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The new Giulietta was introduced to the Irish motoring press yesterday at an event in Mondello Park in County Kildare.
The 2014 model gets improvements to the front end as well as new 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs and some new exterior colours. Three trim levels are available: Progression, Distinctive and Exclusive.
Two engines are offered with the Progression trim: a 1.4 TB 120hp turbo petrol and the 1.6 JTD, 105hp turbo diesel.
The Distinctive petrol range includes the 1.4 TB 120hp and 1.4 TB MultiAir 170hp engines while the diesel range includes the 1.6 105hp turbo diesel and Alfa Romeo's new 2.0 JTDM-2 150hp engine.
Engines for the top Exclusive trim level include the 1.4 MultiAir 170hp, 1.6 JTDM-2, 105hp and the new 2.0 JTDM, 215hp and 2.0 175hp TCT.
Exterior revisions include a new grille, new alloy wheels and new colours as well as interior upgrades with new seats, new door trims and a new steering wheel plus new upholsteries and revised switchgear. It also gets Uconnect colour touchscreen infotainment system, with Bluetooth and DAB, as standard across the range. C02 emissions have also been improved.
The interior benefits from improved styling and redesigned seats exuding Italian craftsmanship. They are also more comfortable with better support. Sound insulation has also been improved. The Giulietta also gets the Uconnect multimedia system which takes pride of place in the redesigned, high quality dashboard. Aux ports are now relocated to a more user friendly position in the centre console.
The Progression model gets as standard, new 16-inch alloy wheels, the Uconnect system, Bluetooth, tyre pressure monitoring and new seat fabrics with matching dashboard, door and central tunnel inserts. You also get the Alfa DNA driving selector, air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, VDC stability control and the brand's electronic Q2 differential.
Alfa say the 2014 Giulietta is not only one of the most enjoyable driving experiences in its class, but is also one of the safest cars on the road. We took it for a short spin on the roads near Mondello yesterday and look forward to a longer test drive with the car.
Prices start at €22,500.
