Alfa Romeo Giulietta Pre Model 1.6 JTDm-2 Veloce 5dr Car Review - January 2012

REVIEW
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List Price: £21,250
Tax Band: C
Insurance Group: 16
MPG: 64.2
CO2: 114
0-62 Mph: 11.3 secs
BHP: 105 BHP
Range: 847 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.75/5
Critics claim that the Giulietta 1.6 JTDm 2-Veloce is not a very well-rounded car. It is not an Audi or a BMW. The Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf seems to be a better choice if you consider aspects such as price, space and running cost. But as a family car with a “cool” factor, Alfa Romeo tops them all.

PROS:  The Guilietta 1.6 JTDm- 2 Veloce is another Alfa Romeo masterpiece in terms of its looks. This model’s sporty design is complemented with a relatively powerful yet economical engine that delivers the necessary punch when called for.

CONS:  The driver’s position is uncomfortable. The rear seats are cramped for headroom and legroom. Rear visibility is limited. Though the driving characteristics can be modified at the flick of a switch, it is still better to drive in normal mode.

Behind the Wheel

The Giulietta, to date, is the top family hatchback that Alfa Romeo rolled out of its assembly line. It is a fine sample of a medium-sized family car that combined style, power and comfort. For a 4-cylinder 16-valve manual shift sports saloon, this car packs enough power to give rivals a fright. It has an acceptable mpg of 64.2 and revs up 105 bhp at 4000 rpm. It has a torque of 236 ft-lb at 1750 rpm, enough to push acceleration from 0-62 mph in 11.3 seconds. With a fitting 1598 cc engine, this sports hatchback tops it at 115 mph.

The Giulietta is a pleasant drive as it quite nimble on winding roads but quite refined and hushed on uneven city streets thanks to its body control and swift steering. Its more rigid suspension resulted in more grip on corners but sans the Dynamic mode, there’s no real “feel” on the wheel. The Guilietta seem to lack the refinement and balance of a Volkswagen Golf and a Ford Focus. However, the ride is still agile at varying speeds. The hatchback restricts rear visibility

Looks & Equipment

The 6-speed Guilietta is another remarkably designed car from Alfa Romeo and surpasses the Ford Focus and VW Golf in this respect. Though the cabin is well-appointed and air-tight to shut out noise, the dashboard is not well-laid out. The pedals are positioned too close with no footrest for the left foot. The steering wheel is too far even when you’ve adjusted the seat and wheel.

The Guilietta 1.6 JTDm-2 Veloce is fitted with standard 6 airbags, DNA driving mode system, front and rear electric windows, air conditioning, split folding rear seats, MP3 and CD player with rear spoiler, alarm, lights, cruise control, leather steering wheel and seat and more. Upgrades such as SAT NAV, panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, heated seats and metallic paint are available.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

Alfa Romeo designers packed this 5-seater model with the standard features that ensure safety. There are 6 airbags, electronic brake distribution, stability control and the DNA mode system to make for a safer ride and drive. An added feature is a device for an easy engine start when on an incline. After modifications, the Guilietta has an overall Euro NCAP rating of 5/5. CO2 emission is 114g/km. Green rating is C. Rear seats are cramped but boot space is large at 350 litres.

It is a fact that Alfa Romeo does not have a stellar rating in the area of reliability. UK Consumer rating is way down. Per past experience, Alfa Romeo cars have been known to rattle and creak. The Guilietta is Alfa Romeo’s hope of reversing its less than satisfactory rating in the reliability record. The materials used are high quality but not at par with VW Golf. Warranty is unlimited mileage in 3 years.

Value for Money

The Giulietta 1.6 JTDm-2 Veloce is a top diesel engine in its line. It is not exactly cheap at £21,250 but is cheaper than a VW Golf or Ford Focus. It falls under Insurance Group 16 same as a Vauxhall Corsa and MINI Cooper S. The rear seats are cramped but if your back passengers are small kids that you ferry to school, this car will suit you fine.

With an mpg of 64.2 this model could very well be the top model in the Guilietta line as fuel consumption is minimized. However if you want more “purr” in your engine, go for the 2.0 litre diesel. The resale value of an Alfa Romeo has not been up there with the BMWs and Audis. As a last note, The Guilietta is a very safe and secure car with low insurance rate.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta Pre Model 1.6 JTDm-2 Veloce 5dr Car Review - by 
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Medium Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Here are some popular Alfa Romeo Giulietta alternatives:

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