Few car manufacturers have as enviable a reputation, pedigree and history as Alfa Romeo. As a car reviewer, I always look forward to the next Alfa with a measure of anticipation.
This one is the Giulietta, the replacement for the 147. It’s a handsome car replacing a handsome car, but at least they’ve given it a much more evocative and fitting name this time not just a collection of dry numbers.
Giulietta ownership starts at £17,450 for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol version in basic Turismo spec, rising to just under £24,995 for the 235bhp Cloverleaf version.
I drove the 2.0 JTDm Lusso, costing £21,650. Its 170bhp, 2.0-litre diesel engine provides a useful blend of performance and economy. Nought to 62mph is knocked off in eight seconds dead, while a careful driver can expect to nudge 60mpg.
The car has Alfa’s DNA system, which adjusts the steering, brakes and engine. Normal mode speaks for itself, and All Weather mode tailors the car for the worst the Scottish winters can throw at it.
Most entertaining is Dynamic mode, which makes steering sharper and the engine more responsive.
The car handles fairly well in the standard setting, but it’s worthwhile switching over if you plan to have fun with it. Switch the button to D and the engine sits higher in the rev range, while steering input response goes from good to razor sharp.
It’s a car whose on-road performance does much to live up to its sporting pedigree. The body remains flat and poised throughout even fast cornering and is great fun on some twisty country lanes. The only fly in the ointment is the big diesel engine makes it a tad nose heavy.
It’s a fine cruiser as well, knocking off motorway miles with ease.
Downsides include poor rear visibility and less than generous leg and headroom for rear passengers. Most people who are looking at an Alfa probably won’t be too concerned about this, however.
It’s good looking, different and puts a smile on your face. For potential buyers, that ought to be enough.
Price: £21,650. 0-62mph: 8.0sec. Top speed: 135mph. Economy: 60.mpg. CO2 emissions: 124g/km.