Alfa Romeo Giulietta - Thoughts?

-Chris-

Do the sums and you may be paying an extra couple of grand for that sexy interior.

alpina

For those still in the dark with the name, the reasoning, the centenary, the models etc. have a browse...

http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z17770/Alfa-Romeo-Giulietta.aspx

mickdw

murphyebass wrote: »

Alfa you've done it yet again. Fantastic stuff.

Interior (This) is by far and away at the top of that segment and the exterior is just jaw dropping.

How on earth anyone could buy a ****in boring Golf or Auris over one of these stunning cars I just don't know.

Looks stunning there for sure however I feel if you sat in it, there would be one too many hard plastics around the cabin if previous alfas are anything to go by. I owned a 166 and to be fair, the materials were good but then sitting in a 156, it was terrible by comparison as was 147.

Leonard Hofstadter

Looks class, like all Alfas do, according to the press it's up at the top of the class so it will be the first decent Alfa in years.

I really like the idea of a 170 bhp petrol that only costs €156 to tax, roll on a few years when it can be bought second hand for half nothing:D!

R.O.R

One of these came up (quickly) behind me on the M50 yesterday afternoon, on the way back from Portlaoise.

From the pictures I thought it looked OK, but in the rear view mirror, there is something wrong with the nose of the car - bit pointy I think.

Got out of it's way and pulled in behind it again, and it's a better view from the back.

If the handling of the last Bravo is anything to go by, I'm expecting big things from this.

adamshred

Fantastic looking car.

I'm unsure as to who exactly the target market is . . ? Anyone shed some light on this?

Would it be the Mini Cooper - Fiat 500 types?

Seems like they'd have trouble doing Volkswagen and Toyota out of any business with the Golf and Auris end of things, given the price, which leads me to my initial question.

Eric Cartman

peasant wrote: »

Giulia = Julia
Giulietta = Juliet

So the car has a female name and you won't drive it because of it? Yet all 'proper men' call their car "she" and "her".

I'll never understand either

yes but pre naming the car for you takes away the manliness

eoin wrote: »

It is, by all accounts, an excellent engine (award winning too I think).



This is what it looks like with the leather interior. Not too shabby.

i agree the leather looks great, and if we were in the UK id have a different tune but in reality how many people in this country will buy this car and order the leather / climate / all the other bits - none, because Irish people hate optional extras and it would be the same price as a 3 series beamer at that rate and most people would go for the rwd powerhouse instead

pburns

Eric Cartman wrote: »

...in reality how many people in this country will buy this car and order the leather / climate / all the other bits - none, because Irish people hate optional extras and it would be the same price as a 3 series beamer at that rate and most people would go for the rwd powerhouse instead

RWD powerhouse? More like a boggo 318d on steel wheels for most badge-conscious Paddies...

Infairness tho, I think buyers (younger in particular) are more conscious about the spec these days. Even German cars come with decent equipment these days (leather standard in 5-series for example)...

Eoin

Eric Cartman wrote: »

i agree the leather looks great, and if we were in the UK id have a different tune but in reality how many people in this country will buy this car and order the leather / climate / all the other bits - none, because Irish people hate optional extras and it would be the same price as a 3 series beamer at that rate and most people would go for the rwd powerhouse instead

I agree that it might not sell so well, but you were saying that the name was girlie, that the interior was crap and implying that the engine was weak. All three points have been cleared up for you

I do agree with the depreciation - which is another bonus for most people who know not to buy brand new.

so in summary its another tiny engined fwd hatchback with cloth seats and massive depreciation

Eric Cartman

eoin wrote: »

I agree that it might not sell so well, but you were saying that the name was girlie, that the interior was crap and implying that the engine was weak. All three points have been cleared up for you

I do agree with the depreciation - which is another bonus for most people who know not to buy brand new.

sorry i should have worded it better, its not the name that makes it seem girly, i think its the overall car just gives off girly vibes to me. but the name doesnt help .

i was implying the engine was small, didnt say weak, said small, fair dues to them on the power output , but it still wont have the wonderful roar only a 3+ litre block can give.

ill have to conceed my views on the interior , it looks well and the build/materials quality is high, i just hope some people will actually consider the leather / full spec option.

i suppose its just down to personal taste, I just really dont like small hatchbacks , as unreliable as they are i dont have anything against alfas (the 157 is a lovely beast) but I always think cars of this size (while necessary) are a letdown to a brand (merc A/B class, BMW 1 series, Audi A1/A3) and shouldnt be applauded as anything different to just this particular brands take on small starter motoring to get somebody into a brand in the hopes theyll buy the bigger model

Idleater

adamshred wrote: »

I'm unsure as to who exactly the target market is . . ? Anyone shed some light on this?

Would it be the Mini Cooper - Fiat 500 types?

That'd be the MiTo you are thinking of. It's based on the smaller punto platform than the Giuletta which is bravo based.

L1011

Eric Cartman wrote: »

i agree the leather looks great, and if we were in the UK id have a different tune but in reality how many people in this country will buy this car and order the leather / climate / all the other bits - none, because Irish people hate optional extras and it would be the same price as a 3 series beamer at that rate and most people would go for the rwd powerhouse instead

Two things here:

1: Fiat Auto Ireland have a far higher minimum spec in Ireland for interior trim than the UK. Feck knows why, always have though. I can't find the specs on the Irish website (which has it as yet to arrive despite Tractamotors having TWO in their showroom as of tonight) but cloth may not be an option. Basic/manual aircon (aircon with no temperature input) is likely a given, climate maybe not.

2: Having looked at a lot of second hand Alfa's for my sister during the past year, a huge number of them in Ireland have leather. Alfa buyers aren't BMW Paddy-spec buyers, it seems.

edit: I found the spec, aircon is standard; even on the version with cloth seats and steelies.

-Chris-

Posts about 159 pricing have been moved to this thread:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056045777

Leonard Hofstadter

MYOB wrote: »

Having looked at a lot of second hand Alfa's for my sister during the past year, a huge number of them in Ireland have leather. Alfa buyers aren't BMW Paddy-spec buyers, it seems.

That's a bit harsh. The 5 series has leather as standard these days:)!

(but the 1 series still hasn't a/c as standard and also has steel wheels, so they haven't lost it just yet)

RobAMerc

I saw quite a few testing in Italy and am a big fan, the only thing I didn't like is the huge cloverleaf badge on the upper front wing( of the cloverleaf ) - ferrariesq perhaps but a bit lairey for my liking, otherwise they are stunning compared to the competition, although a recent comparison to the Golf gti didn't fair too well !

Lastly - anyone who didn't know what a Giulietta was should not be allowed post on any car related forum ffs - my 2 yo could point one out - same people probably advise everyone to buy a Toyota - a real enthusiast :rolleyes:

edit : I;ve just watched the video - that red one is the Cloverleaf I saw with the badge on the wings - i'm not in the video though ;-(

Hotwheels

Saw a black one, they look fab in and out, If they are fitted with the 2.0 16V 170BHP JTDm then you'd have a nice machine

CompleteCarGuy

Just finished a week in the Giulietta - just writing up the review here as I speak. Paddy Comyn

rocky

^ needs more sharpening

CompleteCarGuy

The car does or the picture?
P

Hotwheels

CompleteCar.ie wrote: »

The car does or the picture?
P

Picture I'd say, A Polarizer filter would help reduce the glare on the car...good background, but very busy

CompleteCarGuy

Ah ok! I took it with my phone!

CompleteCarGuy

Giulietta review is up now

Eoin

Feel free to copy and paste the review here - I'm sure you didn't sign up here just to get hits on your site

CompleteCarGuy

Sure - I didn't want to post a link for that reason

Alfa Romeo have had a torrid time but the arrival of the Giulietta does offer some encouragement.
When: 21- 27 September 2010
Where: Ireland
What: 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 MultiAir 170hp Lusso
Occasion: Irish Test Drive
Tuesday September 21

I had been really looking forward to getting my hands on the Giulietta because it was one of those cars that had divided the opinion of a few of my colleagues. Some had said that it was really impressive and the best Alfa Romeo for ages, while others were pretty lukewarm about it. If you are a petrol head you always find yourself rooting for Alfa Romeo anyway, so the prospect of them making a mainstream rival to the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, massive sellers in Ireland has certainly sparked the interest of lots of fans. The difficulty is that the Alfa fans seldom turn into customers. Alfa Romeo have just 0.15 percent market share and this is despite their new MiTo being well-established in the market and the brilliant 159 is virtually ignored by executive and fleet buyers.

Even if you didn't know a lot about Alfa Romeo or this new Giulietta, Alfa Romeo can always trade on their car's good looks and this new model makes the more mundane mainstream rivals seem very dull. The car looks much better proportioned than the MiTo and we see a return to the hidden rear door handle feature which we first saw back with the 156 and this once again has the effect of making the car look like a coupe. This car is longer than a Volkswagen Golf and has similar space. Rear passenger space, which was previously something of a problem in Alfas in now a match for the Golf's and there is a decent size boot (350-litres) with a flat loadspace. The cabin is pretty, with a definite step up in quality from before on most areas but there are still touches of lower end models from the group on show (steering wheel switches, glove box) and I'm not entirely sure about the row of switches below the central control panel. Our test car was fitted with some nice optional extras, such as that gorgeous paint and sports leather seats and although the alloys fitted wouldn't be our first choice this was a seriously handsome car in the metal.

Thursday September 23

We were off the airport again and it was fun to spot just how much attention the Giulietta was getting. You simply wouldn't get this from a rival unless it was perhaps a Ford Focus RS. Even the ubiquitous Golf GTI would not get so many looks. We spoke this week to a few people who were keen on this car and most are bypassing the basic one and going to higher spec models even though the entry-level car is quite well appointed. There are four Giulietta trims. Entry-level Turismo cars come with air-conditioning, front and rear electric windows and an engine stop-start system, but you need to upgrade to the Lusso spec to get alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls and Bluetooth. Veloce models brings sports suspension and sportier trim, while the flagship Cloverleaf has an even sportier suspension set-up and a host of cosmetic upgrades. There is a decent range of engines, all of which are turbocharged, with all models offering decent performance. Petrol fans can choose from 1.4s with either 120bhp or 170bhp, or a 235bhp 1.7 that's is right up there with the most potent hot hatches. The diesels, meanwhile, are a 105bhp 1.6 and a 170bhp 2.0, but the smaller engine is so good you probably won't need the larger unit. We really liked the 170hp petrol, it just suited the car really well.

Saturday September 25

Right, I have been away for a few days and I hadn't had a chance to give the Giulietta a proper spin and having done that I have to say I like it. I am not sure still about the Alfa 'DNA' switch – the button that allows you to adjust the dampers, differential settings and throttle responses. In 'dynamic' mode it feels pin sharp and I found myself leaving it there most of the time, aside from town driving where the throttle felt a little too responsive and jerky. There is a great feel from the steering and while the ride is certainly on the firm side it is not overly rigid.

Sunday September 26

A quick blast up the motorway to Northern Ireland and there still hasn't been a sign of a fuel light yet which shows that this petrol engine is pretty frugal too, after a busy enough week. I must say I like this car a lot. The difficulty is that I like this €31,195 one a lot. I'd like to see a €19,995 120hp model to see how it compares but having said that there isn't going to be a large price walk to get into a good spec model. We've yet to spend any great length of time in the diesel models (which we will) and after that we can give a proper verdict, but the signs are good. I'd certainly have this over most Ford Focus, VW Golfs and Opel Astras because it is interesting, which is something that you can't really say about the others. We are pretty sure that is will behave itself reliability-wise and resale value is probably going to be ok because the market won't be flooded with them initially. So time will tell.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 MultiAir 170hp Lusso :

Engine: 1,368cc 4-cylinder turbo

Maximum power: 170hp at 5,500rpm

Maximum torque (NORMAL): 230Nm at 2,250rpm

Maximum torque (DYNAMIC): 250Nm at 2,500rpm

Acceleration (0-100km/h): 7.8 seconds

Max speed: 218km/h

Fuel economy (combined cycle): 5.8 l/100km

CO2emissions: 134g/km

Motor tax band: B

Annual road tax: €156

Retail price: €26,995

Price of test car: €31,195

Options:

Competizione Red Pearlescent paint: €1,750

Aluminium kick plates: €95

Electrically adjustable and heated front seats: €995

Sports leather seats: €2,100

CompleteCar Index:

Paddy rates the 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 7 out of 10 in the CompleteCar Index (CCI).

adamshred

nereid wrote: »

That'd be the MiTo you are thinking of. It's based on the smaller punto platform than the Giuletta which is bravo based.

I know the MiTo but I just think that the styling is so MiTo-esque that its somewhat confusing.

Idleater

adamshred wrote: »

I know the MiTo but I just think that the styling is so MiTo-esque that its somewhat confusing.

Aah right, I get you. I looked at it the other way around (since the MiTo was out already a year) that the Giulietta follows on in that styling, in a bigger platformed car.

Looking at mine again there this morning, and it's refreshing to see - IMO it's completely different to everything else out there and if you like it all the better. Personally, I don't think either the MiTo or Giulietta is disproportioned.

Having said all that, the multiair turbo is a cracking engine and a real pleasure to drive - certainly in the MiTo. I'd be interested to know if CompleteCar.ie had a go of the MiTo to compare the two cars engine wise. It is completely unstressed (as 135bhp) in the MiTo, and the 170 in CompleteCar.ie's test ride is the Cloverleaf MiTo block.

Bodhan

I have a MiTo next week for test, I love the look of it. It'll be nice to get into an Alfa for a bit, I still remain unconvinced about the pricing though, it's a bit on the high side.

EPM

That paints almost €2k?!? It's the colour I'd chose but not at that price! Seen loads of white ones in UK and they look great. Still can't decide in the front end or the interior. But the indecision makes it infinitely more desirable than a focus or golf to me anyway

Leonard Hofstadter

I really hope the Alfa does well, if they've the reliability up to scratch then this is shaping up to be a great car.

I'd certainly sacrifice a small bit of handling prowess for something that looks that good, though it is shameful that the red paint is €2k extra. It is one of the few cars that looks well in white, though.

r1_2010

I think this is possibly the best looking car under 30k without a doubt. Stunning looking car.. especially in the red!

I hope that German guy in charge continues turning around their reliability reputation. However..... I am not overly impressed with the Irish Alfa Romeo dealership chain. Fine if you are in dublin but not so great if you are anywhere else in the country. This would be problematic for anyone outside the city. Especially when modern cars sold with a 2 year warranty are required to be serviced by a main dealer..... just adds to the cost.