- Doors and Seats
NA
- Engine
NA
- Engine Power
177kW, 340Nm
- Fuel
Petrol 6.8L/100KM
- Transmission
NA
- Warranty
NA
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2011)
Alfa Giulietta Veloce quick spin review
What is it?
Alfa Romeo's answer to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, a five-door hatchback with a turbocharged engine (and the revived Veloce badge) that helps combine performance and practicality in an attractive package.
What does it say about me?
That you're an Alfisti, or possibly a hopeless Alfaholic. There haven't been many reasons to choose an Alfa Romeo over rivals for a little while now, leaving the brand to hardcore loyalists and romantic supporters of motoring, Italian-style.
Who else is buying it?
Not a whole lot of people if we're honest - the Alfa isn't nearly as popular as rivals such as the Golf GTI or Subaru's WRX.
What colours does it come in?
Alfa Red has to be the default choice, though there's also a lovely metallic blue tone and a pearlescent white that looks sharp on the Veloce. If they don't grab you, consider matte magnesium grey before settling for simpler hues; the world doesn't need another silver car.
If it were a celebrity, who would it be?
Aussie hurdler Michelle Jenneke: stylish, cheeky and sporty without being the last word in ultimate performance.
Why would I buy it?
Because you're not interested in following the herd into a GTI or WRX and like to do things differently. Because you love the look of Alfa's lovely little hatch, and because you subscribe to the romance surrounding one of the most evocative names on the road.
Will it let me down?
I wouldn't rule it out - Alfa's don't have a great reputation. Having said that, there hasn't been as many recall notices issued by Alfa as there has been from sister brands, Jeep and Chrysler, in recent years.
Does it cost too much?
No, it's fairly well positioned, asking customers for $41,900 for a pseudo-premium performance car that comes with a fair amount of equipment - though the omission of a reversing camera is a little mystifying.
Any gadgets I can brag about?
Performance gear includes a turbocharged engine with 177kW of grunt, as well as Brembo brakes, sports suspension, 18-inch wheels, a throaty twin-outlet sports exhaust and more. Technophiles might enjoy its Bi-xenon headlights, 6.5-inch sat nav screen, "Q2" electronic front differential and front-and rear parking sensors.
Will I get a deal?
Now's the time to ask, with dealers under pressure to deliver the best possible numbers as the calendar switches over to a new year.
Will it get me noticed?
While the Giulietta stands out more than a run-of-the-mill hatchback, it's not a showstopper in the same way as Alfa's 4C or discontinued GT coupes. There are flashier ways to spend $40,000.
How's the cabin ambience?
Purposeful, thanks to well-bolstered leather and Alcantara seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel with shift paddles, sports pedals, black headlining and more. It's a strong point for the car, making the Veloce's cabin a pleasant place to be.
What's the stereo like?
Not bad at all, thanks to a 10-speaker Bose Hi-Fi system fitted as standard to the top-spec Giulietta hatch.
Does it go?
The Veloce uses launch control and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to help it rip to 100km/h in an even six seconds, which isn't too shabby. But traction is at a premium, there's noticeable turbo lag, and that automatic isn't the best of the breed, lacking the crisp connection offered by other dual-clutchers.
Does it like corners?
Handling isn't a strong point for this machine, which features oddly-weighted steering and suspension that doesn't change direction with the intensity of the best in the game. It's a car intended for enthusiasts, but doesn't deliver the poise and precision you'd ideally find in a model of this nature.
What about bumps?
The Giulietta does a reasonable job of soaking up bumps for a performance car, though like most models in this class, it hardly offers a magic carpet ride.
What about service stations?
With official fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km, the Veloce offers reasonable if not groundbreaking economy.
Would you buy one?
No, the Veloce hasn't won me over. I like a little more poise and punch from a hot hatch, and the Alfa's styling doesn't really work for me.
What else should I consider?
Peugeot's excellent 308 GTi is a euro-chic hot hatch with dashing looks, while the Ford Focus ST is a lively drive in vanilla packaging. There's always the WRX and Golf GTI, or Fiat's Abarth 595 if it has to be Italian.
The Spin
The Veloce is back.
The Translation
Ciao bella.
2016 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce pricing and specifications
Price: From $41,900 plus on-road costs
On sale: Now
Engine: 1.75-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 177kW at 5750rpm
Torque: 340Nm at 2000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 6.0L/100km