Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV TCT Quick Spin review
THE DETAILS
Name Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV TCT
From $42,000 plus on-road and dealer costs
Vitals 1.7-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, 177kW, 340Nm, 6-speed dual-clutch auto, 7.0L/100km, FWD
What is it?
Alfa Romeo's updated Giulietta Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover, the Italian brand's name for performance model) is now available with an automatic gearbox, specifically a six-speed dual-clutch unit (known as TCT).
What it isn't?
The new 4C sports car. This is very much the 'old' Alfa Romeo before the new wave of rear-wheel drive models, some developed with the help of Maserati, arrive over the next five years to try and revive the brand.
What does it say about me?
That you wanted a hot hatch that stood out from the crowd.
Who else is buying it?
Alfa diehards, known as Alfisti, because it's fun and more affordable than the 4C.
What colours does it come in?
There are 10 to choose from but the Giulietta QV looks best in, fittingly, 'Alfa Red' - a bright red hue that harks back to the company's glorious racing heritage.
If it were a celebrity, who would it be?
Caterina Murino. Who you ask? She was the Italian beauty that caught James Bond's eye in Casino Royale. Like the Giulietta QV, perhaps not memorable for performance, but possessing unforgettable looks.
Why would I buy it?
Because it's a hot hatch with style. The QV with the twin-clutch transmission gets unique dark grey 18-inch alloys compared to the polished silver rims on the manual-equipped QV.
But while the Giulietta's biggest strength is its looks it can back it up with a punchy turbocharged engine, a quick-shifting transmission on the move and a luxurious cabin, with leather and Alcantara sports seats that feature white and green stitching.
Why wouldn't I buy it?
Because the gearbox isn't slick-shifting, instead it's clunky and jerky at low speeds. Also, the back seats are cramped compared to some of its key hot hatch rivals, like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST.
Will it let me down?
Not like Alfa Romeo's of yesteryear. They don't rust like old Alfas and most of the underpinnings are mostly sourced from Fiat's parts catalogue. Even though Alfa Romeo didn't issue a single vehicle recall last year, if you're looking for a car that will give you total peace-of-mind, Alfa still has a way to go to re-build consumer trust.
Does it cost too much?
The TCT adds $3000 to the price of the manual-transmission QV but it also brings with it a Launch Control system, intake sound generator, gloss black exterior trim highlights and the previously mentioned dark alloys
Will it get me noticed?
The Giulietta doesn't have quite the same head-turning effect as the 4C but it's sleek lines stand out more than most hot hatches. Particularly in the bright red of our test car.
How's the cabin ambience?
It's a strange blend of luxuries (such as the nice leather and Alcantara seats) and some cheaper touches (hard plastic indicator stalks and Fiat-sourced switchgear). And, as mentioned earlier, while the front seats are comfortable the rear chairs seem like an afterthought - with cramped head and legroom.
Does it go?
It's 1.7-litre engine may be smaller than your average hot hatch (most are 2.0-litres) but it still pumps out an impressive 177kW of power and 340Nm of torque. Combined with the twin-clutch transmission and launch control, the QV can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.0seconds. That's half a second faster than the VW Golf GTI.
Does it like corners?
When the going gets twisty the QV proves competent rather than exceptional. The steering lacks feel and isn't as responsive as some of its rivals (Focus ST, Renault Megane RS) and the brakes in our test car lacked the bite you'd expect from big brakes. But, on the plus side, the tyres generate plenty of grip so you can push the QV pretty hard when the mood takes you.
What about bumps?
With sport suspension coming standard the ride is firm. It's not uncomfortable but, as I've said before, it isn't class-leading in terms of compliance and control.
What about service stations?
The 1.7-litre turbo engine misses out on the stop-start system of the mainstream Giuliettas but still uses a competitive 7.0-litres per 100km.
Would you buy one?
Personally, I love the looks, so I'd consider the Giulietta QV. But ultimately I'd rather go for a Golf GTI or Megane RS, because they are better all-rounders.
What else should I consider?
The obvious rivals are the VW Golf GTI (from $41,990), Focus ST (from $38,290) and Megane RS265 (from $43,990). You can also throw the Subaru WRX Premium in the mix (from $43,990) and Peugeot 308 GT (from $41,990).
The Spin
"The pure Italian hot hatch is back."
The Translation
We're selling on style.