The power of emotions - Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Four-leaf clover. The symbol of happiness has a special meaning for Alfa Romeo fans. With the legendary Quadrifoglio Verde, the Italian brand has been celebrating the fastest variations of individual models over the years.

In the case of the Giulietta, the four-leaf clover symbol appears on the fenders of the version equipped with the 1750 TBi turbocharged engine. Italian engineers coped with the task, squeezing 1742 hp out of 235 cc. and 340 Nm of torque! No less important are the speeds at which the driver has at his disposal the maximum engine parameters. They are 5500 and 1900 rpm respectively. For a smooth ride, it is enough to keep the tachometer needle within 2-3 thousand revolutions.

If you feel the need for speed, you need to crank the revs and reach for the DNA system selector, which is located on the center console. In mode dynamic electronics hone the work of the gas pedal, activates the Overboost function, activates the Q2 electronic differential lock, limits the power of the power steering, and on the multimedia display you can select a boost pressure indicator or ... an overload sensor. The difference is really big. While in mode Normal Giulietta is just a living machine, yes dynamic he becomes a compact racer who turns every touch of the gas into a force that pushes passengers into their seats.

On good road surfaces, Alpha accelerates to “hundreds” in just 6,8 seconds. The speedometer needle does not stop until 242 km / h. How much do you pay for great performance? The manufacturer reports 7,6 l/100km on the combined cycle. In practice, this is 10-11 l / 100km, which is a very decent result for 235 km, which can be lowered. When driving on the highway at a speed of about 120 km / h, the computer reports 8 l / 100 km.

The magnificent powertrain is kept in step with a 6-speed gearbox. The accuracy of the gear selection mechanism contributes to the "mixing" of gears. Actually, this is not necessary. The flexibility of the engine allows it to move on the road only in the last two gears. Potential Alfa Romeo users may like the clutch, which, despite the car's sporty nature, doesn't offer much resistance.

Torque goes exclusively to the front axle. So grip issues are inevitable when accelerating from a standstill, but the Giulietta doesn't exhibit excessive understeer in tight corners. The driver can count on the support of ESP (called Alfa VDC) and the aforementioned Q2 system. The vigilance of assistants depends on the selected mode of operation of the DNA system. All the weather designed to improve driving safety in difficult conditions, so the thresholds for individual systems are reduced. Normal it is a solution for everyday driving. The sharpest dynamic allows for slight slippage. However, the manufacturer did not provide for the possibility of completely disabling the ESP system.

The suspension of the Quadrifoglio Verde version is lowered and strengthened. Standard tires 225/45 R17. The test sample received wheels with a dimension of 225/40 R18, for which an additional charge was required - they do not like bumps in the road, but compensate for any inconvenience with excellent grip on fast-moving sections of smooth asphalt.

The most predatory version of the Giulietta is of interest to other drivers. Age, gender or type of vehicle does not matter. The tasteful bodywork, matte mirror caps, four-leaf clover logos on the front fenders and big wheels are all eyeing with interest – 330mm wheels and blood red four-piston calipers show through the front wheel lugs. Alfa Romeo's latest model is certainly not the best offer for people who would like to remain anonymous.

There are also many attractions inside. The original cockpit is made of quality materials. In the Quadrifoglio Verde version, brushed aluminum inserts, red leather stitching on the steering wheel and aluminum pedal caps create a sporty atmosphere. The seats are well shaped and comfortable. You can sit very low. The steering column is adjustable in two planes, and the seatbacks, as befits a sports car, can be installed vertically. The interior design team focused on its appearance. Unfortunately, he forgot about stowage compartments and an intuitive multimedia system and cruise control, which is controlled using an additional lever on the steering column. People who are used to carrying drinks in the car will have serious problems. The bottle cannot be hidden in the side pockets of the door.

However, the Giulietta driver's biggest curse is limited visibility. The field of view is narrowed by the steep slope of the A-pillars, the ascending window line and a small glass in the tailgate. Rear parking sensors are the recommended option.

Front body capacity is very good. In the rear, passengers could use more headroom. Under the neatly folded body is 350 liters of luggage space. This is a typical value for the C segment. However, the Giulietta is not as good as its competitors when it comes to more luggage. It has a high loading threshold, and with the rear seats folded down, the trunk volume grows to only 1045 liters. The soundproofing of the cabin is decent - the noise of the air flowing around the body has been eliminated, and the operation of the engine, although audible, is not annoying. Alpha, on the other hand, irritates with a piercing alarm that accompanies the opening and locking of the door.

There are many legends about the durability of Italian cars. The scoffers claim that the "Italian" requires repairs within a few moments after leaving the workshop. Anyone with that attitude would have entered the Juliet presented, he would have questioned the theories he has preached so far. The interior of the car, despite almost 37 kilometers on the odometer, showed no serious signs of wear. The suspension picked up the bumps without too much noise. The soundly assembled interior creaked softly only on the biggest bumps, and it should be emphasized that users of sports cars of other brands also experience similar noises. The hardest thing to endure was the hardships of operation ... an air control knob that was too tight and did not rotate smoothly. The analog temperature controls worked fine. In a few years, we will find out if Alfie Romeo has finally managed to break with its inglorious past. Dekra's reports are optimistic - Juliet's older sister, Alfa Romeo, has received positive reviews.

Giulietta in the flagship version of Quadrifoglio Verde costs 106,9 thousand rubles. zloty. The amount is hardly cheap, but not exorbitant. Remember that we are talking about a well-equipped machine with a 235 hp engine. Upgrading your equipment with the following items from the options list can quickly increase your final score. Very useful rear parking sensors cost PLN 1200, bi-xenon headlights with cornering light function - PLN 3850, 18-inch wheels - PLN 4. PLN, and navigation with a display that slides out of the side - PLN 6. For the red three-layer varnish 8C Competizione you have to pay as much as PLN 8. Beauty requires sacrifice…