A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.3
Comfort & Interior
3.8
Running Costs
3.3
Practicality
3.9
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a stylish Italian hatchback that stands out from the crowd? The Alfa Romeo Giulietta offers distinctive design and engaging driving dynamics that set it apart from more mainstream rivals. This compact family car combines Alfa Romeo’s passionate heritage with modern practicality, making it an appealing choice for drivers who want something different from the usual Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf. The Giulietta delivers on style with its striking exterior design and well appointed interior, while offering competitive space and equipment levels for everyday use.
Built between 2010 and 2020, the Giulietta represents excellent value in the used car market today. You get genuine Italian flair with proven reliability from the later models, plus the benefit of strong depreciation working in your favor. The range of petrol and diesel engines provides options for different driving needs, from economical commuting to more spirited weekend drives. With its distinctive looks and characterful driving experience, the Giulietta appeals to buyers seeking personality over predictability.
Whether you’re a first time buyer looking for affordable style or an experienced driver wanting something with more character than typical family hatchbacks, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta delivers genuine appeal. It offers the perfect blend of everyday practicality and weekend excitement, backed by competitive running costs and the kind of head turning design that makes every journey feel special. For those considering car finance, the Giulietta represents an accessible entry point into distinctive Italian motoring.
How Does the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Drive?
The Giulietta offers a range of engines that prioritise character over outright efficiency. The entry-level 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol produces around 120 horsepower and delivers sprightly performance around town with a 0-60 time of approximately 9.2 seconds. For more excitement, the 1.8-litre TBi variant offers 235 horsepower in Quadrifoglio Verde guise, transforming this family hatchback into a genuinely rapid machine that can embarrass much more expensive sports cars.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.4L MultiAir / 1.8L TBi
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Power Output
120 - 235 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.2 - 6.0 seconds
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MPG Combined
38 - 45 mpg
- Boot Space
- 350 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Alfa Romeo Giulietta: Comfort & Features
The Giulietta’s interior reflects its sporting character with a driver-focused design that feels distinctly Italian. The dashboard features a distinctive wraparound design with the main instruments angled towards the driver. Material quality is generally good, with soft-touch plastics on key contact points and attractive detailing throughout. The sports seats in higher-spec models provide excellent support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable for longer journeys.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a compelling blend of Italian flair and dynamic performance, offering a distinctive design that sets it apart from mainstream hatchbacks. Its MultiAir engine delivers spirited acceleration, while the Quadrifoglio Verde variant turns it into a surprisingly rapid family car. However, comfort and running costs lag behind rivals, making it a rewarding choice for drivers craving character over compromise.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Alfa Romeo Giulietta?
As a premium European brand, the Giulietta comes with running costs that reflect its positioning. Fuel economy varies significantly depending on your engine choice and driving style. The 1.4-litre engines can achieve mid-40s MPG with careful driving, while the more powerful variants will see consumption drop into the high 30s. Insurance costs are moderate for the base engines but rise significantly for the high-performance Quadrifoglio Verde versions.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Alfa Romeo Giulietta
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Ford Focus
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Volkswagen Golf
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £18,000 | £16,000 | £20,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.4L MultiAir 120hp | 1.0L EcoBoost 125hp | 1.0L TSI 110hp |
| Power | 120 bhp | 125 bhp | 110 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.2 seconds | 9.0 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 44 mpg | 47 mpg | 50 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 350 litres | 375 litres | 380 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Distinctive styling, Engaging handling, Italian character | Practical interior, Strong engines, Good value | Solid build quality, Refined ride, Advanced tech |
Is the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Practical for Everyday Use?
For a car focused on style and driving enjoyment, the Giulietta proves surprisingly practical for everyday use. The 350-litre boot provides adequate space for weekly shopping or holiday luggage, while the rear seats fold to extend cargo capacity when needed. Interior storage is reasonable with door pockets, cup holders, and a useful centre console compartment for smaller items.
Bought my Giulietta three years ago and still smile every time I drive it. The styling is gorgeous and it handles beautifully on country roads. Had a few minor electrical niggles but nothing that stopped me enjoying this wonderful car.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta stands out in the crowded family hatchback market by offering genuine Italian style and engaging driving dynamics. It combines distinctive looks with involving handling characteristics that make ordinary journeys feel special. While it may not match German rivals for outright refinement or running cost efficiency, it offers something increasingly precious: personality and character in abundance.