1.4 TB MultiAir Veloce 5dr Hatchback

Puts a grin on my face.

Before settling on the Giulietta, I had tested a VW Golf, Mazda3, Skoda Fabia VRS (new one), sat in the new Astra (the kids did not like it in the back, so didn't bother test driving it), also looked at the Yeti and Hyundai ix35. I wanted to downsize from my Volvo V70 to something more economical, cheaper to tax, but with a bit of style, zip and fun.
Well the Gulietta hasn't disappointed yet. It has enough room for three adults in the back (used it to pick up work mates to goto Xmas party), the kids (9 & 6) like it especially the rear armrest. The wife likes it, very comfortable and smooth, on a par with if not better than the Volvo. The boot is the same size as the Golf's, it gets everything we need in it. I like the styling of the dash and the exterior (a friend has commented that it is a pretty looking car). Drive wise there is little to choose between the this, the Golf, and Mazda3, the Fabia's ride is hard in comparison, I did not find that the clutch is in awkward position or the lack of footrest a problem, though I do have small feet for a man. The Alfa's engine is great, the economy could be better, but I have only done 1400 miles so far, so hopefully will get better. The DNA switch does really work, I leave it in Normal for the daily commute of 40mph cruise and a bit of stop start, Dynamic enhances the responsiveness of the throttle, steering and brakes, the acceleration is up there with my old 850 T5, it puts a grin on my face, All weather proved it's worth in the snow, giving enough power to get you going without spinning the wheels. I did spec the car with bi-xenon lights which are fantastic, heated electric seats (nice in the winter), lumbar support adjustment, rear parking sensors. Blue and me is great, usb port for mp3 player. Star stop sytem is good, as is the climate control.
The downsides, well the front armrest gets in the way of the hanbrake when down, OK when cruising on the motorway. The folding mirrors could of been programmed to fold and unfold on start up and switch off. There is no underseat storage bins and the front door bins are quite small, though the glovebox is huge. The only problem in deciding to purchase the Giulietta was convincing myself that Alfa would get things right as far as reliabilty goes. Well it has been back to the dealer for an replacement headlamp washer nozzle cover which broke off in the cold weather, all replaced under warranty with the car picked up from work, bit replaced, washed and returned.
If you want something other than the tried and tested Golf, Astra, Focus, Megane, Civic then maybe you could let your heart rule your head and go for the Giulietta.

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