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Alfa Romeo Giulietta: What's New?

14/10/2011

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Alfa Romeo Giulietta: A Refreshed Icon

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta has long been a symbol of Italian design and driving passion. To maintain its leading role in a competitive segment, Alfa Romeo has introduced a series of significant updates to the Giulietta, imbuing it with a bolder sportier character and a distinct family feeling that aligns it with the new Alfa Romeo paradigm, the Giulia. This refresh focuses on enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and the technological capabilities of the Giulietta, ensuring it continues to embody the 'meccanica delle emozioni' – the mechanics of emotions.

How to oil a Alfa Romeo Giulia engine?
1) Obtain the right engine oil for the Alfa Romeo Giulia engine. 2) Unlatch the bonnet and measure the oil level. Make a note of where the level is. 3) Then carefully fill a little engine oil (approx. 100-150ml) into the Alfa Romeo Giulia oil nozzle. 4) Be patient now for a short time before measuring the oil level again with the oil dipstick.

At the heart of these innovations are new powertrain options, including the highly anticipated 1.6 JTDm 120 HP turbo diesel engine paired with the Alfa TCT automatic transmission. Furthermore, the integration of the Uconnect system with its extremely useful LIVE services across the entire range promises a more connected and engaging driving experience. Alfa Romeo has also streamlined the line-up, offering three distinct trim levels: Giulietta, Giulietta Super, and Giulietta Veloce. This simplification, along with the availability of two distinct packs (Veloce and Lusso) and a comprehensive choice of nine engine versions (petrol, diesel, and LPG), allows customers to more easily select and personalise the Giulietta that perfectly suits their individual preferences and needs.

The New Giulietta embodies the unrivalled 'Alfa Spirit', a philosophy that has defined Alfa Romeo cars for over a century. This spirit is characterised by a focus on lightweight construction, efficient performance, and a meticulous attention to detail, all hallmarks of superior Italian design. The result is a car that is not only visually striking but also agile and responsive on the road, thanks to its advanced suspension systems, precise steering, and balanced weight distribution.

In a testament to its commitment to technological advancement and collaborative innovation, the New Alfa Romeo Giulietta features a host of components developed by Magneti Marelli. This partnership, covering everything from lighting systems to powertrain, suspension, and exhaust components, underscores the mutually beneficial relationship between Alfa Romeo and this internationally renowned leader in automotive systems and components.

Refreshed Looks and a Sportier Persona

The family resemblance between the New Giulietta and the Giulia is now more pronounced than ever, thanks to several key exterior design updates. The distinctive honeycomb grille, a signature Alfa Romeo feature, has been refined, and a new front bumper echoes the iconic shape of the legendary front trefoil – arguably one of the most recognisable symbols in the automotive world. The 'Giulietta' lettering on the rear also mirrors that of the Giulia, further reinforcing this familial connection. The updated model proudly displays the refreshed Alfa Romeo logo, a modernised emblem that preserves the distinctive stylistic elements that have made it a globally cherished icon. As Alfa Romeo rightly suggests, only a brand with a rich heritage can confidently embrace the challenges of the future.

Completing the sophisticated new look are burnished headlights, new bumper inserts, distinctive alloy wheel designs, and new oblique tailpipes. For those seeking the pinnacle of sportiness, the Giulietta Veloce trim level takes the aesthetic to an even bolder level. It features new sports bumpers with striking Alfa Red profiles, headlights with a new carbon look treatment, and glossy anthracite accents on the mirror caps, door handles, grille surrounds, and fog light surrounds. These enhancements create an undeniably aggressive and sporting stance.

This enhanced sporty exterior is matched by an equally exclusive interior ambience, replete with premium quality accents and a meticulous attention to every detail. The New Giulietta stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Italian style. Within the sportiest Giulietta Veloce trim, drivers will discover new leather and Alcantara sports seats, featuring integrated head restraints embellished with contrasting red stitching and the 'Alfa Romeo' name subtly embroidered on the head restraints. The cabin also boasts a contoured leather steering wheel with contrasting red stitching, and a dashboard surround and door panels with a carbon look finish, all complemented by specific matte grey inserts. This combination creates an interior that is both luxurious and performance-oriented.

Interior Ambience Across the Range

The sporty characterisation is not confined to the Veloce model; it is equally prominent in the Giulietta and Giulietta Super versions. The standard Giulietta features refined grey and black fabric seats, a distinctive matte black dashboard, a leather steering wheel, and new black inserts on the centre tunnel and door pulls. The Giulietta Super trim level elevates the experience further with new Alfa Romeo trademark grey and black fabric 'cannelloni' seats, offering a unique and stylish touch. For those desiring an even more luxurious feel, premium leather seats are available as an option on both the Giulietta and Giulietta Super trim levels, allowing for further personalisation.

New 1.6 JTDm 120 HP TCT Engine: Efficiency Meets Performance

A significant addition to the Giulietta range is the new 1.6 JTDm 120 HP turbo diesel engine, now available with the Alfa TCT automatic transmission. This pairing expertly combines the renowned efficiency and torque of a turbo diesel with the smooth comfort and rapid shifting of a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, delivering exceptional efficiency and driving pleasure. This powertrain configuration allows the Giulietta to achieve a top speed of 195 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 10.2 seconds. Crucially, it maintains excellent fuel economy, with the ECO version achieving a remarkable 3.8 l/100 km and emitting a mere 99 g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle, making it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious drivers and business users alike.

As a new member of the second-generation MultiJet turbo diesel family, the 1.6-litre engine in the New Giulietta delivers a robust 120 HP at 3750 rpm. It is equipped with a compact turbocharger designed to provide class-leading torque of 320 Nm at 1750 rpm, ensuring excellent flexibility and responsiveness in real-world driving conditions. A key technological feature of the 1.6 JTDm is its third-generation Common Rail injection system. This system utilises innovative injectors and balanced hydraulic servo valves to precisely control the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber, enabling a highly accurate and flexible injection sequence for optimal performance and efficiency.

The Alfa TCT, now offered with the 1.6 JTDm 120 HP engine, provides the driver with the flexibility to choose between fully automatic operation or sequential gear changes. The precise and ergonomically designed gear stick allows for manual control of gear selection, with the option to further enhance the driving experience by specifying shift paddles on the steering wheel. The renowned Alfa DNA selector plays a crucial role in tailoring the car's dynamic performance. By adjusting engine torque, brake response (including the Pre-Fill function), TCT shifting logic, accelerator sensitivity, ESC stability control, the Alfa Q2 electronic self-locking differential, and ASR traction control, the driver can select one of three driving modes to suit prevailing road conditions and their preferred driving style.

Engine Line-up Overview

The comprehensive engine line-up for the New Giulietta now comprises:

  • Turbo Petrol Engines: 1.4 Turbo Petrol 120 HP, 1.4 Turbo Multiair 150 HP, 1.4 Turbo Multiair 170 HP TCT, and the powerful 1750 Turbo Petrol 240 HP TCT.
  • Turbo Diesel Engines: 1.6 JTDm 120 HP (available with manual transmission or TCT), 2.0 JTDm 150 HP, and 2.0 JTDm 175 HP TCT.
  • Bi-Fuel (LPG and Petrol): 1.4 TB 120 HP.

Uconnect System with New LIVE Services: Stay Connected

The innovative Uconnect system, featuring a 5-inch or 6.5-inch touchscreen, is prominently integrated into the centre of the New Giulietta's dashboard. This advanced multimedia device offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity features, including Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls and audio streaming, an Aux-in connector, a USB port, voice controls, an SMS Reader, and a DAB tuner for high-quality digital radio reception. Both the 5-inch and 6.5-inch Uconnect systems are the result of collaborations with leading technology partners, Harman and Here Auto for the former, and Continental for the latter, ensuring a high-quality user experience.

A significant debut for the New Giulietta is the introduction of the new Uconnect™ LIVE services, designed to keep drivers connected while on the move. By downloading the free Uconnect LIVE app from the App Store or Google Play Store to their smartphone, users gain access to a world of integrated services. These include music streaming from Deezer and TuneIn, up-to-the-minute news from Reuters, connected navigation with TomTom LIVE, and the ability to stay in touch with friends via Facebook Check-In and Twitter. For those focused on efficiency and vehicle management, Uconnect LIVE also offers eco:Drive for driving style analysis and my:Car for vehicle status monitoring, providing control and peace of mind wherever you go.

Another exciting new feature making its debut on the New Giulietta is Alfa Performance. This exclusive service is specifically engineered to enhance the driving experience by providing drivers with a suite of digital gauges and instruments to monitor key vehicle parameters. Special timers allow drivers to measure their performance, and driving statistics can be viewed on their smartphone, complete with real-time driving tips. The Alfa Performance service is available on the Uconnect 6.5" Radio Nav LIVE system.

The 6.5-inch Uconnect LIVE system further enhances functionality with its integrated satellite navigation. This feature includes 3D bird's-eye view maps, sequential route instructions, and a convenient One Step Voice Entry Destination function, making journey planning effortless.

A Complete and Rationalised Line-up for Simpler Choices

To simplify the selection process for customers, the New Alfa Romeo Giulietta line-up in Europe has been structured around three distinct trim levels: Giulietta, Giulietta Super, and Giulietta Veloce. Complementing these are two new optional packs: the Veloce pack and the Lusso pack. The expanded engine offering, including the new 1.6 JTDm 120 HP TCT turbo diesel – a particularly attractive option for business users – ensures there is a Giulietta to meet diverse needs. Customers can further personalise their vehicle from a palette of eleven body colours, including the new Alfa White and Lipari Grey. Additionally, there are twelve different alloy wheel designs, each available in a new pattern, and two further optional packs (Comfort and Visibility) to cater to every requirement.

Giulietta (Entry Level)

The entry-level Alfa Romeo Giulietta showcases the refreshed exterior with its new front fascia, featuring the distinctive honeycomb grille and updated bumper inserts. It is further enhanced by headlights with a burnished treatment, satin-finish door handles, and new oblique tailpipes. Inside, the cabin is appointed with new grey and black fabric seats bearing the Alfa Romeo logo on the head restraints, a new matte black dashboard insert, and plush velvet floor mats. The updated styling is complemented by a comprehensive standard equipment list that includes a leather steering wheel, climate control, the 5-inch Uconnect system with Uconnect Live services, the Alfa DNA selector (incorporating the Q2 electronic differential and DST), an advanced ESC system (with ASR and Hill Holder), six airbags, and front and rear electric windows.

The engine choices for the standard Giulietta include:

  • 1.4 Turbo Petrol 120 HP
  • 1.4 Turbo Petrol 150 HP
  • 1.4 Turbo Petrol 170 HP TCT
  • 1.6 JTDm 120 HP (available with manual gearbox or TCT)
  • 2.0 JTDm 150 HP
  • Bi-fuel (LPG and petrol) 1.4 TB 120 HP

Giulietta Super

The Giulietta Super trim level, available with all engine versions except the 1750 Turbo Petrol 240 HP TCT, builds upon the entry-level specification by adding a host of desirable features. These include dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, and a front armrest, enhancing both comfort and convenience. Visually, the Super model is distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, chrome-plated exterior details, and the signature grey and black fabric seats with the Alfa Romeo logo on the head restraints. Customers can further tailor their Giulietta Super by opting for the Lusso or Veloce packs, which allow for the enhancement of the car's elegant or sporty character, respectively.

The Lusso pack includes height-adjustable leather seats, front and rear armrests, an aluminium kick plate, and the 6.5-inch Uconnect Radio Nav system. The Veloce pack, on the other hand, incorporates all the stylistic enhancements found on the Giulietta Veloce.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce: The Pinnacle of Sportiness

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce represents the ultimate expression of the New Giulietta's sporting credentials. This top-tier trim level is generously equipped with standard features and specific design elements that deliver an even bolder aesthetic and genuine racing-inspired technical capabilities for an uncompromising on-road stance. Key enhancements include sports suspension with a specific tuning, side skirts, distinctive sports bumpers with a unique red Alfa profile, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, an uprated Brembo braking system with red callipers and four master cylinders, and larger exhaust tailpipes.

Further adding to its exclusive appeal are the 'Veloce' badging, tinted rear windows, headlights with a carbon look treatment, and a glossy anthracite finish applied to the mirror caps, door handles, grille surrounds, and fog light surrounds. The sporty ethos of the New Giulietta Veloce is further emphasised within the cabin. It features new leather and Alcantara sports seats with contrasting stitching and the 'Alfa Romeo' lettering integrated into the head restraints. Aluminium pedals, matte grey interior mouldings, a contoured sports steering wheel with red stitching, and dashboard surrounds and door panels with a carbon look effect complete the performance-focused interior environment.

As expected, this high-performance variant of the New Giulietta is exclusively powered by the potent 1750 Turbo Petrol engine. This engine features direct injection and an aluminium crankcase, delivering an impressive 240 HP at 5750 rpm, ensuring exhilarating performance that lives up to the Veloce name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main design changes in the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta?

The new Giulietta features a revised front bumper, a new honeycomb grille, burnished headlights, and new alloy wheel designs. The Veloce trim level adds even sportier elements like red-accented bumpers and carbon-look headlights.

What new engine is available in the Giulietta?

A significant new addition is the 1.6 JTDm 120 HP turbo diesel engine, which can be paired with the Alfa TCT automatic transmission for enhanced efficiency and driving comfort.

What is Uconnect LIVE?

Uconnect LIVE is a system that allows you to connect your smartphone to the car's infotainment system. It provides access to various apps for music streaming, navigation, news, and social media, enhancing connectivity while driving.

What are the different trim levels available?

The New Giulietta is available in three trim levels: Giulietta (entry-level), Giulietta Super, and Giulietta Veloce (the sportiest version).

Does the Giulietta offer an automatic transmission?

Yes, the Alfa TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission) is available on several engine variants, including the new 1.6 JTDm 120 HP and the 1.4 Turbo Multiair 170 HP, as well as the 2.0 JTDm 175 HP and the 1750 Turbo Petrol 240 HP.

What makes the Giulietta Veloce stand out?

The Veloce trim is distinguished by its sportier suspension, unique body styling with red accents, larger Brembo brakes, distinctive alloy wheels, and an interior featuring leather and Alcantara sports seats and performance-oriented trim details. It comes with the most powerful 240 HP engine.

The New Alfa Romeo Giulietta continues to offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and technology, making it a standout choice in its segment. Whether you prioritise sporty dynamics, advanced connectivity, or refined Italian design, there is a Giulietta configuration to suit your desires.

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