Kia Pro_cee'd 2014 Review
Never mind the bizarre badging, Kia’s initial warm hatch is a match for Euro rivals.
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Good news has been very thin on the ground for the Alfisti for what seems like a decade. Sure the stunning little Alfa 4C has been a bright and shining light in a dwindling range as Fiat-owned Alfa's masters dithered about what to do next, but there's not been much for the fan to buy after the demise of the lovely 159.
This is a great pity because when the Giulietta first launched it was very, very promising. With the recent launch of the Giulia, we thought it worth revisiting the Italian answer to VW's all-conquering Golf.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2015: Distinctive | |
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Safety rating | |
Engine Type | 1.4L turbo |
Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
Fuel Efficiency | 5.2L/100km |
Seating | 5 seats |
Price from | $10,120 |
There's a lot of Alfa 4C and 8C in the Giulietta and the style works a lot better than it does on the sad-looking MiTo. There are some lovely shapes in the Giulietta - open the rear doors and look at the shape of the aperture. Very cool and probably very expensive to make.
The Distinctive picks up 16-inch turbine alloys and some very Italian chrome work on the windows. The nose is dominated by that big Alfa shield, with the upward sweep of the shield's lines continuing onto the bonnet. The rear view is pretty good too, with adventurous and distinctively shaped tail-lights that look great at night.
The inside is solidly built and swathed in surprisingly lovely leather. The Tobacco colour of the interior may not be to everyone's taste, but we grew to like it during our time with it. Most of the materials are really good, but the dashboard structure is already starting to look its age and the graphics in the instrument pack were good when it launched but look a bit tired now.
There's nothing of substance wrong, though, and it's a nice place to be.
Under the stubby bonnet is a 1.4L turbo-petrol four-cylinder. The Italians really know how to make a small, efficient engine and this one is no exception with 125kW and 250Nm. It will take you to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds and deliver a claimed 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Driven as Turin expects you to, you'll see mid-8s
Six airbags, ABS, traction and stability control, brake force distribution, brake assist and tyre pressure sensors add up to a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km warranty
ANCAP Safety Rating
The Giulietta was a bit of a hit at launch, hitting the ground running when it came to the competition. The problem is it hasn't kept up - not helped by VW's irritating habit of producing excellent updates like Golf VII.
On its own, though, you've got a car that stands out, looks good and has that emotional connection with a car company that is easy to love - and getting easier by the day. In other words, it's the most interesting car in its segment. It's a good car, so if you can live with pixelly graphics and something that needs a bit more attention than the average car when you're behind the wheel, this is the car for you.
Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
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1.4 | 1.4L, PULP, 6 SP MAN | $7,480 – 10,560 | 2015 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2015 1.4 Pricing and Specs |
Progression 1.4 | 1.4L, PULP, 6 SP DUAL-CLUTCH AUTO | $8,800 – 12,430 | 2015 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2015 Progression 1.4 Pricing and Specs |
Progression JTD-M | 2.0L, Diesel, 6 SP DUAL-CLUTCH AUTO | $9,240 – 12,980 | 2015 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2015 Progression JTD-M Pricing and Specs |
Distinctive | 1.4L, PULP, 6 SP DUAL-CLUTCH AUTO | $10,120 – 13,860 | 2015 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2015 Distinctive Pricing and Specs |
Design | 8 |
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Price and features | 7 |
Under the bonnet | 7 |
Safety | 7 |
Driving | 7 |
$7,480
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data