Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB Multiair 16v
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At first it was a coupe (later a limousine version also appeared), there it was back in 1954 or more than half a century ago. Of course, the sports car, as befits an Alpha, remained on the market for eleven years. And then more than ten years of emptiness followed.
In 1977, a new Giulietta entered the market, not at all like the old, even in spirit, since it was a classic, nothing (by Alfina standards) sports sedan (except for the very limited Turbodelta series). Even this Juliet turned out to be not very durable (not so much a car as the name itself), as she said goodbye in 1985, that is, after one generation.
And then 15 years of emptiness, until the new Juliet. The name is reminiscent of its predecessors, but the new Giulietta has little in common with them - this time it's a classic family five-door station wagon. Golf class, as the locals say (and for Alfa fans, which is somewhat inappropriate).
Thus, by introducing a new product, Alfa entered the most saturated and most competitive class of cars, in which it has not yet achieved success. Long-known favorites rule here: Golf, Megan, Astra. ... Or among the more prestigious brands: BMW 1 Series, Audi A3. ... Will Juliet be able to compete with them?
An exact answer to this question can be given at best by a comparative test, but already the first kilometers in the test, the Juliet, equipped and motorized with the most powerful "civilian" gasoline engine (above the sporty 1750 TBi) clearly showed that the answer is: yes. The Giulietta is a good car to impress the driver.
Of course, this does not mean that it is impossible to find parts that could be made better, or ones that might surprise the driver, but (bringing the test to the end), this Alfa is a serious competitor to the competition.
Slovenian buyers are also a little crazy about diesels of this class. Not as much as in the upper mid-range, but still, so one should expect such high-performance gasoline-powered Giuliettes to be in the minority.
It's a pity, because only a 1-liter engine is hidden under the hood, which, with the help of forced charging, can produce very healthy 4 "horses". It's not a racing car, but it's more than powerful enough to keep Giulietto moving decisively and quickly at all times.
The situation is worst at the lowest revs, since starting off on a steep slope can be more accurate than, for example, the usual for diesel drivers, but this is compensated by quiet and quiet operation, pleasant sound at the highest revs (which is also very popular ) and the flexibility to mess around with the gearbox.
Already at one and a half thousand revolutions, he pulls well in sixth gear. Consumption is also moderate: the test stopped just below ten. If you are in a sporty mood, he can boldly jump up, if yours is very moderate, and also boldly (at least two liters) down.
The standard Start & Stop system also helps a lot, which turns off the engine when the car is idling (and, of course, starts it again when shifting into first or reverse gear).
In addition to the driver's right foot, the button in front of the gear lever also determines how sporty the ride will be. The DNA is written there and the responsiveness of the electronic components of the car is set. Power supply, VDC stabilization system operation, power steering. ...
In addition to the usual one, it also has a winter and sports program, in the latter the VDC system is reduced, the power is more decisive, the electronic differential lock is stronger, and the driver also has an overboost function that improves the engine's performance for a short time. And indeed, in the corners, this Alpha feels great.
Part of the optional Sport Package is also a sportier chassis that, when combined with 17-inch tires, is still friendly enough to keep everyday use on rough roads comfortable enough.
Combined with 18-inch tires, even with a lower profile, the chassis stiffness can be too much, but that's when we'll test this combination. This chassis with 17-inch tires is definitely a great compromise between sportiness and comfort.
The same goes for the seats, which are full leather and red stitching (and the Alfa logo on the cushions). Very comfortable with little side grip but also great for long rides. It's a pity that the longitudinal travel isn't an inch longer, as taller drivers would have an easier time finding a comfortable driving position - but it's true that in this case, the depth of the excellent leather and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel will run out.
In any case, if you are less than 190, even 195 centimeters, you have nothing to worry about.
Let's get back to technology for a moment: the Giulietta will soon also get a dual-clutch transmission, while the test car will get a six-speed manual. The shift lever movements are too long (and too vague in first gear), but they are precise and fast.
However, the fact that Alfa is a sports brand is supported by the fact that sixth gear is not calculated very economically. The brakes are more than adequate (and sometimes squeal when reversing), and the steering wheel is precise and straight (especially when set to D in DNA, i.e. Dynamic).
With the N (normal) and A (all weather) settings, it is softer, but still gives sufficient feedback to the driver.
Not only the driver, but also the passengers will feel good. Of course, one should not expect spatial miracles from a car of this class, but here the Giulietta has proven itself well. There is enough space (by class standards), even in the back, there is excellent ventilation (dual-zone automatic air conditioning), accurate and fast, and most importantly, very comfortable for those sitting in the back.
There is nothing special in the trunk, but it will be enough for basic family needs, including a holiday. You just have to come to terms with the fact that this is not a caravan or minivan with a cubic meter of luggage compartment, but a middle-class car.
The only serious disadvantage of Giulietti here can be attributed to the incorrect divisibility of the back bench. Namely, it has one third of the part on the right, which means that it is almost impossible to use the child car seat when folding the left, two thirds of the part.
Many brands have already learned about this and now have two-thirds of the part on the right, while Alfa apparently sleeps in this area a little more (as evidenced by the impractical and difficult-to-use ISOFIX mounts). Another negative: some of the car's functions are configured on the color LCD screen, which is part of the navigation, and some on the information display between the (transparent and pleasant) gauges. Of course, each has its own control buttons. .
Considering that the Giulietta test had a Dynamic hardware package, in addition to which almost every option from the accessory list was marked, its price is really not that high.
A good 28k for a car that includes all safety equipment, DNA system, automatic air conditioning, Start & Stop, cruise control, Blue & Me hands-free (Bluetooth) system, which is already standard, and from the list of accessories for this money you also get a sports package (with several body accessories, a sports chassis ...), bi-xenon active headlights with automatic activation, a Boss audio system, navigation (with a large color LCD screen through which other car functions can be adjusted), mentioned above leather seats with red stitching, rain sensor. ...
Admittedly, this Alfa is well priced, and so its only selling point is not just the proverbial good-looking design, but the rest of the car, including the price.
Face to face. ...
Alyosha Mrak: Alpha is clearly heading in the right direction. While we have paid a lot of attention to her models so far just because of the shape, Juliet can also nod for the technique. With a few exceptions. The driving position is better, but the German rivals are still in the lead; the engine is great, only it is greedy and anemic when it is not helped by the turbocharger (see the Raceland time, which proves this unequivocally); and the Start & Stop system slowly wakes up when you push the clutch pedal all the way down, although otherwise the clutch "presses" more towards the end of the stroke.
But as already mentioned: you will immediately fall in love with Juliet (at least in this combination of equipment and engine), because very soon you will completely forget about minor mistakes. You know, it’s as if you don’t see the whims of a beautiful girl. ...
Dušan Lukić, photo: Matej Groshel
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB Multiair 16v (125 kW) Distinctive
Basic data
| Sales: | Avto Triglav doo |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 19.390 € |
| Test model cost: | 28.400 € |
| Power: | 125kW (170 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 7,8 with |
| Maximum speed: | 218 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 5,8l / 100km |
| Guarantee: | 2 years general and mobile warranty, 3 years varnish warranty, 8 years rust warranty. |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 645 € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 11.683 € |
| Tires (1) | 2.112 € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 3.280 € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 3.210 ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | € 29.046 0,29 (km cost: XNUMX €) |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbo petrol - front mounted transversely - bore and stroke 72 × 84 mm - displacement 1.368 cm? – compression 9,8:1 – maximum power 125 kW (170 hp) at 5.500 rpm – average piston speed at maximum power 15,4 m/s – specific power 91,4 kW/l (124,3 hp / l) - maximum torque 250 Nm at 2.500 rpm. min - 2 overhead camshafts (timing belt) - 4 valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection - exhaust gas turbocharger - charge air cooler. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | front wheel motor drives - 6-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 3,90; II. 2,12 hours; III. 1,48 hour; IV. 1,12; V. 0,90; VI. 0,77 - Differential 3,833 - Wheels 7 J × 17 - Tires 225/45 R 17, rolling circumference 1,91 m. |
| Capacity: | 218 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7,8 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 7,8/4,6/5,8 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 134 g/km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | limousine - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer - rear multi-link axle, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, parking mechanical brake on the rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, power steering, 2,5 turns between extreme points. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.365 kg - permissible total weight 1.795 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake: 1.300 kg, without brake: 400 kg - permissible roof load: no data. |
| External dimensions: | vehicle width 1.798 mm, front track 1.554 mm, rear track 1.554 mm, ground clearance 10,9 m. |
| Inner dimensions: | front width 1.530 mm, rear 1.440 mm - front seat length 530 mm, rear seat 500 mm - steering wheel diameter 375 mm - fuel tank 60 l. |
| Box: | Trunk volume measured with AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (278,5 L total): 5 seats: 1 aircraft suitcase (36 L), 1 suitcase (85,5 L), 1 suitcase (68,5 L), 1 backpack (20 l). |
Our measurements
| T = 28 ° C / p = 1.198 mbar / rel. vl. = 25% / Tires: Pirelli Cinturato P7 225/45 / R 17 W / Mileage status: 3.567 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 8,5s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 16,1 years ( 138 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 8,3 / 11,7s |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 8,9 / 11,5s |
| Maximum speed: | 218km / h (WE.) |
| Minimum consumption: | 7,3l / 100km |
| Maximum consumption: | 12,4l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 9,6 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 130 km / h: | 70,6m |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 39,9m |
| AM table: | 40m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 56dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 54dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 52dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear | 52dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear | 64dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear | 62dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 60dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear | 59dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear | 66dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 64dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear | 62dB |
| Idling noise: | 36dB |
| Test errors: | unmistakable |
Overall rating (342/420)
The Juliet is, at least judging by the scores, a very balanced machine that does not tilt sharply down anywhere, and in many places it is more compact than the competition.
Exterior (15/15)
Top-of-the-line design, as we would expect from Alpha.
Interior (99/140)
Earned minor disadvantages in ergonomics, the air conditioner is excellent, the capacity is average.
Engine, transmission (56
/ 40)Alfa's small turbochargers are excellent proof that a well-executed downsizing is a good solution.
Driving performance (63
/ 95)An excellent combination of sportiness and comfort, precise steering, good position on the road.
Performance (29/35)
The 1,4-liter turbo engine can be fast, but at the same time flexible and quiet enough.
Security (43/45)
Despite the excellent EuroNCAP result and the abundance of safety equipment, the too long stopping distance took a lot of points.
Economy
The base price doesn't differ much from most of the competition.
We praise and reproach
engine
form
air conditioning
position on the road
standard equipment
dual customization of car functions
too longitudinal displacement of the driver's seat
divisibility of the back bench
impractical ISOFIX mounts
