REVIEW
Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV 2014 Review
Guest-writer and part-time motoring photographer gives us his take on the four-leafed furyAlfa Romeo Giulietta QV 1750 TBi
Extended-Term Test (Update #2)
As I was passed the keys of motoring.com.au’s distinctly Italian extended-term tester, I was told it’s not a car, it’s an Alfa Romeo. Those two words that conjure memories of the crackle of an engine running too rich or the heartache of electrical problems in any petrol head’s mind are all but extinct in this 21st century warm hatch.
While the Alfa sat beside six other ‘warm hatches’ at the track (more in our upcoming comparison) the judges’ opinions were clearly polarised in regards to its styling: A slightly pinched nose? Too curvaceous through its side profile?
Italian design is often imbrued with a certain distinction and it’s for the owners that this individuality proves desirable. The QV certainly does hold a personality of its own that provides more character than some of its peers.
The exterior’s styling cues emanate to the interior with restrained use of black leather hemmed by red stitching and a cowled dash that requires a short course in Italian (don’t let the benzina run too low or the acqua too high).
Acquiring a good seating position was easy, albeit mediated through light and somewhat flimsy plastic adjustment levers. The metal-looking but veritably plastic gear knob promotes the Alfa’s speedy intentions. It’s clearly a setting more akin to a brisk Sunday drive than the morning school run.
Practicality is not forgotten, with simple but well implemented dual-zone climate control, automatic wipers/lights and ski hole through to a reasonably spacious 350-litre boot.
Unfortunately, the air of sophistication is not entirely consistent. Compared to the Giulietta’s competition, the plug-in TomTom sat-nav atop the dash and dot matrix audio head-unit feel outdated.
Of most frustration, however, was the connection to the car’s Bluetooth system. Among the multiple buttons and menus for media and voice connections, not one combination would work until we spoke to the QV directly. The hindrance could have been offset by being able to play music through the wirelessly-connected smartphone, however, this is only achievable using the USB port with compatible devices.
At 173kW and 340Nm there is plenty of grunt to grind the front-wheeler into some fun and inviting roads, and as our upcoming comparison will show, it’s quite the capable car.
However, the awkward foot pedal placement – and their slippery-when-wet finish – can remove some of the fun factor if hopping in on a wet day. And like a rugby player striking a thumb piano, I found my size 10 shoes clipping the accelerator and brake pedals simultaneously at times. I can wholeheartedly agree with our previous update now that I too stalled the engine.
A clinical, seamlessly powerful, point-and-shoot German the QV is not. A car that rewards perseverance, and a more than a little understanding, it is.
And in that rather ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ kind of way, it’s the Giulietta QV’s character that, eventually, compensates for its shortcomings.
2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV 1750 TBi pricing and specifications:
Price: $39,150 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.7-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 173kW/340Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 7.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 177g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
| What we liked: | Not so much: |
| >> QV trim and decor | >> Step-off lag |
| >> Strong braking action | >> Bluetooth glitches |
| >> DNA drive-mode selector | >> Lack of dedicated sat-nav |
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Written byAlex Rae
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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