Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDm 170 CV, test drive (Part III)

We’ve reached the third part of the test of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a compact with character that we have tested in its diesel version equipped with the 2.0 JTDm 170 CV engine. We have already checked how this engine performs; if you want to know more you can watch the first part of the test.

In the second part we looked at the design, something Alfa Romeo has worked on thoroughly, and in this third part we still need to discuss the equipment, overall assessment and prices of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Our Giulietta came equipped with the Distinctive trim, the next one up from the Progression and below the QV. The starting price of our version with the 170 CV diesel engine and this trim is 28,560 euros (according to the Alfa Romeo website), but let’s look at its equipment in depth.

Equipment

The first thing we always review is the Giulietta’s safety equipment, which, as we noted, earned the famous five stars in the EuroNCAP test and therefore comes with stability control as standard on all versions. But besides stability control, standard items include six airbags and ABS + EBD. So we’re looking at a vehicle with a good level of safety equipment, on a par with most models in its segment.

Moving on to the rest of the equipment, the base trim is the Progression , which includes items such as DNA, air conditioning, 16″ alloy wheels, electric mirrors, front and rear electric windows, the Start&Stop system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, CD-MP3 radio, among other features. This trim can be paired with the 120 CV petrol engine and both diesels (105 and 170 CV).

The next trim level – the one fitted to our test unit – is the Distinctive, which adds: dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, front armrest, multifunction steering wheel, and fog lights, among other items. There is also the Quadrifoglio Verde equipment level, one of the most sporty and complete, but it can only be paired with the powerful 235 CV petrol engine, while the Distinctive can be combined with both petrol or both diesel engines.

The QV trim adds items such as sport suspension, 17″ alloy wheels, bi-xenon adaptive headlights with headlight washers, tinted glass, sport-specific interior, red brake calipers and darkened front light clusters. In addition to these three equipment levels, there are also several packs that complete them.

Our test unit was fitted with the Premium Pack, which adds: bi-xenon adaptive headlights, Blue&Me with USB port, Bluetooth and steering wheel controls, light and rain sensors, rear parking sensor and electric mirrors, plus 18-inch wheels and a sunroof.

As for the equipment and controls, I liked the radio since it is very simple and has plenty of functions, and it sounds quite good. That said, the Blue&Me system is integrated into the on-board computer display in the instrument cluster; to add a phone or change playback options for files on a USB stick, we have to do everything from that menu, but radio functions (such as random playback of USB files) should be better integrated into the radio itself. On the other hand, the bi-xenon adaptive headlights provide excellent night illumination and are a recommended extra if you drive at night regularly or through poorly lit areas.

Prices

(according to the Alfa Romeo configurator)

A Alfa Romeo Giulietta with the 1.4 TB 120 CV petrol engine and Progression trim is available from 21,070 euros, and with the 1.6 JTDm 105 CV diesel engine (same trim) for 21,230 euros. The remaining prices by engine and equipment are as follows:

• 2.0 JTDm 170 CV Progression 26,830 euros
• 1.4 TB 120 CV Distinctive 22,800 euros
• 1.4 TB 170 CV Multi-Air Distinctive 25,340 euros
• 1.6 JTDm 105 CV Distinctive 22,960 euros
• 2.0 JTDm 170 CV Distinctive 28,560 euros

The price of our unit, a Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDm 170 CV Distinctive (28,560 €) with Premium Pack (966 €), electric sunroof (1,144 €) and 18″ alloy wheels (1,118 €), totals a price of 31,839 euros (again according to the Alfa Romeo configurator).

Overall Assessment

This Italian has all the ingredients to keep us entertained behind the wheel, especially when paired with the 170 CV diesel engine we tested, so there are very few complaints to make in the handling section. The new platform, aluminium chassis, good steering, DNA and Q2 differential mean that the Giulietta handles bends with ease and also delivers driving fun.

In the equipment section, it is quite comprehensive, except for some gaps in the base trim such as the front fog lights, but overall it is complete. That said, the price of some versions is somewhat high; in our unit the price exceeds five million old pesetas, with fairly complete equipment but a price that is also somewhat high, an Astra with similar equipment, sat-nav and leather costs around 28,000 euros with the 160 CV diesel engine. It can also be an alternative to the Golf GTD for those seeking sportiness and exclusivity at a reasonable price.

In addition, the Giulietta’s exterior design is very well developed, but its interior has quality details that could be improved, especially at these starting prices. Otherwise, we have a compact with good interior space that stands out from the rest of the segment mainly in terms of handling.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira