The Italian company is famous for making some of the most iconic cars of all time. The Giulietta probably isn't among them, but it's a nameplate that brings a whole load of genuine Alfa Romeo flavours.
The Italian carmaker used the Giulietta nameplate three times for models that belonged to different eras and didn't have too many things in common. Two of them were available in Australia – one is a medium-size saloon, while the other is a small family hatchback.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta – Tipo 116 (1980-1986)
The second time that Alfa Romeo used this nameplate was the first time we saw Giulietta in Australia. This medium-size saloon, or D-segment car, as Europeans would say, was in production between 1977 and 1986 and released here in 1980.
It featured typical dimensions for the segment but was characterised by some pretty advanced design solutions, particularly in its suspension setup. The Australian version was offered in two engine options.
Design
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Tipo 116 (or Type 116) is a boxy-shaped saloon, a styling typical to that era. What made it stand out were the advanced technologies and design solutions that it brought in its tiny package.
The suspension setup of the initial version was quite conventional. At the front were torsion and coil springs, while in the rear were a rigid axle, watt linkage, and coil springs. All model years were fitted with disc brakes on all four wheels.
Changes were introduced in the 1984 update, starting from a new styling, a new instrument cluster and a few mechanical upgrades that included a bigger and more powerful engine.
Also, this update brought a few suspension upgrades – the front end was equipped with an upgraded torsion bar and upper and lower wishbones. The rear end received a new axle, diagonal trailing arm, transverse watts, and coil springs.
Dimensions
Size-wise, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta was a typical medium-size saloon of the time. It featured a 2,510mm wheelbase and an overall length of 4,210 mm. It was 1,400mm high, 1,650mm wide, and weighed 1,140 kg when fully equipped.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta Tipo 116 Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 2510mm
- Length: 4210mm
- Height: 1400mm
- Width: 1650mm
- Ground clearance: 140mm
- Weight: 1140kg
- Turning circle: 10.9m
Engines
The initial version came with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine (87kW, 167 Nm) coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission. Such a combination guaranteed 0-100 sprint in about 9.6 seconds, which was a respectable number at the time. The claimed average fuel economy was around 8.8L/100km, while the top speed was 180 km/h.
The 1984 update brought a bigger and more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine (96 kW, 176 Nm), once again paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This version was slightly faster, with the 0-100km/h time of 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h and, as you may have already guessed, also slightly thirstier, consuming an average of 9.7L/100km.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.8 Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1779cc
- Number of cylinders: 4cyl
- Fuel type: Leaded Petrol
- Maximum torque: 167Nm
- Maximum power: 87kW
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 9.6s
- Top Speed: 180 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 8.8L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 50L
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1962cc
- Number of cylinders: 4cyl
- Fuel type: Leaded Petrol
- Maximum torque: 176Nm
- Maximum power: 96kW
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 9.4s
- Top Speed: 185 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 9.7L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 50L
Alfa Romeo Giulietta (Tipo 940) (2011-2021)
After a 25-year hiatus, the new Giulietta came back in 2011 but, this time, with a slightly different design. The new generation wasn't a saloon but rather a small family hatchback.
This model had a surprisingly long production cycle, which ended only last year. Still, keep in mind that there were a couple of facelifts during this production cycle, so the Giulietta was always fresh and competitive.
Design
As mentioned, the overall layout is entirely different compared to Tipo 116. This version came as a small family car with a five-door hatchback body style. The vehicle is based on a familiar Fiat Compact platform, which underpins several models from FCA, including the Jeep Cherokee and Chrysler 200.
Another big difference compared to the Tipo 116 is in the layout. This model features a transversally-mounted engine with front-wheel drive. All versions of the suspension setup feature an independent multi-link with a stabiliser bar on the rear end, while the front suspension features a typical independent McPherson setup. All four wheels come with ventilated disc brakes.
Dimensions
The Tipo 940 has a wheelbase that goes around 2.634 millimetres. It is 4,351mm long, 1,798mm wide, and 1,465mm high, and weighs between 1,355–1,395 kg, depending on the configuration.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 2634mm
- Length: 4351mm
- Height: 1465mm
- Width: 1798mm
- Weight: 1290kg
- Turning circle: 10.9m
Engines
The initial version was offered with a 1.4-litre turbo-four petrol engine (125 kW, 230 Nm), paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Such a setup provided 0-100km/h acceleration in less than 8 seconds, while the top speed was nearly 220 km/h. The company claimed 5.8L/100km for the average fuel economy in a combined ride. Since 2012, this engine was also available with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1368cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Maximum torque: 230Nm
- Maximum power: 125kW
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 7.8s
- Top Speed: 218 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 5.8L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 60L
A diesel version was offered the following year for the 2012 model. This one came with a familiar 2.0-litre JTD turbodiesel, with a max output of 125 kW and 350 Nm of torque. Interestingly, all diesel versions were equipped with a dual-clutch transmission.
The overall performance was pretty similar to the petrol-powered model – 0-to-100 in 7.9 seconds, top speed of 218 km/h, and claimed average fuel economy of 4.5L/100km combined.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTD Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1956cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Maximum torque: 350Nm
- Maximum power: 125kW
- Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 7.9s
- Top Speed: 218 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 4.5L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 60L
Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio
A high-performance version of this small family hatchback was already offered in the initial 2011 model year. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio price was notably higher than the standard model, and the reason was a full load of upgrades.
For example, this version featured a significantly upgraded suspension, with 15mm lower ground clearance and gas dampers. Furthermore, the brakes and the wheels were bigger.
Along with several exclusive styling details were interior features that you’d only find in the Quadrifoglio, such as leather and microfibre sports seats, dark brushed aluminium dashboard, to name a few.
Still, the most significant upgrade was the engine. This model came with a 1.75-litre turbo-four petrol engine (173 kW, 300 Nm), exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
It needed a little bit more than 6 seconds to hit 100km/h, while the top speed was over 240 km/h. The 2014 update brought a little more power (177kW) and slightly improved performances.
2014 Update
The Tipo 940 (or Type 940) had a pretty long production cycle, so it’s no wonder it was updated a few times. The first major update was for the 2014 model year.
We saw a few new styling details, such as a new grille, a chrome-plated frame for the fog lights, new wheels, and new colour options. On the inside, this update brought better seats and a new infotainment system.
2016 Update
The second update brought additional styling changes, a new brand logo, and lettering. Also, dual-clutch transmission became available with the 1.75-litre engine.
Did Alfa Romeo Stop Making the Giulietta?
The production of the Giulietta finally ended this summer, after a full 11 years.
Is Alfa Romeo Giulietta a reliable car?
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta reliability is undoubtedly one of the things that bother potential owners. It's no secret that Alfa Romeo cars haven't been particularly reliable in the last few decades.
Fortunately, that's not the case with this hatchback, so rest assured that it’s good quality and reliable.
Of course, it still isn't as reliable as an average Japanese car, but it's pretty much on par with the German competition. According to most Alfa Romeo Giulietta reviews, the most common issues are those regarding non-engine electrics. Other than that, things are just fine.
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By Nebojsa Grmusa