Alfa Romeo updates Giulietta small hatch

ALFA Romeo has revealed the updated version of its ageing Giulietta small hatch, with updates to its powertrains and equipment levels, however, an Australian debut is yet to be confirmed.

First released locally in early 2011 with a couple of updates in between, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia has not yet said whether the new Giulietta will be heading here, in accordance with its policy to not comment on future product.

Globally, three new engines will be offered with the Giulietta, starting with a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol unit outputting 89kW and an unspecified amount of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, down on the previous 1.4-litre mill that produced 110kW/250Nm.

Two other turbo-diesel engines are available for the Giulietta, starting with a 1.6-litre mill that also produces 89kW, however, like the petrol unit, torque figures have not been detailed.

Along with a six-speed manual, the 1.6-litre oil-burner will be offered with a six-speed TFT dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Sitting atop the range is a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 127kW, mated exclusively to the TCT transmission.

In total, four trim levels will be offered on the Giulia, however, the Australian line-up has previously been limited to two variants – Super and Veloce.

The global range opens with the Super, which features 16-inch alloys, chrome-plated tailpipes, dual-zone climate control, an anthracite dashboard fascia, cruise control, foglights and newly shaped seats.

Next up is the Sport, which adds 17-light alloys with a monochrome hubcap, red front and rear bumper profiles, carbon-finish headlight bezels, a gloss-black finish for the grille, doorhandles, mirror caps and badges; larger tailpipes and tinted windows.

Inside, it scores Alcantara and leather seats, red stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever and parking brake; and aluminium pedals and kick plate.

The penultimate model grade is the Executive, which adds a 6.5-inch Uconnect infotainment system with satellite navigation, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power door mirrors and front and rear parking sensors.

Decked out in a new Visconti Green livery, the Executive also scores matte grille and headlight bezels, 17-inch alloys and chrome mirror caps, handles, rear bumper finish, door trim and badging.

Sitting atop the range is the Veloce, offered solely with the top-spec 2.0-litre engine.

It includes sportier bumpers and side skirts, yellow Brembo brake callipers, 18-inch alloys, tinted windows, and black trim on the mirror caps, handles, grille, foglight bezel and tailpipes.

Inside, it gains Alcantara and fabric seats with contrasting yellow stitching and the Alfa logo on the headrests, aluminium pedals and kick plate, matte anthracite mouldings and a contoured sports steering wheel.

A number of option packs will available, including the Business Pack which adds the 6.5-inch infotainment system, rear parking sensors and a height-adjustable passenger seat, or the Racing Pack which bundles either red or yellow details including stitching on the steering wheel, gear selector and handbrake and colourful touches on the bumpers and callipers.

Alfa also recently revealed special-edition Racing versions of its Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio performance models, with an exclusive carbon-fibre aero kit designed in conjunction with Sauber Engineering.

Power has been boosted from 375kW to 388kW, while the sound of the twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 has been enhanced with an Akrapovic exhaust system.

Other enhancements include Sparco leather and Alcantara sports seats with a carbon shell and carbon-ceramic brakes.