Only if you’re of a ‘certain age’ or maybe an Alfa Romeo enthusiast will you recognise the original Giulietta. Whether you remember it or not, it’s undeniably stylish; a trend which Alfa has instilled in almost all models since. This attention to styling was to continue with the Alfa 147’s replacement but this time it was to be aimed at buyers’ heads as well as their hearts; the latter of which is well catered for by a quite frankly, gorgeous – ‘modern’ Giulietta.
Comparing it on looks alone, to say a Golf or a Focus, it wins hands down but not everything is ‘bellissimo’ with this Italian sports hatch. The choice of red instrument lighting looks retro at best and, if we’re being truthful, it’s plain old-fashioned. In fact, the whole dash is a bit of a let down compared to the exterior and it’s best not to ask where you’ll put your sunglasses or water bottle as storage is woeful.
All these niggles slip away as you pop your sunnies on your head and start the engine. Chuck it in to dynamic mode and plant it in to the nearest corner and mundane thoughts of “no storage compartments” are nowhere near your mind. Newer Alfa Romeos are 60% fun and 40% everything else, which gives you just the right balance if in the market for a family car that puts a smile on your face but is easy to live with.
With stiff competition within the ‘C’ segment vehicle market the Giulietta was never going to out-sell offerings from VAG but it certainly gave them a little food for thought as 400,000 units have been produced and it came 2nd in the European Car of the Year awards 2011. Figures that shout, ALFA is BACK!
FAI have developed a broad range of engine and suspension components which encompass all the popular variants of Giulietta. Headsets, water & oil pumps, valve train and timing belt kits are available for the 1.4i, 1.6 & 2.0 JTDM.
For a full listing faiauto.com/ecat
