What’s hot?

• The arrival of the powerful, direct injection 1750 4C engine is clearly the major talking point, giving the Giulietta a fresh sporting edge.
• With 240 ps output, the QV engine is 8 ps up on the previous Green Cloverleaf. Economy also improves: now 40.4 mpg from 37.3 mpg.
• Torque is 300 Nm, but in ‘Dynamic’ mode, it lifts further to 340 Nm (with 80% available from just 1800 rpm), making it the best in class, Alfa says. .
• With alloy block, the QV engine weighs 22 kgs less than before. It’s cleaner too with C02 emissions cut from 177 to 162 g/km.
• 0-60 mph in a claimed 6.0 secs, using Launch Control, which unites engine, transmission and traction systems to power the car aggressively off the line. Top end is set at 152 mph.
• Alfa’s reworked the intake/exhaust systems to evoke the sound of classic ‘60s sports cars. The engine’s not nearly as vociferous as per the 4C.
• Lowered sports suspension and 4 piston Brembo front brakes are also part of the QV make up, along with attractive 18-inch alloy wheels
• On the road, the QV is quick and well balanced, with perhaps the best weighted, most consistent steering of any Giulietta to date. It’s fun.
• The 6-speed TCT twin clutch transmission zaps smoothly and quickly between ratios, without the jerkiness of previous clunky Alfa boxes.
• Visually, the QV looks the part with those classy “phone dial” alloys, its 10mm lowered suspension, QV badging, subtle side skirts, twin pipes and Anthracite finish for grille, fog light frames, mirrors and door handles.
• Inside, stylish sports seats (trimmed in leather and Alcantara) and racy flat bottom steering wheel also catch the eye. There’s also 6.5 –inch touch screen infotainment system with sat nav, Bluetooth, DAB..and more.
• Limited edition “Launch Edition” (100 coming to the UK) adds more carbon fibre kit (mirror covers, body kit) and burnished alloy wheels.

What’s not?

• It’s TCT transmission only for the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde, so no manual gearbox option which may disappoint keen drivers
• While handling is quick and adept for the most part, the Alfa ultimately lacks the precision and feedback of, say, the SEAT Leon Cupra or VW Golf GTI through fast corners
• Price hike versus the now discontinued Green Cloverleaf and the Launch Edition, at a Golf R-rivalling £30,280 OTR, does seem pretty fiscally ambitious.
• ‘Normal” Giuliettas are obviously more business car friendly, with lower BIK and stronger economy numbers.