Alfa Romeo is capitalising on its rejuvenated image in the UK thanks to the Mito with a follow-up five-door model. The Giulietta is a size bigger than the Mito to take on the mighty likes of the Golf and Audi A3, though the elephant in the Alfa’s room is the BMW 1 Series. To define itself as a sporty brand, which it does, Alfa must be able to take on the BMW and win over customers. Is it good enough? Pretty much and it benefits from not being the obvious BMW choice, which will be enough to tempt some and spurn others. Regardless, the Giulietta is a very strong addition to Alfa Romeo’s range.
The Giulietta has been keenly priced by Alfa Romeo to undercut its like-for-like rivals from the Volkswagen Golf range. It also stacks up very well price-wise next to rivals from Audi and BMW, and the Alfa comes with plenty of equipment as standard. The Giulietta looks set to follow the Mito’s example of holding its value well in the used market, so Alfa dealers are unlikely to offer much in the way of discounts. All Giulietta models except the Cloverleaf have fuel- and emissions-saving Start & Stop technology to switch off the engine when the car is at a standstill. It means impressive 114g/km emissions and 64.2mpg for the 1.6 turbodiesel engine or 60.1mpg and 124g/km emissions for the punchy 2.0-litre turbodiesel. The 120bhp 1.4 turbo petrol offers 149g/km and 44.1, while the 170bhp MultiAir 1.4 turbo provides excellent 134g/km carbon dioxide emissions and combined economy of 48.7mpg. Choose the Cloverleaf model and its 235bhp 1.75-litre engine returns an average of 37.2mpg and 177g/km. The entry-point Turismo models have LED daytime running lights, electric windows front and rear, air conditioning, CD stereo and 16in steel wheels. The more opulent Lusso trim adds alloy wheels, front fog lights, cruise control, climate control and Alfa’s Blue&Me Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connection. Sportier drivers can choose the Veloce trim that provides sports suspension, side skirts for a sporting look, 17in alloy wheels, half leather upholstery and dark brushed aluminium interior trim inserts. Over and above the Veloce trim, the Cloverleaf has 18in alloy wheels, lowered suspension, dark tinted windows, Cloverleaf badges and red-painted brake callipers.
- Read the full Alfa Romeo Giulietta road test
- Alfa Romeo Giulietta consumer car reviews
- Alfa Romeo Giulietta lease prices
- Alfa Romeo Giulietta new and nearly new
