Used Alfa Romeo Giulietta
A history lesson…
Replacing such a brilliant car as the 147 is a tough act to follow, but with the Giulietta, Alfa seriously did the business. Having to compete with class-leading cars such as the Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Golf was proving too difficult a task to complete for the aging 147, so Alfa decided to bring their hatch into the 21st century with the bigger, faster and more economical Giulietta.
As always with Alfas you get a lot of style and a lot of presence, but to coincide with the beauty is a lot of new tech and improved build quality. This is a modern statement for Alfa Romeo that should appeal to almost every driver.
Bang for your buck
The Giulietta is a more expensive car than its predecessor, but while you may have to shell out a bit more, you do get a lot more technology and gadgets. Alfa’s new DNA system – which effectively allows you to change the behaviour of the car on-the-fly – is a brilliant new bit of tech that will keep you entertained for years after purchase.
The new MultiAir engines have won awards left, right and centre, so you’re guaranteed of engine-brilliance if you choose a MultiAir engined Giulietta. The engines are famed for spritely eagerness and superb economy, so if going green is your bag, it could well be the engine to pick.
Along with the aforementioned, all cars get traction control and plenty of airbags to keep you safe is the worst was to happen.
What you’ll pay
Because the Giulietta is such a new car, expect to pay quite highly for the privilege of owning one. If you fancy a bargain, buy a 09 car, as that way, you’ve let the first owner take the financial hit – because Alfas typically depreciate like a front-engined Ferrari.
Prices start at around £17k for a basic 1.4 Turismo, but if you fancy yourself a bit of luxury and kit, the £25k Cloverleaf version will be able to tickle your pickle any day of the week – especially with its 6.8 seconds 0-62mph time.
Just remember with Alfas that when it is time to sell, you’ll probably lose a lot of money, as they never hold their value well. But if you’re prepared to take that hit, they are some of the most exciting motors on the road.
What to check
Alfa Romeos typically have a bad reputation for reliability, but the modern cars like the Giulietta – which was built from ’09 onwards – are much better. With that being said, however, there are certain bits to check on this car just so you know you’re buying a good one. Make sure those big alloys aren’t kerbed or you will be paying upwards of £70 a rim to fix, and while you’re at it check the paint work. If there’s scratches and rust, walk away or at least haggle.
But above all of these checks, the most important has to be the electrics. Make sure every single switch works or you could be in for a nasty financial hit!
Parts
Parts are never cheap from the main dealer, but because this car sits firmly in the prestigious hatchback sector, expect to pay quite highly for replacement parts. Thankfully, most cars on the road should still be in warranty, but once that warranty ends, you could be left with hefty bills if something goes wrong.
How it drives
This is where the Giulietta really gets into its stride, as with the DNA system, you can really get a lot out of the hatchback. Yes, it has been criticised for not having the passion and soul of other Alfa Romeos, but it’s one of the few Alfa Romeos that actually works and drives like you want it to; so it’s swings and roundabouts really.
If you want a pure Alfa with all the aforementioned Italian-ness, get yourself a GT or GTV, but if you want an Alfa that still looks brilliant, is thoroughly modern and probably won’t ever break down, get yourself a Giulietta.