Standing out from the norm can harbour both benefits and demerits. I speak personally, because I stand six feet six inches tall in my size fourteen socks (aided by middle-aged girth). In fact, I fall into a size classification that restricts my access to many things…narrow stairwells…medieval doorways…racing cars…and buying clothes on the High Street. Yet, I adore the smaller class of cars.
Neither the French, nor Italians, both of which nationalities share my fascination for sometimes impossibly small cars, are renowned for their automotive packaging exercises. In fact, there are several makes and models that are comprehensive ‘no go’ zones for me. They cannot provide the space of either the Germanic, or more recent Japanese alternatives, although they do try very hard to accommodate the typical northern European demographic.
Yet, Fiat Group (now better known as Fiat-Chrysler Automotive, since its strategic marriage to the North American brand) has managed the task quite well, with its larger models. I have owned and enjoyed Italian cars as diverse as the Fiat 131 Mirafiori, Alfa 164, Lancia Delta and even the Fiat Punto, although today’s Fiat 500 is completely off-limits to me.
While there is no denying the style stance, Alfa Romeo has always managed to accommodate me. Despite a reliance on a style-led presence, Alfa has always kept a wary eye on designing-in practicality to its cars, without giving up the signature radiator grille, or the jewel-like head and tail-lamps. Although the pragmatic Germans adhere to an abundance of straight-lines, Alfa pursues a more voluptuous pose that references an acknowledged and glorious past. I am grateful that Alfa has retained that sense of direction for its Giulietta, as the compact hatchback is a very pretty car, even though it needs to comply with specific class requirements that dictate the size of its footprint and even the mechanical layout.
Despite curves that make the Giulietta look much smaller than its 4.4m length, it is actually larger than some of its key competitors. Its well-equipped cabin is cosy, which imbues a feeling of carefully hemmed-in sportiness that is intrinsic to the marque’s history. It is a five-door hatch (the rear door handles are slightly concealed), which means good access to the rear seats and a really spacious boot of 350-litres that can be extended over three-fold (1,045-litres) by flipping forwards the 60:40-split rear seat backs.
The cabin is a most refined environment, benefiting from excellent door and window seals that keep out extraneous noises. While leather is a trim dependent option, the Alcantara fabric used on the test car’s interior provides a pleasant blend of warmth and comfort. The driver’s seat hugs the hips and provides good support to spine and thighs, with a multi-adjustable base and steering column that affords a good driving position.
Designed to meet the typical northern Italian’s desire to flit up to the lakes, or mountains on a whim, the Giulietta gives a good account of itself, when zipping around English back lanes. Yet, it can combine fun with relaxed motorway cruising, whether commuting, or tackling a longer trip.
Competitively list-priced from £19,715, rising to £29,950, before any Motor Source Group discounts are applied, Giulietta buyers obtain a lot for their investments. The dashboard consists of a full-width moulding, with a touch-screen in the centre, providing easy access to the stereo system, sat-nav and multi-media features, while a trio of rotary dials below it manages the climate control. The USB ports and Alfa’s ‘DNA’ chassis control switch are located ahead of the gearlever. Comfort levels are excellent, as already stated, and the twin dials ahead of the driver are pleasant to look at and use.
Giulietta’s chassis dynamics are supported by the signature DNA master-switch, which enables Dynamic, Normal and All-weather settings that adjust both throttle and steering responses, as well as the traction control settings. In ‘N’, the car feels taut but comfortable and it is advised to use the ‘D’ position, if you want a firmer set of responses.
Bump suppression of the springs and dampers is excellent and the torsional rigidity of the car’s body allows its suspension to work with tremendous fluidity. Good grip is provided by the 205-section tyres fitted to attractive, five-hole alloy wheels and, even on moist road surfaces, the traction control is seldom worried into operation. All-round disc brakes provide assured stopping power in a typically honed Alfa manner.
The latest six-speed, twin-clutch, automated transmission is a development of the company’s original Selespeed unit and is virtually the same as VW’s DSG system. Gearshifts are seamless, although there is enough ‘creep’ in Drive to enable good low-speed control. The test car features Alfa’s trusted 1.6JTDm-2 turbo-diesel power unit. Both 148 and 173bhp versions of the firm’s 2.0-litre engine are also available in Giulietta. Emitting a lowly 99g/km (CO2), the 1.6-litre engine delivers a modest 119bhp. Yet, it is enough to despatch the 0-60mph sprint in 9.9s, with a top speed of around 121mph. The Official Combined fuel return is a frugal 74.3mpg.
Supported by a three years, unlimited mileage warranty on all new models, Alfa is keen to highlight that its brand dependability is pegged at the highest levels, a factor underscored by Alfa’s performance in the annual Auto Express reliability survey. It is also worth highlighting that maintenance costs are maintained at affordable levels and even in the current anti-diesel atmosphere, Alfa’s clean diesel technology and exceptional fuel economy more than justify the value of the 1.6-litre motor.
