There are few more enigmatic, or should we say characterful marque than Italian carmaker Alfa Romeo. Since its start-up, the brand has garnered a strong following around the globe. One of its key attributes were the colourful styling, blessed by renowned Italian styling houses that has been commissioned to produce sketches for its production models (think Bertone, Pininfarina etc).
While the marque has been less consistent lately, to some extent, in churning out cars for the masses, it has not been completely off the radar. Not too long ago its supercar 8C left countless in awe, inviting an equal amount of debates on its controversial styling.
Latest in its stable is the Giulietta, meant to replace the long-overdue 147. We sample the hatchback to see if it is better late than never.
Exterior
Alfa's latest takes on a more spherical outlook, with more rounded edges overall. There is also a slight tinge of shadowing from its supercar stablemate - the 8C. Credit where it is due, Alfa Romeo is one of the few marques which can put off a non-symmetry appearance on its offerings. Essentially, it is also the 'lopsided' front end that best presents the car's character.
Arguably, the hatchback isn't as pretty as its end-of-production stablemate (the 159). That is not to say the latest offering from Alfa Romeo is any less stylish.
While the marque has been less consistent lately, to some extent, in churning out cars for the masses, it has not been completely off the radar. Not too long ago its supercar 8C left countless in awe, inviting an equal amount of debates on its controversial styling.
Latest in its stable is the Giulietta, meant to replace the long-overdue 147. We sample the hatchback to see if it is better late than never.
Exterior
Alfa's latest takes on a more spherical outlook, with more rounded edges overall. There is also a slight tinge of shadowing from its supercar stablemate - the 8C. Credit where it is due, Alfa Romeo is one of the few marques which can put off a non-symmetry appearance on its offerings. Essentially, it is also the 'lopsided' front end that best presents the car's character.
Arguably, the hatchback isn't as pretty as its end-of-production stablemate (the 159). That is not to say the latest offering from Alfa Romeo is any less stylish.
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The heavily sculptured front bonnet and shoulder flanks, not to mention the myriad of curves and the iconic 'invisible' door handles on the C-pillars are cues to its Italian origins.
Front fascia distinctively Alfa - the Giulietta bears the shield-shaped radiator grille that is of ancestry heritage  |
Interior
Given the Giulietta's less bulbously proportioned dimensions, one would be delighted with the practical cabin spaces, seating five full-sized adults with ease. The boot though, is one aspect that suffers from the hatched back.
Entry into the helm's position is met with a broad-faced steering wheel, which does feel a tad oversized. The driving position, too, may not be what one would call perfect. The reach and height adjustable seats with adept lateral supports do however make up for the slightly inert ergonomics.
Interior packs practical allowances for five adults; boot space impaired by side intrudes
Given the Giulietta's less bulbously proportioned dimensions, one would be delighted with the practical cabin spaces, seating five full-sized adults with ease. The boot though, is one aspect that suffers from the hatched back.
Entry into the helm's position is met with a broad-faced steering wheel, which does feel a tad oversized. The driving position, too, may not be what one would call perfect. The reach and height adjustable seats with adept lateral supports do however make up for the slightly inert ergonomics.
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Perceived materials quality is a notch up, portraying a grown-up feel for the Giulietta's interior. Although Alfa has chosen not to bestow the hatchback with the cockpit-psyche instrument panels found in the 159, the simplistic layout feels modernistic, with the climate control and factory-fitted audio heads-unit being fuss-free and relatively easy to work with.
The same however, could not be said for the array of toggle switches running horizontally across the dashboard. The switching mechanism feels sluggish and indirect, a letdown amidst the instrumentation.
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The Drive
The powerplant on the Giulietta is put to work via the conventional method - involves sliding the key into the ignition barrel and a twist.
Altering the car's driving characteristic is what Alfa calls DNA (Dynamic; Natural; All-weather). Starting up in 'Natural', it is easy to relate the Giulietta to any other European offerings on the market, with little setting them apart. Steering is light and clear, providing ease in piloting the car through small alleys, a breeze as well when it comes to parking.
DNA alters Giulietta's personality
An upward nudge on the DNA knob puts the car into Dynamic mode - in most instances an act that will not be revered. Hastened throttle response, stickier traction, punchier turbo boost, and tighter steering: it may not sound much on paper, but these factors radically changes how the car feels.
In reality, it is intoxicating to say the least. Experiencing the Giulietta on hand, one will instantly be enrobed into what the car can deliver. While the adequate grunt from the 1.4-litre turbocharged workhorse is nothing phenomenal, the immense amount of driver-to-metal conversation is a huge delight - nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The powerplant on the Giulietta is put to work via the conventional method - involves sliding the key into the ignition barrel and a twist.
Altering the car's driving characteristic is what Alfa calls DNA (Dynamic; Natural; All-weather). Starting up in 'Natural', it is easy to relate the Giulietta to any other European offerings on the market, with little setting them apart. Steering is light and clear, providing ease in piloting the car through small alleys, a breeze as well when it comes to parking.
DNA alters Giulietta's personality An upward nudge on the DNA knob puts the car into Dynamic mode - in most instances an act that will not be revered. Hastened throttle response, stickier traction, punchier turbo boost, and tighter steering: it may not sound much on paper, but these factors radically changes how the car feels.
In reality, it is intoxicating to say the least. Experiencing the Giulietta on hand, one will instantly be enrobed into what the car can deliver. While the adequate grunt from the 1.4-litre turbocharged workhorse is nothing phenomenal, the immense amount of driver-to-metal conversation is a huge delight - nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Conclusion
The Giulietta is Alfa's latest effort in keeping up with the game, embracing technological advancements for better efficiency, and at the same time retaining what the marque is best known for.
No doubt the dual-clutch TCT is not the smoothest in town, nor is the equipment list any longer than its competitors - but just like how Alfa does its cars, the Giulietta offers a stirring of soul and passion, and these cannot be quantified or tabulated in the options list.
While the idea of a driver's car may differ with each individual, there should be no lingering doubts that the car's ability to connect with the human is one of the most important attribute. For this alone, the Giulietta scores high on the charts.
The Giulietta is Alfa's latest effort in keeping up with the game, embracing technological advancements for better efficiency, and at the same time retaining what the marque is best known for.
No doubt the dual-clutch TCT is not the smoothest in town, nor is the equipment list any longer than its competitors - but just like how Alfa does its cars, the Giulietta offers a stirring of soul and passion, and these cannot be quantified or tabulated in the options list.
While the idea of a driver's car may differ with each individual, there should be no lingering doubts that the car's ability to connect with the human is one of the most important attribute. For this alone, the Giulietta scores high on the charts.
