Alfa's Guiletta gets a midlife makeover to bring it closer to the new Giulia, is this the car it should have been !

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta styling is enhanced with design elements of the new Giulia to highlight close genetic ties
• Interior upholsteries and finishes are revised and specification levels improved across the range
• Making its debut is the new 120hp 1.6 JTDM-2 turbo diesel combined with the Alfa TCT twin dry-clutch transmission
• Uconnect system with smart-phone enabled LIVE services now standard across the range
• Five new trim levels for the UK: Giulietta, Giulietta Super, Giulietta Tecnica, Giulietta Speciale and Giulietta Veloce
• Nine powertrain options, eleven body colours – including two new colours – and new alloy wheels available on all versions

The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta has been unveiled simultaneously in five locations across Europe, with the main event taking place in the Alfa Romeo Museum, Arese. Further enhancing the range, following its extensive revision in 2014, the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta features revised front-end styling that includes a striking new honeycomb grille, piano black bumper inserts (with red highlights on sporty models) and revised headlamp and fog lamp surrounds.

The new look emphasises the Giulietta’s close genetic links with the new Alfa Romeo Giulia sports saloon and is complemented by new badge designs (both the “Alfa Romeo” and “Giulietta” logos), new alloy wheel designs, revised tail pipes, new colours (Alfa White and Lipari Grey) and a new engine and transmission combination which should prove a popular addition to the range for UK customers.

Inside the new Giulietta there are revised seat upholsteries, dashboard and door panel finishes, a Uconnect infotainment system now with smartphone-enabled LIVE services (music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news with Reuters, Facebook Check-In and Twitter, plus eco:Drive and my:Car services and traffic updates for navigation-equipped models) and, of course, the new Alfa Romeo logo on the steering wheel boss and upholstery (depending on version).

Also debuting on the new Giulietta is Alfa Performance, a new service specifically created to enhance the driving experience. Using an array of digital gauges and instruments, drivers can control the main parameters of the car, measure their performance using special timers and see driving statistics on their smartphone, in addition to receiving real-time driving tips. The service is available on Uconnect 6.5” Radio Nav LIVE.

Under the bonnet there’s now the option of combining the 120hp 1.6-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel engine with the Alfa TCT twin dry-clutch transmission. 

Employing second-generation MultiJet technology with a variable geometry turbo charger, this engine produces 120hp at 3,750rpm and an impressive 320Nm of torque from just 1,7450rpm and, when paired with Alfa Romeo’s quick-shifting and smooth Alfa TCT transmission, it can be used as a full automatic (with its responsiveness and shift patterns adjusted via the three-mode Alfa DNA drive selector, along with the power steering assistance, ESC and Q2 electronic differential settings and throttle and brake responsiveness) or as a full manual, either by slotting the gear selector into its sequential gate or by using the steering wheel paddle shifters.

This engine and transmission combination has a top speed of 121mph and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 10.2 seconds, while its official combined cycle fuel-economy and emissions figures matches those of the manual version, returning 74.3 MPG (3.8 l/100 km) and producing just 99 g/km of CO2.

In the UK, the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta’s model range features five trim levels: Giulietta, Giulietta Super, Giulietta Tecnica, Giulietta Speciale and Giulietta Veloce. 

The entry-level Giulietta now benefits from burnished headlamp surrounds, satin-finish door handles and new oblique tailpipes, while inside there are new grey and black fabric seats with Alfa Romeo logo on the head restraints, new matte black dashboard insert and luxury floor mats.

The refreshed style elements are accompanied by a comprehensive standard equipment list which includes a leather steering wheel with audio remote controls, air conditioning, five-inch Uconnect LIVE with Bluetooth connectivity, the Alfa DNA selector, six airbags, 16-inch ‘Turbine’ alloy wheels, one-touch electric windows all round and steering-wheel paddle shifters on TCT-equipped models. The engines available in this trim level are the 

• 120hp 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 
• 120hp 1.6-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel, 
• 120hp 1.6-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel TCT, 
• 150hp 1.4-litre turbo petrol  
• 150hp 2.0-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel.

The Giulietta Super trim level adds dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a front armrest, new 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and upgraded seat upholstery and the engine range comprises the 120hp 1.6-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel, 

• 120hp 1.6-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel TCT, 
• 150hp 1.4-litre turbo petrol, 
• 150hp 2.0-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel, 
• 170hp 1.4-litre turbo petrol TCT 
• 175hp 2.0-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel TCT.

A new Lusso pack can be added to the Super model to enhance the elegant look of the car and includes leather upholstery, front and rear armrests (with third rear headrest), aluminium kick plates and the 6.5-inch Uconnect LIVE system with voice-operated satellite navigation and 3D mapping.

Giulietta Tecnica replaces the Business Edition and includes the 6.5-inch Uconnect infotainment system with navigation, automatic lights and wipers, electro-chromatic rear view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, new 16-inch wheels, side skirts and rear privacy glass. 

The available engine range includes the 

• 120hp 1.6-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel, 
• 120hp 1.6-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel TCT, 
• 150hp 2.0-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel,
• 175hp 2.0-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel TCT.

The Giulietta Speciale offers customers the option of combining the sporty look and feel of the high performance Veloce version with a broad selection of engines. Standard equipment includes a sports suspension, sports bumpers with red Alfa profile, classic five-hole 18-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes with red four-piston callipers, tinted windows, new carbon-look headlamp surrounds, an anthracite finish on the mirror caps, door handles, grille and fog light surrounds and the 6.5-inch Uconnect LIVE system with navigation.

Leather and Alcantara seats, aluminium pedals, a flat-bottom sports steering wheel with red stitching and the carbon-look dashboard surrounds and door panels complete the comprehensive 

Speciale package and engine choices include the 

• 150hp 1.4-litre turbo petrol, 
• 150hp 2.0-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel, 
• 170hp 1.4-litre turbo petrol TCT  
• 175hp 2.0-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel TCT.

Finally, the new Giulietta Veloce tops the revised line-up and in terms of equipment is similar to the Speciale but with stylish new 18-inch alloy rims, specific sports suspension tuning, oversized tailpipes and, of course, the most powerful engine in the Giulietta range – the 240hp 1750 turbo petrol engine combined with a specially calibrated TCT transmission.

The official debut of new Alfa Romeo Giulietta was staged simultaneously yesterday at an international event called “Fuel your Instinct” in five cities across Europe. 

The central event was held in the Alfa Romeo Museum (La Macchina del Tempo / The Time Machine) in Arese, headlined by a special DJ set by British singer and songwriter Skin, with simultaneous musical events in Turin, Paris, Madrid and Frankfurt, all featuring high-profile local DJs, musicians and celebrities. 

More than 5,000 employees were invited to FCA’s HQ in Turin to enjoy  the preview reveal of the new car followed by an unforgettable evening of music and dance, while the videos employees made with the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta have taken Facebook and Instagram by storm and turned the employees into the faces of the new model.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta goes on sale on April 1 with prices starting from just £18,450 OTR. Full pricing details will be announced closer to the car’s UK launch.

The Alfa fightback starts now, and what a stunning car to start with - this is pure automotive porn......

• All-new Alfa Romeo Giulia unveiled on the 105th anniversary of the founding of A.L.F.A in the renovated Alfa Romeo Museum – “La macchina del tempo” – in Arese, Italy
• Stunning design expresses three quintessential elements of Italian design: taut proportions, simple elegance and high-quality surface treatment
• Driver-focused rear- or four-wheel drive platform with perfect weight distribution, advanced suspension and most direct steering in its class
• Quadrifoglio version debuts bespoke state-of-the-art six-cylinder turbo engine with Ferrari-inspired technologies producing 510hp
• Extensive use of ultralight materials result in an exceptional weight-to-power figure resulting in a 0-to-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds
• Innovations such as Torque Vectoring, Integrated Brake System and Active Aero Splitter also introduced on this exciting new model
• A new Alfa Romeo logo can also be found nestled in the distinctive trefoil nose of the new Giulia

The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia has been unveiled to the international media on the 105th anniversary of the founding of A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) at a special event in the newly-refurbished Alfa Romeo Museum – “La macchina del tempo” – in Arese, Italy, in the presence of some of the most significant cars in automotive history.

Developed by a Skunkworks of the best engineers, designers and stylists within FCA, the new Giulia embodies the core elements which have made Alfa Romeo one of the world's best-loved automotive brands - distinctive Italian design; innovative powertrains, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and the best weight-to-power ratio.

The taut and compact proportions of the Giulia have evolved from its all-new, rear-wheel drive architecture (all-wheel drive will also be available). With the engine and major mechanical components arranged between the axles to ensure perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the Giulia has very short overhangs, a long bonnet and muscular haunches, while the wheelbase is longest in its segment to maximise stability, comfort and practicality.

Naturally, traditional Alfa Romeo design cues have not been forgotten, as demonstrated by the simple, natural lines of the Giulia, the perfectly-honed surface treatment and the legendary trefoil nose, one of the most recognisable style elements in the automotive world.

Inside, the design is just as crisp and fuss-free and, crucially, centred around the driver, with the main controls grouped together on the small steering wheel in a similar fashion to a Formula 1 car, while the human-machine interface consists of two simple, user-friendly knobs for adjusting the Alfa DNA selector and the infotainment system. Premium materials, including carbon fibre and real wood, are chosen for their visual and tactile pleasantness and assembled in such a way to make the human touch visible.

Under the bonnet, a range of state-of-the-art engines power the new Giulia with a bespoke unit created for the top-of-the-range Quadrifoglio version.  Tuned by engineers from a Ferrari background, the flagship V6 turbo petrol powerplant delivers an impressive 510hp, propelling the Giulia Quadrifoglio from 0 to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds, while also offering surprising fuel efficiency thanks to electronically-controlled cylinder deactivation system. As with all next-generation petrol and diesel engines, this six-cylinder unit is made entirely of lightweight aluminium and will, of course, deliver that distinctive Alfa Romeo sound to complement the performance.

In terms of the suspension, a sophisticated “Alfalink” multilink solution has been chosen for the rear axle, while the front suspension employs a new, double-wishbone set up. Developed exclusively by Alfa Romeo, a new semi-virtual steering axis optimises the filtering effect and guarantees rapid, accurate steering by keeping a constant caster trail in corners. In combination with electronically-controlled adaptive dampers, the always-perfect footprint allows the Giulia to tackle high lateral forces while still ensuring the steering feels direct, natural and instinctive even at very high speeds.

To emphasise the purity and excellence of the mechanicals, it was also determined that electronics should only be used to improve the driving experience. With this in mind, the Giulia introduces an innovative double-clutch Torque Vectoring system to allow the rear differential to control the torque delivery to each wheel independently, improving traction in low grip conditions without having to run up against an invasive stability control system.  The Integrated Brake System is also being introduced on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia – an innovative electromechanical system which combines stability control and a traditional servo brake for instantaneous brake response and record-breaking stopping distances.

The new Giulia Quadrifoglio even has a front Active Aero Splitter to actively manage downforce for higher stability and better cornering grip even at high speed. These state-of-the-art systems are all governed by Chassis Domain Control, the 'brains' of the on-board electronics which has been assigned the specific task of optimising performance and driving pleasure.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia also features a new Alfa DNA system which modifies the car's dynamic behaviour according to the driver's selection: Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficient (a new energy-efficiency mode introduced on the Giulia) and, naturally, Racing mode for high performance versions.

To obtain its extraordinary weight-to-power ratio (remarkably, lower than 3kg or 6.6lbs per hp) the Alfa Romeo Giulia combines ample engine performance with the extensive use of ultralight materials throughout. For example, carbon fibre was chosen for the propeller shaft, bonnet, roof and seat frames, while aluminium was selected for the engine, suspension – including the front domes and front and rear frames – wings and doors. The rear cross-member is made of aluminium composite and plastic and the braking system uses aluminium callipers and carbon ceramic discs.

And yet despite all this weight optimisation, the car also boasts the best torsional rigidity in its class, which helps not only optimise handling but also ensures better quality over time and improved acoustic comfort as well.

In short, the Alfa Romeo Giulia can be summed up by the Italian term 'la meccanica delle emozioni' (the mechanics of emotion), a phrase which will be used to publicise the car globally. In addition, the model also heralds the introduction of a new Alfa Romeo logo, designed by Robilant Associati, the distinctive shape and style elements of which are retained but modernised and renewed in line with the launch of the exciting new Alfa Romeo Giulia.