Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDm 170 CV, road test (Part II)

So far we have seen how the Alfa Romeo Giulietta equipped with the 2.0 JTDm 170 CV engine performed. If you want to know more about this engine or about how the Giulietta handles, you can see the first part of the road test. In this second part we will talk about the Italian’s design and also its interior space.

From the outside it is undeniable that it catches the eye, since the design is very well executed. It will also surprise you with its interior space, since it is a compact with considerable dimensions, and its interior also has lines with personality, which you may like more or less, but you can tell that every detail of the design has been worked on.

Exterior design

The first thing you notice when you see the Giulietta is the large-sized shield of the Turin Milan based brand that presides over the front, a true hallmark of the brand. We quickly recognise the design lines of the MiTo, which in turn took the lines from the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. In fact, when we look at the Giulietta it inevitably reminds us of a four-door MiTo, at least from the front or side.

At the front we also see the daytime running lights, four LEDs that complete the bi-xenon headlights (optional equipment) which offer good night-time visibility. If we look at the side profile, there is a certain coupé feel and the old habits are not lost, since the rear door handles are hidden in the window frame (as on the 147).

Where we find the most differences with the MiTo is at the rear, because the Giulietta debuts elongated headlights with a sporty, sweeping design with LED lights that outline the headlight assembly (and serve as daytime running and brake lights), and in the lower part of the rear we find the two exhaust outlets, which again reflect the model’s intentions.

All of this sits on wheels measuring 225/40 with optional alloy wheels of 18 inches. Finally, our Giulietta also had a sunroof, an extra that brings a lot of light into the interior.

Interior design and habitability

Once we move inside we find a comfortable driving position with seats that offer good lateral support and a rather low seating position compared with other compacts. We are then also struck by the dashboard design, structured on different levels and dominated by a very practical glovebox at its upper part (and this is where the navigation system screen is housed).

What I did not like so much about the dashboard is the abundance of plastics. Most of them are pleasant to the touch, but visually, and in my personal opinion, this aspect could have been improved, especially considering the price range the Giulietta falls into.

In the centre of the dashboard we have a series of buttons that are a nod to the retro/sporty in the way they operate, and with which we control the fog lights, the Stop&Start system, central locking and the adaptive lights. Next to the handbrake (which is conventional and not electric) there is also an ashtray and cup holder.

Finally, the front seats, despite not being electric, had electric lumbar adjustment thanks to an air bladder that inflates more or less as we wish, a nice comfort detail.

Moving to the rear seats, there is enough legroom and the seats have a comfortable cushioning, especially better if two adults travel rather than three, who will be somewhat squeezed and the middle seat is not very comfortable. But the weak point is headroom, since a person over 1.75 metres may be a bit tight in the rear seats of the Giulietta.

Overall, the interior fit and the quality of materials in the Giulietta are adequate, and it also has plenty of interior space and front seats suited to the sporty character of the model that hold the body very well, as well as spacious rear seats, though with little headroom. A design-related drawback is rear visibility, which, as is now common in nearly all new cars, is not very good.

Storage and boot

In terms of storage spaces for our belongings, it strikes me as a complete car in that respect. As our unit did not have sat nav, there was a fairly large glovebox above the dashboard, very handy for leaving your phone or wallet, and the vehicle’s glovebox is quite large, and it even has a specific slot for our half-litre bottles.

There is also a small storage space next to the DNA (hardly a phone fits), which is always welcome, plus the armrest which incorporates another small compartment inside where sunglasses or house keys fit perfectly. The boot has a capacity of 350 litres and a regular loading aperture.

In the third part of the road test we will look at the standard equipment of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, in our case the Distinctive trim, as well as the price range of the model and our overall assessment.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira