Road Test - Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB

Author: Ian Strachan

The Alfa Giulietta is a clever mix of Italian style, performance and practicality, and it works well. From its name you may think this is aimed at the female market, but a car that performs this brilliantly will give any driver a lot of fun.

And it comes with a great range of engines. My test car was powered by a 1.4 petrol engine, but you'd swear it was bigger.

This is an Alfa Romeo through and through. It has bags of Mediterranean style, with the front end adorned with the distinctive Alfa grille and offset number plate. The car's profile rises gently towards the high and chunky back end, with a big rear window, behind which is a deep and practical loadspace. 

It's equally attractive from the rear, with a high waist and subtle spoiler over the rear window.

Inside, the Alfa is - despite its practicality - a driver's car with all effort concentrated on driver comfort and convenience. Supportive seats hug you in a cockpit which is clear and classy with easily accessible dials and controls. The front passenger seat is equally comfortable, but rear seat passengers may find themselves cramped for room, particularly if they are long-legged.

But most people buy Alfa Romeos for their handling and their excellent engines. This won't disappoint. 

I drove the 1.4 TB petrol option. This unit has sparkling 170 bhp performance (there's also a less powerful 120 bhp version) but is quiet, willing and efficient, with excellent fuel consumption of 48.7 mpg in mixed driving. 

It's a real pleasure to drive. Linked to a slick six speed manual gearbox the engine is smooth and unruffled. It never sounds or feels under pressure and delivers power exactly when you want it.

Ride and handling are exceptional, with crisp and positive steering response and nicely damped suspension to give a smooth ride. The Alfa's grip on the road is never uncertain, even when cornering at speed.

Equipment levels on the Veloce trim level that I drove are good, with all-round airbags, dual-zone climate control, electric front and rear windows and mirrors, cruise control, sports suspension and a six-speaker CD player as standard.

You also get steering wheel mounted controls, leather-trimmed upholstery,  nice 17 inch alloys, and front armrest with storage. 

This is an easy car to like and I was sorry to see it go. The whole thing comes at £21,305 on the road. 

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserv