Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

Alfa Giulietta vs. MINI Countryman

Want something a little different in the family hatch class? Alfa Romeo’s Giulietta and the MINI Countryman fit the bIll. We see which is our favourite

Alfa Giulietta vs. MINI Countryman

Family car buyers are spoilt for choice these days – but with so many options, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. The Alfa Romeo badge and MINI logo are sure to do just that, making the two cars in this test the perfect antidote if you want a break from the norm. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Giulietta

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68549","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta failed to knock the VW Golf off the top step of the family car podium on its road test debut, while the MINI Countryman couldn’t unseat the all-conquering Skoda Yeti when
it made its bow – but they’re both bursting with charisma 
and style. We can see what their enthusiastic followers get so excited about – but which one gets our vote as the ultimate hatchback head-turner?

To find out, we put a pair of diesels head-to-head. The Italian brand is famed for its lively petrol engines, but its latest oil-burner could be the pick of the range. 
Its 170bhp output dwarfs the 110bhp of the MINI, but the Countryman Cooper D ALL4 
has four-wheel drive for added security on winter roads. Will its extra traction give it the edge, 
or will the Alfa steal our hearts? 

Verdict

If you think pitching a four-wheel crossover against a sporty diesel hatch is a mismatch, think again. Buyers searching for head-turning alternatives to the raft of family hatchbacks on sale will see the appeal of both cars in this test.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Mokka

2019 Vauxhall

Mokka

66,011 milesManualPetrol1.4L

Cash £7,995
View Mokka
Note

2015 Nissan

Note

54,082 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £4,500
View Note
XE

2023 Jaguar

XE

33,549 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £21,995
View XE
i10

2020 Hyundai

i10

77,900 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £4,999
View i10

So does the rough and tough MINI take the win or will the elegant Alfa secure the honours? Given the Giulietta’s power and price advantage it came into this contest as the hot favourite, but the Countryman caused an upset. 

The Alfa is faster and more affordable, but its interior doesn’t feel special enough and the driving experience is disappointing. In contrast, the MINI exceeded our expectations. It’s packed full of character, fun to drive and has low running costs. The Giulietta driver may arrive at their destination faster, but the MINI owner will be the one wearing the bigger smile – and in this test, that proved to be critical.

1. MINI Countryman ALL4

You won’t buy the Countryman because it provides more practicality than its crossover rivals, because it doesn’t. But it matches the Alfa for interior space and makes up for its power deficit with more engaging dynamics. The Italian brand’s cars are famed for their character, but the MINI has more personality and charisma.

2. Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JDTm Lusso

We wanted to love the Giulietta, and its diesel engine is arguably the best in the current line-up. But the rest of the package fails to live up to the promise of its distinctive styling. It’s fast and refined, but lacks sparkle. The DNA set-up also detracts from the driving experience. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £14,750
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,499 off RRP*Used from £10,695
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £12,495
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025