Review: Alfa Romeo Giulietta (2011-20)

Alfa Romeo Mk.I Giulietta (2011-12)

Overview

Released in January 2011, the Alfa Romeo Mk.I Giulietta was a small, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Cassino, Italy, the front-wheel drive Alfa Romeo Giulietta range initially consisted of the 1.4 TB MultiAir and the 1750 TBi variants, powered by 1.4- and 1.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines, respectively. In February 2012, a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine was introduced (the ‘2.0 JTDm’ variant) and available with either a six-speed manual or a double clutch transmission (DCT, or Alfa Romeo’s ‘Twin Clutch Transmission’, TCT); the latter transmission was also introduced for the 1.4 TB MultiAir variant. Of the engines, both the 1.4-litre TB MultiAir engine and 2.0 JTDm featured Alfa Romeo’s ‘Start & Stop’ technology which enabled them to shut down when the vehicle was stationary to reduce fuel consumption.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Alfa Romeo 147 , the Giulietta was 128 mm longer (at 4351 mm), 69 mm wider (1798 mm), 23 mm taller (1465 mm) and had an 88mm longer wheelbase (2634mm). Furthermore, the Giulieta had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll bars); the Giulietta also introduced a new dual pinion active steering system and ‘Q2’ electronic front differential.

DNA selector

The Giulietta was fitted with Alfa Romeo’s selectable ‘DNA’ (‘Dynamic’, ‘Normal’ and ‘All-weather’) drive mode function which adjusted engine, transmission, differential, stability control, steering and throttle response settings. The Dynamic mode also enabled a ‘Pre-Fill’ braking function which could reduce stopping distances – when the control unit detected hazardous situations – by pressurizing the braking system before the driver applied the brake pedal.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with double pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir models were fitted with 305 mm ventilated front brake discs and 264 mm solid rear discs. The 1750 TBi variants, however, had 330 mm ventilated front brake discs and 278 mm solid rear discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta – fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine – received a five star safety rating including a 97 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 85 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious leg injury for the front occupants. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test, though chest protection in the pole test was rated adequate. Under ANCAP’s methodology, this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 36.44 out of 37.

Features: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Standard features for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir and 2.0 JTDm included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 tyres, an eight speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB) and MP3-compatibility, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, front and rear fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Features: Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1750 TBi

The Giulietta 1750 TBi was distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres and sports suspension, Bose sound system with ten speakers, leather-trimmed seats with red stitching and tinted windows. Visually, the 1750 TBi could be identified by its with red painted calipers, brushed aluminium dashboard inserts, aluminium sports pedals, dark-finish headlights, rear spoiler and side skirts.

Related links

• Brochure: Alfa Romeo Mk.I Giulietta (March 2011)
• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo Giulietta (January 2011)
• Press Release: Alfa Romeo Giulietta JTD DCT (February 2012)

Alfa Romeo Mk.II Giulietta (2012-14)

Overview

Released in May 2012, the Alfa Romeo Mk.II Giulietta introduced a revised range which included ‘Distinctive’ editions.

In February 2013, retail prices were reduced and the QV was renamed Quad Verde. Furthermore, in May 2013, the range was expanded with the introduction of entry-level 1.4 TB variants and Progression editions which were positioned below the Distinctive editions. Like the 1.4 TB MultiAir engines, the 1.4 TB engines also had ‘Start & Stop’ technology which enabled them to shut down when the vehicle was stationary.

Safety equipment

Compared to to their Mk.I predecessors, standard safety equipment for the Alfa Romeo Mk.II Giulietta was unchanged.

The entry-level Giulietta 1.4 TB variants were fitted with 281 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 264 mm solid rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the Alfa Romeo Mk.II Giulietta included 16-inch steel wheels with 205/55 R16 91V tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB) and MP3-compatibility, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Progression editions added 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 91V tyres, a power adjustable driver’s seat, power folding mirrors and rear seat centre armrest.

The Distinctive editions were further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 91W tyres, an eight speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, Competizione fabric upholstery, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, an electrochromatic rear view mirror and an alarm. From May 2013, the Distinctive editions were also fitted with a TomTom navigation system.

The Giulietta 1750 TBi was distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 91W tyres and sports suspension, Bose sound system with ten speakers, leather-trimmed seats with red stitching and tinted windows. Visually, the 1750 TBi could be identified by its with red painted calipers, brushed aluminium dashboard inserts, aluminium sports pedals, dark-finish headlights, rear spoiler and side skirts.

Related links

• Brochure: Alfa Romeo Mk.II Giulietta (September 2012)
• Technical Data: Alfa Romeo Mk.II Giulietta (May 2013)
• Behind the Wheel: 2013 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Progression Review

Alfa Romeo Series 1 Giulietta (2014-16)

Overview

Defying conventions of numerical sequencing, the Alfa Romeo Series 1 Giulietta was released in Australia in December 2014. Visually, the Series 1 Giulietta could be identified by its new ‘Alfa V’ grille, revised front fog lamp bezels, new 16-inch alloy wheel designs and three new paint finishes (Moon White, Anodized Blue and Bronze).

Inside, the Series 1 Giulietta featured new 5.0-inch (for Progression) or 6.5-inch (for Distinction) touchscreens for the ‘Uconnect’ system, a redesigned dashboard, repositioned auxiliary inputs in the centre console, re-shaped seats, new door trim panels and a new steering wheel that incorporated the Alfa Romeo ‘Shield’. Sound insulation was also improved for greater refinement.

Features: Giulietta Progression and Distinctive

Standard features for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Progression included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB) and MP3-compatibility, a five-inch touchscreen with the ‘Uconnect’ system which included Bluetooth connectivity, wireless music streaming and a text-to-speech function for SMS, a power adjustable driver’s seat, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, power windows, power adjustable and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring and immobiliser.

The Giulietta Distinctive edition was further equipped with 16-inch turbine-design alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with navigation system which included 3D bird’s-eye maps, intelligent route guidance and a one-step destination entry function with voice command, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, power folding door mirrors, driver’s seat memory settings, an electrochromatic rear view mirror and an alarm.

Features: Quadrifoglio Verde

Relative to the Giulietta Distinctive, the Quadrifoglio Verde was distinguished by its 18-inch allow wheels, Bose sound system with nine speakers, leather and Alcantara seat trim, bi-xenon headlights and rear privacy glass. The Quadrifoglio Verde, however, omitted the power adjustable and heated front seats (with memory settings) of the Giulietta Distinctive.

Visually, the Quadrifoglio Verde could be identified by its darkened headlights, satin mirror covers, side skirts and red brake calipers.

2015 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint was released in November 2015. Compared to the Giulietta Progression, the Giulietta Sprint could be identified by its 17-inch five-hole design alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tyres, special badging on the front fender, rear bumper side skirts and dark-tinted windows. Inside, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint featured carbon-effect door panels and dashboard surround, seats with cloth/Alcantara upholstery and ‘Sprint’ logo embroidered into the headrests, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching.

Related links

• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo Series 1 Giulietta (February 2015)
• Specifications: Alfa Romeo Series 1 Giulietta (February 2015)

Alfa Romeo Series 2 Giulietta (2016-20)

Overview

The Alfa Romeo Series 2 Giulietta was available in Australian dealerships from October 2016, though production of these vehicles is understood to have commenced in May 2016. The revised Alfa Romeo Series 2 Giulietta range consisted of 1.4 TB MultiAir Super and 1750 TBi Veloce models, and styling updates based on the Alfa Romeo Giulia . Specifically, visual changes for the Series 2 Giulietta included a new honeycomb grille, piano black bumper inserts (with red highlights for sport models), revised head- and fog lamp surrounds, new badge designs (for the ‘Alfa Romeo’ and ‘Giulietta’ logos), new alloy wheel designs and revised tail pipe finishers. Inside, there were revised seat upholsteries, dashboard and door panel finishes.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulietta received a three star safety rating which included a 72 per cent adult occupant protection rating, a 56 per cent child occupant protection rating and a 25 per cent ‘safety assist rating’. In the frontal offset test, protection of the driver’s head, thighs and feet were rated as good, though chest and lower leg protection was rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). In the side impact test, the seat-mounted thorax airbag did not deploy properly since it got trapped behind intruding trim – because of this, penalties were applied for the side impact and pole tests.

Features: Alfa Romeo Giulietta Super

Standard features for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Super included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB) and MP3-compatibility, a five-inch touchscreen with the ‘Uconnect’ system (which included Bluetooth connectivity, wireless music streaming and a text-to-speech function for SMS), dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, a power adjustable driver’s seat, halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, power adjustable and heated mirrors, power windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a height adjustable driver’s seat, refrigerated storage compartment, trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Giulietta Super with twin clutch transmission (TCT) added 17-inch alloy wheels, 6.5-inch display for the ‘Uconnect’ system which included satellite navigation and an SD card reader, and front parking sensors.

Features: Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce was distinguished by its 18-inch chrome/burnished alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, a nine speaker Bose Hi-Fi system with subwoofer and an eight-channel digital amplifier, combination leather and Alcantara seats with red stitching, bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting system, a flat-bottom steering wheel with red stitching, steering wheel gearshift paddles, a black headliner, alloy sports pedals, chrome door sill inserts, rear privacy glass and 12 volt power socket in the boot.

Visual cues for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce included sports bumpers (front and rear), a ‘carbon look’ headlight cluster, side skirts, ‘glossy anthracite’ finish for the front door handles and dark chrome door mirror covers.

In May 2018, the Bose Hi-Fi system was discontinued as a standard feature.

2019 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce S

The limited-edition Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce S was released in Australia in June 2019. Visually, the Alfa Romeo Giuletta Veloce S could be identified by its 18-inch dark miron wheels with laser-etched red motif, red badges, a Magneti Marelli ‘Elaborazioni 1919’ sport exhaust system and ‘carbon look’ front Trilobe grille, door mirror covers and sideskirts. Furthermore, the Giulietta Veloce S was available in three colours: Alfa White, Alfa Black and metallic Stromboli.

Inside, the Giulietta Veloce S had a nine speaker Bose sound system, ‘premium’ floor mats with a red ‘Giulietta’ logo and a special edition ‘Veloce’ badge.

Australian deliveries of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce S were limited to thirty (30) vehicles and it had a recommended retail price of $45,400 (excluded on-road costs).

Related links

• Buyer’s Guide: Alfa Romeo Series 2 Giulietta (September 2016)
• Buyer’s Guide: Alfa Romeo Series 2 Giulietta (April 2018)
• Alfa Romeo Australia: Alfa Romeo Giulietta
• Wikipedia.org: Alfa Romeo Giulietta (2010)