I KNOW these things are always subjective, but isn’t the Alfa Giulietta one of the best looking small cars ever built?
It certainly is to my eye with those beautiful, sweeping, slinky lines that make it look fast even when it’s standing still.
Alfa has always been able to produce marvellous-looking cars and this Lusso goes just as well as it looks with the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine option.
This is smooth, willing and gutsy, giving excellent acceleration in all six gears and yet if you keep the foot off the loud pedal, it will also do 60 miles per gallon.
The ride is comfortable and progress refined. There’s good power steering and the road-holding and handling are excellent – even without the sports suspension of the Veloce, which sits at the top of the range.
Prices for the range look better than rivals but for this model at least, there are no discounts available yet.
Interior
Inside, it has a high level of standard equipment, with cruise control, climate control, and excellent seat and steering adjustment for a great driving position.
The clever hidden rear door handles make it look more like a coupe than a five door hatch, and quality is high class.
FAST FACTS
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Price: £21,195
Mechanical: 168bhp, 1,956cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 135mph
0-62mph: 8 seconds
Combined mpg: 60
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 124g/km
BIK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: Ford Fiesta