cool

As family hatches go, miles cooler than the default Golf/Focus/Astra choices. But is it just a bit too sensible to be a truly cool Alfa Romeo? 

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta gets the usual array of Alfa/Fiat engines, including three petrols (120bhp 1.4TB, 170bhp 1.4TB MultiAir and a 235bhp 1.8), and two diesels (105bhp 1.6 JTDM and a 170bhp 2.0 JTDM). Objectively, the 1.4 MultiAir petrol is excellent. It'll do 0-62mph in under eight seconds. Feels a bit dead below 2,000rpm but it hardly feels like a tiny petrol engine with a fat turbo attached. It is soulless though, and doesn't fizz around the rev gauge with intent.

Far more spacious inside than the old 147, with much better isolation against road noise and wind. Right up there with the best in class.

Running costs

A car for the 21st century: even the 1.4 petrols return 49mpg and emit just 134g/km of CO2. The 1.6 JTDM is the winner though - 76.3mpg on the combined cycle.