When Drive recently road tested the Alfa Romeo MiTo for the December issue it turned out to be an exceptionally good package overall. I personally however had two problems with the MiTo, that ostentatious front grill was a bit much, even for an Alfa and lastly the little 1.4l motor was good but as they say there is no replacement for displacement. As if by telepathy Alfa have simultaneously solved both those problems for me with their latest gem, the Giuletta.

Alfa's Giulietta looks exceptional from the front

I loved the sexy little MiTo, as I have said however that grill was one step too far, from every other angle however the MiTo was classic Alfa styling. Now as you can see the Giulietta has put the grill on a diet and is looking far more trim and attractive. Still on the looks the interior shots of the Giulietta look plush and very well equipped, it almost seems a shame that much of the alluring interior is destined to fall off. One can never however criticise an Alfa for bits falling off, Alfa is allowed to do that. To be completely honest though the MiTo actually displayed some very impressive build quality, but I’m still not sure whether or not that is a good or bad thing.

This stuff may fall apart

Now we can move onto my second problem with the MiTo, or rather not a problem but a desire. Power, there are very few cars out there that us petrolheads don’t think need more. The MiTo was no exception but the Giulietta has already run off with my heart on the news that the range topping engine will be a 175kW/238hp petrol motor called the 1750 TBi. Furthermore the 1750 TBi will be a Multiair which improves low end torque and the motor will be built in Alfa’s exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde configuration.

There will be four engine options below the 1750 TBi split evenly between petrol and diesel variants. The South African market as it stands at the moment is likely to be receiving a 1.4TB petrol Multiair good for 126kW as well as the 1750 TBi. The Giulietta will naturally come equipped with the DNA system from the MiTo, allowing the driver to change the cars setup to suit road conditions. Q3 2010 can’t come soon enough.

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