Alfa Romeo has, at best, a mixed record in producing mass market cars in recent times. The 146 and 147 were both individual and appealing in their own rights, but fundamentally flawed. Following off the back of the successful Mito, it would be a big step if Alfa could repeat the feat in the big selling family hatch market. On the face of it, the Giulietta has all the ingredients to be a success in its own right.
What are its rivals?
The ever expanding, and dripping with talent, medium hatch segment has had an established pecking order for a generation of model releases now. In their latest guises Volkswagen's Golf is now vying for class honours with the Ford Focus and the Vauxhall Astra is snapping at their heels, but ultimately outclassed. In addition, Hyundai's i30 remains a highly capable contender, as does the Kia Cee'd.
How does it drive?
Alfa's DNA functionality has the impact on the car's persona that it was intended to as it changes the Giulietta from a supple and soothing cruiser, to a harder edged and enjoyable back road tool. In any mode, the Giulietta drives well, accurately and pleasingly. The diesel engine is strong and smooth, with a broad power band and good manners. The gearbox is slick and its ratios allow for a fine blend of performance and economy. On longer journeys, the refinement and comfort make themselves felt in a comfortable cabin and eases the miles away. When things get a little more interesting, the direct steering and fine chassis balance allow keen drivers to indulge themselves with no fear of nasty surprises and plenty of talent to engage them.
What's impressive?
There is a lot to like in the Giulietta, both in the traditional Alfa strongholds of style and also in newfound areas such as quality and execution. To form, Alfa has added function. It is hard to avoid being seduced by the styling; an exterior of myriad curves with styling cues, new and old, combined in to an overall look that couldn't be anything other than an Alfa and will leave the more mundane opposition running for cover.
Internally things are also more positive. The interior styling is typically Alfa but the quality of materials and finish isn't something you'd take for granted for the badge. Perhaps the most noteworthy point is not one about a specific facet, it's the fact that with the Giulietta Alfa has managed to produce a truly talented all-rounder capable of troubling the established stars in the class.
What's not?
Normally one would expect a long list of flaws, minor and major, when reading about a new Alfa. However, in the Giulietta's case that's not going to happen. Of course, the driving position isn't perfect, but it's not far off and the pedals' locations will matter by differing amounts to individuals. The switchgear is a little haphazard and lacks the crispness and solidity of its Germanic rivals. Some viewed the latest switches as a backward step relative to the GT coupe and Brera. Finally, the throttle response in dynamic mode is artificially aggressive and if anything is too great a contrast to the normal mode, actually making smooth progress more difficult and overly abrupt.
Should I buy one?
Normally an Alfa Romeo is the enthusiast's choice; a buying decision made on an emotional level, often in the face of logical persuasion offered by rivals, infinitely more capable in all tangible area. However, in this case, arguably for the first time in decades, the Giulietta represents a mass market Alfa Romeo one would buy on absolute merit. Added to the traditional Alfa virtues of style and beauty are a feeling of robust engineering and quality and a genuine depth of talent in the chassis. Overall, it's a significant, noteworthy, car.
