• Summary
• What's Good
• What's Bad
• On the Road
• In The Cabin
• Prices and Specs
• Owners' Reviews

Latest Update 29-3-2012: ALFA Giulietta TCT became available from April 2012. 

Introduction:

Alfa Romeo has a great reputation for building beautiful cars. However, while it's well known for good-looking cars, Alfa also has another reputation - for poor reliability. This dogged the brand for years and even now there are plenty of people who would rather stick to a Japanese make or something from Volkswagen.

That's a real shame as Alfa Romeo has been working very hard in recent years to improve the quality and durability of its cars. And this hard work is paying off. The perception of Alfa Romeo is slowly changing and cars like the MiTo and Giulietta - which replaced the disappointing 147 - have helped immensely.

It's actually based on the Fiat Bravo - a very underrated car - but you'd never know it. It's a simply stunning car that makes every other hatchback look very ordinary. The trademark grille and those LEDs in the headlights really make it stand out and it looks just as good from the back. The Fiat influence is more noticeable inside with elements like the steering wheel and column stalks shared with the Bravo, but there are enough unique features such as a row of neat switches on the central dash.

The quality feels good, although some of the interior plastics and switches aren't as 'premium' as other hatchbacks such as the latest Ford Focus. It's good on the move though with a comfortably smooth ride, neat steering and good refinement. All models get the DNA system too alters the throttle responsiveness, the steering and traction control. There's a good choice of engines too with Alfa's excellent 1.4-litre TB MultiAir engine and the strong JTDM-2 diesels.

The top version is the performance Cloverleaf model - Alfa's version of a GTI. It uses the new 1750 TBi petrol engine that made its debut in the 159 and boasts an impressive 235bhp and a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds. Sadly, while it looks great, it's pretty underwhelming to drive which makes its price tag of more than £23,000 seem even more over the top.

Road test and video at Alfa Giulietta road test

Road test and video TCT at Alfa Giulietta TCT road test