road? The Alfa Romeo Giulietta may not be the fastest in its class but it certainly makes you feel like it is. In Natural mode it’s perfect for motorway driving and nipping in and out of town but when you get on the open road & click the D.N.A. system into Dynamic there’s a noticeable difference. The accelerator becomes much more responsive and the heavy steering feels brilliant around bends. The Exclusive sports suspension is stiff without being too uncomfortable and the multilink rear makes for a fun driving experience. Luckily I didn’t get an opportunity to try out the all-weather mode. However, the engine is not quiet and the cabin does suffer from road noise but for a car that feels so good it’s a small price to pay!
And Safety? ASR, Brake Assistance System and a selection of airbags will keep you safe on the open road.
Options? The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is available in Progression, Distinctive and Exclusive Trim. 16” alloys, steering wheel controls, touch screen, Tyre pressure monitoring, LED daytime running lights and tail lights are standard while upgrading to Distinctive will get you chrome effect mirrors, a cooled glovebox, rear parking sensors, cruise control, dual zone a/c, sports dials and a front armrest. The top of the range Exclusive will come with 17” alloys and leather/microfiber seats, tinted windows, sports suspension, red stitching and aluminium pedals. Engine options include a 1.4 120bhp Turbo Petrol, a 105bhp 1.6 Diesel and a 2.0 150bhp Diesel.
The interior of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta benefits from more extensive revisions including the redesigned, high-quality dashboard
Will it break the bank? The range starts at €22,500 for the 1.4 TB 120bhp Progression and the model we drove costs €28,800 in Exclusive trim with optional Magnesio Grey Paint finish.
Economy? The 1.6 Diesel will consume 4.0 l/km on paper – average was 6.0l/km on our test drive involving motorways, cities, the Dingle Peninsula and Molls Gap!
Verdict? If you’re in the market for a stylish and sporty hatchback and want something a little different the Giuilietta has to be top of your list – you certainly won’t have any problems picking your car out in a crowd!
Why you’ll buy one? Eye-Catching, fun and comes with a 5 year 100,000km warranty
Why you won’t? Engine noise
Rivals
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.6 JTD
Engine: 1598 cc 4 in line MultiJet Turbo Diesel 105bhp
Max speed: 185kph
0-100 kph: 11.3 seconds
Emissions (Motor Tax) : 104 g/km (€190/annum)
Model price: €28,800 (including Magnesio Grey optional colour at €550)
No of Doors: 5
Euro NCAP: 5 star
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 4.0l/100km
Boot Capacity Seats up (down) : 350 Litres (1045)
Length: 4351mm
Width: 1798mm
Height: 1465mm
Wheelbase: 2634mm
For more information about the Giulietta check out the Alfa Romeo website or facebook page
Suzanne Keane
7th January, 2014
