Buyer’s guide to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Buyer’s guide to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta

The Giulietta is a great alternative to more mainstream hatchbacks

The family hatchback class is filled with some hugely popular models – not least the Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.

But what happens if you want something a little different to the norm? Well, if you do, you should take a look at the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. 

This stylish hatchback might not get the tech of its newer rivals, but it makes up for that with its glamorous styling and fun driving experience. 

So if you’re looking at the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, here’s what you need to know…

What engines are available?

Both petrol and diesel engines are available on the Giulietta, with the line-up beginning with a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine delivering 118bhp, which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Despite being the most affordable engine, it can still reach 60mph in a respectable 9.2 seconds, though it’s not particularly efficient. 

If you value low running costs, you should take a look at the 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine, which is available with both a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. This will return a claimed 50.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 147g/km, and will hit 60mph in 9.8 seconds. 

At the top of the line-up is a 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It can hit 60mph in 8.1 seconds and will hit a top speed of 133mph. However, surprisingly it’s the most efficient Giulietta available – returning 51.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 145g/km. 

What trim levels are offered?

The revised Giulietta is available in three grades – Super, Speciale and Veloce. Equipment highlights and pricing are as follows. 

Super – from £20,400

You get plenty of standard kit with the Giulietta – including 17-inch alloy wheels, and a five-inch touchscreen with DAB radio and Bluetooth. You also get cruise control, a leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors and dual-zone climate control. 

Speciale – from £22,495

If you want sportier looks, choose the Speciale. This gains dark 17-inch ‘5 hole’ alloy wheels, darkened headlights, privacy glass, a black styling kit, side skirts, a bigger sports exhaust and sports suspension. There are various changes on the cabin, too – including carbon-effect trim, red interior stitching and part-Alcantara sports seats. 

Veloce – from £26,810

At the top of the range is the Veloce, which adds a host of styling and equipment upgrades. First up, it adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels, yellow styling accents, bigger Brembo brake callipers and yellow interior stitching. It also features a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, along with an auto-dimming rear mirror, electrically folding door mirrors, electric lumbar support, automatic lights and wipers, and front and rear parking sensors.  

What about personalisation?

Alfa Romeo has always delivered when it comes to personalisation and the Giulietta is no different. 

There is a great choice of colours, including a range of pearl and metallic finishes and even a matte grey shade. Highlights for us are Misano Blue and Competizione Red. You can also choose from a host of alloy wheel designs, and in various colours and finishes, too.

Next up is the fact you can choose a host of carbon-fibre exterior accents, or red or yellow design touches instead. In terms of conventional optional extras, the £750 Tech Pack is worth considering as this adds a larger seven-inch touchscreen with a reversing camera, along with heated front seats for £265.

Enquire on a new Alfa Romeo Giulietta