The True Capability of Alfa Romeo

Tradition and innovation... For brands with a long heritage like Alfa Romeo, this is always a topic of discussion with each new model. Long-time fans naturally expect the traditional flavor in new models. However, if they continue to release new models that are indistinguishable from the previous ones, business will surely decline.

Meanwhile, new cars are constantly appearing on the market, and the standards of quality and performance are rising with each one. How to retain the traditional flavor while responding to these market demands? For Alfa Romeo, with its long history, this is its greatest opportunity to showcase its prowess. And with this Giulietta, Alfa Romeo has once again demonstrated to the world its sense for exquisitely balancing tradition and innovation, and the technical skill to translate that into tangible products.

The Culmination of New Generation Alfa Design

Let's start by looking at the styling. The body side design is based on a wedge shape that gradually rises from front to rear, combined with subtle character lines that create a sense of emotion, avoiding mere mechanical coldness, and express a power reminiscent of thick animal muscles.

The front design, with its "round eyes" motif presented in the 8C Competizione and carried over to the MiTo, has been largely inherited by the Giulietta. However, the Giulietta incorporates LED daytime running lights at a slightly lower position inside the headlights, giving it a slightly elongated "onigiri" (rice ball) shape rather than "round eyes," which harmonizes beautifully with the inverted triangular shield grille.

Overall, it could be said that the new generation of Alfa design has reached its completion with this Giulietta. The proportions, which felt slightly short on the MiTo and subtly stretched on the 8C Competizione, are beautifully balanced with a sense of appropriate tension on the Giulietta.

A Traditional Yet New, Alfa-esque Interior

Inside, the long horizontal panel attached to the dashboard is eye-catching. On the entry-level Sprint trim, this section is painted in one of three colors matching the body color, while on the Competizione and Quadrifoglio Verde trims, it's a hairline-finished aluminum panel (in gray). The horizontal dashboard design is an interesting approach, not often seen in sporty models before. The overall quality has also improved, creating an interior that is distinctly Alfa, expressing newness within a traditional flavor.

As mentioned, there are three grades. The Sprint and Competizione are equipped with the same 1.4-liter inline 4-cylinder SOHC MultiAir 16-valve turbocharged engine with intercooler (170ps/5500rpm, 25.5kgm/2500rpm) found in the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde, paired with the 6-speed dry dual-clutch automatic transmission, Alfa TCT. The top-grade Quadrifoglio Verde, on the other hand, features a 1.75-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve direct-injection turbocharged engine with intercooler (235ps/5500rpm, 34.7kgm/1900rpm) and a 6-speed manual transmission. The former can be classified as environmentally friendly, while the latter is high-performance.

A Truly Captivating Engine

When one thinks of Alfa Romeo engines, they are not only high-performance but have also been loved by fans for a long time for their unique beat. So, what about the Giulietta? The latest Alfa power unit is exceptionally smooth and quiet, making it difficult to find the distinctive character of the past. However, this is something that was also felt in the 159 and MiTo. After all, the automotive industry's trend is to minimize engine noise and vibration, so this is perhaps unavoidable.

No, no, that would be too passive an assessment. Frankly, both the 1.4-liter and 1.75-liter engines are truly captivating power units for a sporty model. The 1.75-liter not only revs freely but also delivers increasing power as it approaches 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 rpm, allowing the driver to experience profound ecstasy. This sensuousness is something that shallow electronic engines cannot provide; it is more fundamental and strongly appeals to human instinct.

A Slightly Unnatural Pedal Layout

Continuing with the impression of the Quadrifoglio Verde, the 6-speed manual transmission operates lightly and smoothly, with a good feel through the gates. If only it had a bit more directness, it would be perfect. The brakes, while having a good pedal feel, had a somewhat abrupt deceleration G-force buildup, requiring some getting used to for smooth braking.

Additionally, the pedal layout was a bit concerning. The throttle pedal is positioned a bit too close, and if you set your seating position based on it, the steering wheel ends up too far away. If the throttle pedal were positioned a bit further back, it would likely allow for a more natural driving position overall.

Impeccable Suspension

The balance between handling and ride comfort was flawless. As you turn the steering wheel, the front end barely rolls, and the nose smoothly tucks in. However, it doesn't exhibit an unnatural surge in cornering force like a go-kart. The movement is light and agile, but the process aligns well with natural human senses. In that sense, it's truly easy to handle and offers sporty handling.

The suspension supporting these elements has moderately firm springs and dampers, but the movement in the micro-stroke range is smooth, without any awkwardness. It's an outstanding finish for a sporty model in the 3 million yen range.

The MultiAir Engine Runs Briskly and Well

So, what was the impression of the 1.4-liter engine? Hearing "1.4-liter" for a car weighing 1,400kg (Sprint and Competizione have the same curb weight) might raise concerns about it being underpowered, but the MultiAir, developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, generates effective torque from low revs around 2,000 rpm, allowing for brisk acceleration right from the start. Moreover, the TCT's clutch work is exquisite, enabling smooth starts without jerking and agile shifts. The pedal feel issues that were a concern in the Quadrifoglio Verde are completely absent in the 2-pedal TCT version. Additionally, a large footrest is provided instead of a clutch pedal, so there's no issue with where to place your left foot.

That said, the ride comfort felt more pleasant in the Quadrifoglio Verde. The overall feel of the suspension is softer in the 1.4-liter model, leading to slightly more body movement during driving. However, the handling of harshness isn't as refined, and it tends to pick up small, sharp impacts.

The Best Choice: Competizione

As I write this, a thought strikes me: if the Quadrifoglio Verde's suspension were combined with the 1.4-liter powertrain, it would be truly unbeatable – a perfect Giulietta. However, this is not a realistic option. So, if asked which of the three grades to choose, I would personally consider the Competizione to be the best. It offers sufficient power for practical use with the 1.4-liter engine and the agile, comfortable TCT, and its suspension surpasses the Sprint in terms of both flatness and harshness absorption. The inclusion of paddle shifters, absent in the Sprint, is another advantage of the Competizione.

While fully embracing the latest trends, it retains the distinct Alfa flavor. Its beautiful and commanding styling is as strong as ever, and environmental considerations have not been overlooked. The esteemed Milanese house has created a Giulietta that perfectly matches the current era. For Alfa enthusiasts, there could be no greater joy.