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Alfa Romeo Giulietta car review – don’t nitpick, just enjoy yourself

Excellent performance from the cracking new diesel, very competitive running costs too, and much better inside. Think about it…
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25 April 2014

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As you’d expect from an Alfa, the Giulietta doesn’t run with the crowd. But it’s a sharp performer, economical, and won’t break the company car tax bank. We dare you

Business Car Manager verdict

With so few changes made to the 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta, one thing remained – the excellent handling qualities. Turn in to a corner and the car remains precise and stable, with a degree of feel coming back through the steering wheel that stands out amongst the best.

There’s also little in the way of torque steer, despite the 380Nm of pulling power available, making corner-to-corner progress a pleasure.

The new engine never feels like an eco-option, at least not while the DNA switch is set to Dynamic. It’s eager to rev high up the range, remaining reasonably refined until it starts to run out of puff beyond 4000rpm. 

However, switch the DNA settings to Normal and the Giulietta is happy to use its reserves of torque to lazily pull you around without making you feel as if you’re missing out on something. It’s very much a Jekyll and Hyde situation.

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Even if you decide to stick with the familiar, treat yourself to a drive

The eco-boosting stop/start system is a tad lethargic though, and got itself in to all sorts of trouble a couple of times when it was necessary to pull away just a split second after stopping.

The changes made to the inside work very well, bringing the mid-size Alfa to a standard that’s acceptable in the class. It’s stylish and useable, but falls down a little on quality, with some sharp edges and cheap plastics dotted around the cabin.

The new seats are certainly supportive, but there’s not a huge amount of room. Three guys in the back would be a squeeze, but that’s compensated for with a bigger boot, at least a gym bag bigger than that of a Ford Focus.

Ultimately, Alfa Romeo has got a product in the Giulietta that’s easy to love but tricky to recommend. It’s a great car to spend time in and leaves you feeling rewarded, but quality issues and a high price count against it. It becomes a trade off between sensible cost management and smile-inducing fun.

I’d be tempted to put up with the minor issues and enjoy myself, but if you’re covering 40,000 miles a year in one then you may think differently.

 

The Low Down…

Doors and body style  5-door hatchback
Engine/gearbox  2 litre 4-cyl turbodiesel/6-speed manual
CO2 Emissions  110g/km
Economy  67.3mpg
Power/torque  152PS/380Nm
0-62mph/top speed  8.8secs/130mph
Insurance group  24

…and what it costs

P11D Value  £25,225
Monthly business rental (ex VAT)  From £299 (3yrs/30,000 miles)
Road tax (VED)  Band B
Company Car Tax Bands 2014/15 to 2016/17  18%, 20%, 19%
Benefit in kind (BIK) 2014/15 to 2016/17  £4530, £5033, £4781
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) £781/£65
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%)  £1562/£130
Annual/monthly company car tax (20%)  £908/£76
Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) £1816/£151 
Figures correct at time of posting  
For latest figures Use our company car tax calculator

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Matt Morton

Matt Morton

Matt Morton is an automotive content writer for Business Car Manager

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