The Top Grade Inheriting Alfa Romeo's Glory

It is a well-known fact that the name "Quadrifoglio," traditionally given to Alfa Romeo's high-performance models, means "four-leaf clover." Its origins are said to date back to a racing machine that won the Targa Florio in 1923, and the first production car to feature an emblem inspired by the four-leaf clover was the "Alfa 1750 GT." This was over 40 years ago, in 1967.



In the past, the name has also been given to the "Alfa Spider," "Alfa Sud," "164," "155," "145," and more recently, the upper version of the "MiTo". For models in the 1980s and 90s, such as the 164, the "Verde" was sometimes omitted, but its position remained unchanged, signifying the top model or high-performance version.




Currently, the Alfa Romeo "Giulietta" is available in five grades: Sprint, Competizione, Classica, Sportiva, and Quadrifoglio Verde. While the Sprint, Competizione, Classica, and Sportiva are equipped with a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder MultiAir 16-valve turbo engine producing a maximum output of 170 ps, the Quadrifoglio Verde uniquely features a 1.75-liter 4-cylinder DOHC intercooled turbo engine with a maximum output of 235 ps.


This 1.75-liter engine, with its 1,742cc displacement, is hailed as a revival of the original 1750 GT. Like the Quadrifoglio name, Alfa Romeo excels at utilizing its past names and heritage, effectively appealing to fans with its long history and tradition of sports car manufacturing.


In an era where many manufacturers readily change model names when sales decline, Alfa Romeo appears to pay deep respect to its own history.

High Potential

The 1750 Turbo Direct Injection engine, with its traditional displacement and name, featured in the Quadrifoglio Verde, boasts a maximum output of 235 ps/5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 300 Nm (30.6 kgm)/4,500 rpm, as previously mentioned.

When the Dynamic mode is selected via the D.N.A. system, familiar from the Alfa Romeo "MiTo," and boost pressure is increased, the maximum torque rises to 340 Nm (34.7 kgm)/1,900 rpm. Even with a turbocharger, the power output of 135 ps per liter and torque of 19.8 kgm per liter represent considerable potential.

Could It Pass as a Family Car?

The Quadrifoglio Verde, exclusively equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, offers rich low-end torque even in Normal mode, providing sufficiently sporty acceleration without engaging the D.N.A. system. The steering feel is precise yet light, and the slightly firm ride is not bothersome.

It might be an exaggeration to say it drives like a family car, but aside from the clutch being a bit heavier than typical for a manual transmission these days, its compact size and practical interior make it feel like a comfortable C-segment hatchback.

It's an Alfa Romeo Sports Car

However, when you switch the D.N.A. system to Dynamic mode and press the accelerator, the acceleration G-force, worthy of a sports car, assaults the driver. The engine, transmission, and steering characteristics all adopt sporty and aggressive settings, reminding you that this Giulietta is a model bearing a special emblem. The powerful acceleration feel induces pleasure as if dopamine is gushing from your brain, naturally making the driving more aggressive.

While torque steer is no longer an issue as it once was, its punchy performance, unbefitting its elegant appearance, might be a bit much for those who associate Italian cars primarily with fashion.

Conversely, for hardcore enthusiasts who view Alfa Romeo as a sports car brand and prioritize driving enjoyment, there is likely no other grade that fits better. The throttle response, steady steering feel, and the car's behavior that integrates with the driver – all of these are characteristic of a sports car.



However, the time it takes to get into that mood is surprisingly short.

The 1750 engine quickly sends the tachometer needle soaring, reaching the rev limiter. If you don't shift up before hitting the nearly 6,000 rpm redline, the intense acceleration won't be sustained.

Yet, by that point, the vehicle speed will have easily exceeded the legal limit, making you grateful for the manual transmission. If you were to enjoy the seamless torque delivery of an automatic or Alfa Romeo's own TCT (dry dual-clutch transmission), you'd need more than one driver's license on public roads. While the time to experience acceleration is brief, we can only interpret this positively as the manual transmission providing an opportunity to regain self-control during shifts.

Giulietta's Advantage

Even within the legal speed limits, you can fully enjoy the pleasure of controlling the torque that surges from low RPMs, feeling the turbocharger at work.



While it may not possess the sensual sound and driving feel of a high-revving engine, it can be described as an engine full of drama. Though different from the enjoyable naturally aspirated engines, turbochargers offer their own driving pleasure. The acceleration feel from just before 2,000 rpm, delivered by the modern 1750 engine, is surely addictive.



The Giulietta's advantage lies not only in meeting strict emission regulations and practical fuel economy standards for modern vehicles but also in the ability to own a piece of Alfa Romeo's history, a brand spanning over 100 years.

With the manufacturer name Alfa Romeo, the revived name Giulietta, coupled with the "1750" designation and the "Quadrifoglio Verde" name, it's practically invincible. Aptly named after the four-leaf clover, it possesses the strength of a royal flush in poker.




Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde | Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde

Body Dimensions | Length 4,350 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,460 mm

Wheelbase | 2,635 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,555 / 1,555 mm

Weight | 1,440 kg

Engine | 1,742cc Inline-4 DOHC Intercooled Turbo

Compression Ratio | 9.2

Bore x Stroke | 83.0 x 80.5 mm

Max. Output | 173 kW (235 ps) / 5,500 rpm

Max. Torque |

(Normal/All weather) 300 Nm (30.6 kgm) / 4,500 rpm

(Dynamic) 340 Nm (34.7 kgm) / 1,900 rpm

Transmission | 6-speed Manual

Drivetrain | FF

Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut (with stabilizer)

Rear Suspension | Multi-link (with stabilizer)

Tires | 225/40R18

Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc

Fuel Economy | 12.3 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 189 g/km

Seating Capacity | 5 people

Price | 3.88 million yen