Shown at the Geneva motor show. Alfa seems to be reviewing the old 147 with the name Giulietta. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a mix of steel and aluminium design it borrows cues from the 8C supercar. The Giulietta is to have 5 doors, it has sweptback headlights and narrow glasshouse. The rear handles are hidden in C-pillar, just like the old 147’s, to give a coupé feel. The sports car feel continues inside with red-lit instruments grouped into two hooded binnacles and a wide expanse of dashboard with modern-style toggle switches. The sports car feel continues inside with red-lit instruments grouped into two hooded binnacles and a wide expanse of dashboard with modern-style toggle switches.
Designwise the Alfa Giulietta is longer and lower than Volkwagen Golf, the interior of the car is spacious. It promises fine blend of ride and smooth handling. Given recent form, the odds are against it, but the fact that there’s a new multi-link suspension set-up under the rear end should help, and toggling Alfa’s DNA selector (standard on every model) will select different characteristics for the steering, throttle response, optional Q2 electronic differential and stability control system.
Certainly the engines will give Volkswagen something to think about. There are four, all turbocharged and all fitted with start-stop systems to cut consumption and emissions. On the petrol side there’s a 118bhp 1.4TB and a 168bhp Multiair that uses Fiat’s clever valve train technology; on the diesel, a pair of second generation JTDM common rail motors: a 1.6 with 104bhp and a 2.0 with 168bhp.
Coming later is a Quadrifoglio Verde (remember the green cloverleaf badge?): the 1750 Tbi petrol hot hatch with 232bhp. Sounds interesting.