Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf

Front end is the worst part

Disappointed on head lights Looks like a pig! Damn it Alfa, couldn't you do something more man-ish, more agressive looking than those which are shaped like.. like nothing really! Not square, not triangle, not circle, doesn't look speedy, nor happy, nor sad, nor excited... just boring!

Another bad thing that slip diff is not that efficient.

And steering... You invented DNA and you think that's the trick? Yes very good idea BUT ,as I've read around internet, your DNA is not working so well especially Dynamic where you should put that extra effort in tuning not to bring disappointment to the B-roads drivers.

I think these are serious defects when taking in concern WHY we want Alfas at first place but not Golfs, Focuses and Astras.

I hope you will make some program for the owners to bring DNA for tuning- I think it shouldn't be difficult if it's just a software tuning/update?

Or find some update for old good 156 GTA so the emissions are lowered by 50% and we don't have to bother with these new toy cars.

By hubabuba on 1 September, 2010, 5:59pm

Agree, its not that thrilling to look at, as i was excited to first see it. just looks like a grown up Mito. Rear looks really nice but the front does not complement the rear looks. everything about the previous alfa's from 1990's onwards was slim design and here they have slim tail lights but the front headlights are like blobs. I heard the boss of Alfa is some BMW guy - does he have something to do with this copy cat ugly designs? Bit of a message for him - This is not a German car company its an Italian. Leave your ugly thoughts where you came from and if you still don't understand Italian design take a trip around Italy and understand their DNA and make sure Alfa's don't look like this ever again! I hate to see what the 159 replacement will look like. i was hoping 159 prices would go down but if its going to take this design route then i take it the 159 prices will hold on.

By corsamani on 2 September, 2010, 7:48am

errr.....

'The coupé-style body' ...errrr, since when has a four door hatchback become a coupe? I think someone needs to take a few lessons in car design if this is the case...

By bobobobbb on 2 September, 2010, 8:40am

Come on AutoExpress

"...and boot aren’t as roomy as a Golf’s" - the boot is in fact the same size as a Golf's; both at 350 litres before you fold the seats.

"...and it’s certainly stiff in Dynamic mode" - interesting, as the suspension is not active. DNA has no effect on it.

By CuoreSportivo on 2 September, 2010, 12:24pm

@ CuoreSportivo

Testing is subjective, so author can find as many faults if he feels like it... Even if the car were 2x better than THE GOLF od THE FOCUS, it would be useless...

The bottom line is:
Thanks all the manufacturers for participating and trying, but everybody sould buy a Golf, or if you must be "different", a Focus!

By mko_20vt on 2 September, 2010, 2:24pm

@ mko_20vt

It is indeed, but not on objective matters. The Giulietta has the same boot size as the Golf; this isn't subjective at all. Similarly, the DNA system doesn't alter the suspension so it's misleading to comment in this way.

Everyone should buy a Golf? Well, feel free to do just that, but there's no way I'll be doing the same!

By CuoreSportivo on 3 September, 2010, 2:11am

Disappointing review

Ok, i'm biased as an Alfa owner. But the tone of this review is mildly bored..like why would anyone bother with this car when a Golf is only a little more expensive.

AE - some of us find the Golf characterless; very accomplished yes, but not remotely exciting or charming. Likewise the Focus is very functional and conventional, but hardly the epitome of style. Still, expecting any discussion of this in AutoExpress is like expecting insightful international commentary in The Sun...

By Alfamonk on 3 September, 2010, 10:55am

Maybe I've been misunderstood; I'm fan of Italian cars and currently own Alfa 156 and Fiat Coupe.

I wanted to say that there is a general journalist/press bias towards VW-Audi-BMW and (sometimes) Ford cars...

The press seems genuinley excited when a new Alfa (or even Lancia and Fiat) model is announced or unveiled, just to be able to write it's worse than Golf / 3-series etc... The French cars do get even wprse reviews!

By mko_20vt on 3 September, 2010, 2:36pm

Just why anyone gets taken in with all the rubbish that all these alleged Motoring journalists come out with is a mystery.

If you all have not yet worked out that no matter what the car may be it, is always going to come second to a percieved GERMAN car, I say that because most of them source both there labour and are produced in countries all over the world.

There is nothing between all cars produced today, and in reference to residual values, German so called cars cost more to begin with and you only Get offered what the car is worth according to its mileage condition etc.

In conclusion take all you read with a pinch of salt.

RETIRED CAR- SALESMAN.

By jurangqw on 3 September, 2010, 5:02pm

I have no problem with Andrew English's review, he's a good motoring journalist, and as far as reliability goes, my under-the-arches specialist garage say they has as much (usually more expensive) trouble with German cars as Italian ones.

However I will say that 8 years ago I bought a 156 Sportwagon with the intention of buying the 159 when it came out, road tested the latter (too large, somehow didn't stir my juices);,and still have the 156.

Touch wood, it has been 100% reliable in 68K miles, with only the usual servicing (and a new cambelt etc at 32K) - in fact the only unscheduled problem has been electric-window related following a break in. Still a delight to drive, although it's not at its best on London's potholed roads

By bongomagnifico on 3 July, 2011, 8:12am

"And for only an extra £385, you could buy a Golf GTI".......baaaaaaa

.............baaaaaaaaa

-- and really NOT stand out from the herd of Euoboxes. Or rather - flock.
Order your Golf in Silver-Grey to clinch what a boring **** you tell everyone you are.

By noelpne on 18 November, 2011, 6:25pm