Upgraded Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV details revealed

Alfa Romeo's facelifted Giulietta QV hot hatch is just about here, and the performance model will be introduced with a 'Launch Edition' priced at $45,000 and fitted with the standard TCT (dual-clutch transmission).

When it goes on sale next month the Giulietta QV (Quadrifoglio Verde, or 'Green Cloverleaf') will also be available in on-going variants – both manual and, for the first time, TCT -- priced at $39,000 for the former ($150 less than before) and $42,000 for the latter.

In manual form the Giulietta QV punches out the same 173kW, whereas the new TCT version is rated slightly higher at 177kW -- as per the mid-engine 4C. Both models produce the same peak torque figure of 340Nm. The 1750cc four-cylinder engine is direct-injected and turbocharged, driving to the front wheels. Official fuel consumption is 7.6L/100km for the manual or 7.0L/100km for the TCT, and the Giulietta QV polishes off the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds (manual) or 6.0 seconds (TCT).

With its unique drivetrain options, the Giulietta QV sits at the top of the tree, above the recently facelifted Giulietta Distinctive.

Comfort and convenience features fitted as standard over and above the Distinctive trim level equipment include: aluminium door sills bearing QV logo, aluminium-faced sports pedals, nine-speaker Bose HiFi audio system, dark leather/Alcantara upholstery combination (headlining also), leather-bound steering wheel with green/white stitching, height-adjustable front passenger seat, bespoke floor mats, seatback pockets and Uconnect 6.5-inch colour touch screen for infotainment system (with satellite navigation).

Additionally, the TCT version also gains a sports instrument cluster with QV logo, leather/Alcantara sports seats with green/white stitching, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with white stitching.

Outside, the manual QV can be identified by 18-inch alloy wheels in a silver finish, bi-xenon headlights in a dark finish, headlight washers, red Brembo brake callipers, satin-finish mirrors/door handles, side skirts, privacy glass behind the B-pillars and twin exhaust tail pipes.

The QV TCT also rides on 18-inch alloys, but in a burnished finish, and exterior features like mirrors, door handles, grille and fog light surrounds are all finished in gloss black. Further distancing itself from the manual QV, the TCT version comes with an intake sound generator, launch control and sports exhaust.

At the present time, Alfa Romeo is yet to reveal what constitutes the extra-cost ($3000) items in the Launch Edition Giulietta QV, but mainstream QV options the sunroof ($2000) and Matte Magnesio Grey ($1000) are a good chance. The optional paint colour is a matt grey, as the name indicates.