This is make or break year for Alfa Romeo. With sales down to just 100,000 last year, Alfa is in a vulnerable position and desperately needs new product to survive. Hence the launch of the new Giulietta and two showcars from Pininfarina and Bertone to help celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Most designers we spoke to liked the car, especially the front face, which is more mature than the Mito. The grille is the most sophisticated on any current Alfa (including the 8C), nicely inset in a 3D aperture in the bumper, with use of a detailed chrome outer frame and six horizontal bars. For once, the hood feature lines from the upright grille don't connect to the A-pillars, which gives a less pinched look to whole front end, unlike the Mito or 159. The fade in-fade out shoulder line echoes the old 156, as does use of hidden rear door handle and offset license plate. The rear ¾ reminds of the Fiat Bravo, with it taillamps a bit generic compared to previous Alfa graphics, and not as crisp.
The interior revives a couple of themes from previous Alfas such as the paired instruments set in deep tunnels and horizontal center airvents that are reminiscent of the arrangement in the 164. Highlights include the use of toggle switches in the center of the IP plus the large rotary HVAC controls underneath with an exacting quality to their action. Models on display included versions with wonderful red and tan leather upholstery trimmed in that inimitable Italian style, with perforated center panels, lots of double stitching and box pleating. On close inspection, however, the overall quality is off the pace being set by the premium brands, especially Audi.
The new Giulietta will compete with the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and new Lexus CT200h and employs the new C-Evo platform that will be also used by Chrysler, Fiat, even Jeep. In all, it seems a decent car; the only worry for Alfa Romeo is that it may simply steal sales from the current 159, which is only three years old itself.
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