Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDM-2 Veloce

摘要

When the Alfa Romeo Giulietta arrived on the scene, a pair of diesel engines topped and tailed the line-up - a 103bhp 1.6-litre unit and a flagship 168bhp 2.0-litre powerplant. What was badly needed was an engine that could mop up the middle ground and now here it is, the 138bhp version of the 2.0-litre Multijet engine, fitted with fuel saving stop-start and producing CO_2 emissions of 119g/km. This translates into 62.8mpg on the combined cycle and thanks to a 60 litre fuel tank, theoretically there's a range of 829 miles - enough for you to drive from London to Milan non-stop. Alfa Romeo has always created cars that stir the emotions both in terms of looks and driving experience, and the Italian company has definitely scored a bullseye on the first count. It looks sensational, and particularly in upmarket Veloce trim, the brushed aluminium door mirror covers and turbine-like alloy wheels, together with the solid red paintwork all work together nicely. The concealed rear door handles help to give a coupe-esque appearance, adding to the sporty flavour. Inside, the dynamic feel continues with attractive dark metallic appliques on the fascia, a meaty steering wheel with red stitching and a metal gearknob that is a delight to use. Though the design may look classy, some of the plastics aren't quite as tactile as you would like, and items like the stalks feel a little on the cheap side, albeit quite solid. The screen that rises electrically from the dashboard could do with better quality plastic mouldings too. Getting comfortable in the driver's seat is easy enough thanks to plenty of adjustment, but most drivers with average sized feet will find that the clutch pedal is mounted too close to the centre console, making it feel a little on the cramped side. Up front there's enough head and legroom, but in the rear, things are a little more restricted. Due to the sloping roof line, six footers may struggle to sit upright and it's likely that their knees will be rubbing against the front seats. Boot space with the seats up is well up to the class average at 350 litres, and folding the rear seats down opens it up to 1,045 litres - larger than the new Volvo V40, but not quite as cavernous as the Volkswagen Golf or SEAT Leon.