Alfa Giulietta 1.4 Tjet

At the recent Paris Motor Show, an attractive white Giulietta, traditionally called Quadrifoglio, took the central place on the Alfa Romeo stand. All foppish, ornate, with a 235 hp engine, and 18-inch wheels, in the company of two beautiful models, it has really attracted countless glances. Nice, nice, you would say… but what of all this remains in the case of the base version, deprived of all the listed attributes? The answer is – a solid basis with inevitably attractive elements such as shield-like radiator grill, front and rear lights in LED technology, hidden rear doors handles, and generally more dynamic forms of the entire vehicle.

However, I believe that some “alfisti”, as is the case with my colleague, will be left a little bit “hungry”, especially when it comes to the golden Alfa Romeo times of the seventies. Since those become older not to say rarer, the “creator” from Milan had to show some more devotion to the younger population, so now we have a Giulietta for everybody, and to everyone’s taste. When we have such a broad target group, it is clear that there had to be some compromises. However, I believe that some “alfisti”, as is the case with my colleague, will be left a little bit “hungry”, especially when it comes to the golden Alfa Romeo times of the seventies. Since those become older not to say rarer, the “creator” from Milan had to show some more devotion to the younger population, so now we have a Giulietta for everybody, and to everyone’s taste. When we have such a broad target group, it is clear that there had to be some compromises.

The Giulietta is obviously beautiful and attractive but not so irresistible. The final word on design I will leave to each of you separately. Personally, I find that this “Mito XL” is not different enough compared to the competition, at least when it comes to the tested version because there is a fierce fight for every customer in the C segment and all manufacturers have their own aces. “She” willy-nilly found herself in the same yard with the very talented “students” such as the Golf, Astra, Megane, the new C4 and Focus, Impreza.., but also the representatives from the premium class – BMW Series 1 and Audi A3.

Considering that the price tends towards the latter (see the end of the article), it is certain that it is not going to be easy for the Giulietta, but first things first…

Small family saloon
Thirteen centimeters longer compared to former 147 (4.36 m), the Giulietta is “talented” enough for family use, although the rear passenger space is inferior to the class average. In addition, the access to the cabin is hampered by a small inlet and door-opening angle while the aforementioned handle, camouflaged under the window is anything but practical.

Let’s be honest because nobody buys an Alfa for its trunk but it still comes in handy to have a solid boot capacity of 360 dm³. It is true that the load threshold is high, but there is a wide opening for transporting skis on the folding rear backrest. The fifth door opens easily by simply pressing a button with Alfa insignia. After walking two laps around the car, I find extremely sensitive body full of premature “scars” (front grill that juts out too close to the bumpers of other cars), but finally I sit behind the steering wheel. The first impression was not in “Wow, what a “macchina” style, although it can be concluded that there is no lack of originality. Instead of the classic console, a large plastic batten similar to Fiat 500, which can optionally be colored, dominates the control board. OK, switches and ventilation controls are chic, the instruments are large and clear (this does not apply to the tachometer because of condensed figures), but why there is no usual “cap” above them which has always characterized Alfas?

Of course I have not forgotten that I am in the basic version, so it is logical that I cannot expect some sport leather/cloth buckets or aluminum pedals and “beefier” steering wheel (the standard unit is leather covered though), but I miss all that somehow. Fortunately, the gear lever is short and sporty, with a huge aluminum ball, and a little later I found that it was not precise enough… for an Alfa!

However, the position behind the steering wheel is excellent with broad seat adjustment range, unlike the seat belts, which are fixed. The only thing that bothers is the armrest that is set too high with an integrated low volume box. While driving in city it is better to raise it in order to change gears easier and have a better access to handbrake lever. After a weekend spent in the “Venice of the north” (Bruges, Belgium), we can state that there are very few places to store small things. You can hardly place 1-2 cigarette packs in the door’s storage compartment, just as a pair of road maps. The same case is with glove compartment in front of the passenger.

There is one more at the top of the dashboard, designed for GPS (if you are willing to pay some extra for it). The fabrics quality surprised us pleasantly. Just a glance at the list of standard equipment (the tested car was in Distinctive package) is enough to show that the Giulietta reaches for the sky. It is sufficient to cite the Start & Stop system, air conditioning with two zones settings, speed control, CD MP3 radio, board computer, power sliding for all windows and mirrors, automatic activation of lights and wipers, ESP, electronic Q2 differential lock, leather steering wheel with audio controls, alloy 16 inch wheels… Not bad, but as things are now, for all of the above you must pay off a substantial amount of 22 000 European banknotes!

It is too much, especially when compared to 1.6 JTDM/105 diesel version which, if it is to believe the manufacturer’s web site in Serbia, costs just as much.

Honored Tradition
On the road, it is hard to find a real flow, whether it comes to dynamic qualities and performances of the small 1.4 Tjet. Nevertheless, the comfort is excellent, as well as precise steering (only 2.2 turns), with ideally tuned electro-hydraulic assistance. It is a real pleasure “attacking” sharp bends, as this Alfa is dynamic and safe. When you exit some sharp curve, mentioned electronic Q2 differential act as a guardian angel, directly affecting the inner wheel (activate braking), which optimizes traction. The ones who like sport driving just have to switch DNA button in the upper position (constantly pressured by two seconds, with speeds up to 110 km/h), when the Giulietta becomes noticeably more aggressive, but also uncomfortable. The steering wheel becomes heavier; some more pressure has to be applied on brakes, ESP reacts with certain delay, while the engine quickly responds to gas pedal. I got the impression that the character change is more pronounced than MiTo’s including two other modes (normal and slippery).

Nice, you still say, but how the “weak” 1.4 goes along such an efficient chassis? Oh, yes, it does, and what’s more, I would say that the Alfa has more than declared 120 hp. After all, what is even more important than the power is the 206 Nm torque (for example, the Astra 1.4 T has 140 hp and 200 Nm, while Renault’s 1.4 T releases 130 hp and 190 Nm), which is available at just 1750 rpm. The elasticity and even the high performances are guaranteed in this way (almost 200 km/h and about 10 sec to 100 km/h). While in sixth gear, the Giulietta accelerates from 80-120 km/h in 13 sec (Astra 1.4 Turbo needs 5 sec. more).

With a distinctive sound, this engine really has everything to be liked by a wider range of customers with smaller budgets. Even fuel consumption is not excessive because it has been stabilized to 8.2 liters after 2000 kilometers. The lowest recorded fuel consumption is around 6.5 liters, while in the city does not exceed 10 liters. Only on the highway, it seemed a little bit “thirsty”, partly because of the short sixth gear. Specifically at 130 km/h. the engine spins at 3500 rpm (Astra about 2500 rpm), so you should count on 8 liters in these circumstances. It could also be a little more discreet, but as appealing to your ears as it is, let us consider that as a quality rather than a shortcoming…

Who is still not satisfied with the performances has two more gasoline options – 1.4 Multiair 170 hp, already mentioned 1.8 TBi/235 (Mamma mia!), as well as two diesels, 1.6 and 2.0 JTDM/105 JTDM/170 hp. In addition to the three additional equipment packages, you can order it in the Pack Sport version, with lowered ride, firmer trim, and low profile tires.

Without a doubt, purchasing an Alfa is motivated by emotions in the first place, less by some practical needs. Models like MiTo, Brera, 159 and GT certainly do not represent a reference in their categories, but they still successfully compete with original design and sporty character. Our Giulietta has a little of all this, plus an appealing neo-retro style, which means all the necessary attributes to achieve notable commercial success.

Nevertheless, frankly, although we know that there are not too many “experimentation” is C segment, we have expected a little more boldness of Alfa, especially regarding the centennial birthday of the company. It must have been tough time for the Italian car industry…