Fiat subsidiary Alfa Romeo published details and photos on the Alfa Giulietta today. As expected, the Giulietta is the latest in a long line of beautiful Alfas. This one might actually be sold in the U.S., as Fiat officials are saying it will come here in 2011.
We'd advise not holding your breath on that detail, though, given that Fiat chairman Sergio Marchionne offered little hope on that front back at the big Chrysler press conference in November 2009. You'll recall that he responded to a journalist's question about Alfa's future in the U.S. thusly: "We have Alfa in the 2014 sales numbers. But it's not much. Alfa needs to make a case for itself here, though."
Clear as mud then. Whatever the Giulietta's prospects in the U.S., it is the first car to built on Fiat's new compact architecture and it will underpin a range of future compact and midsize cars -- reportedly Chryslers and Dodges, too.
At 171.2 inches from nose to tail, this Alfa Romeo hatchback is a couple inches shorter than the Dodge Caliber, and it rides on a nearly 103.5-inch wheelbase. The Giulietta is a couple inches wider than the Dodge from shoulder to shoulder (70.9 inches) and about 2 inches shorter (57.5 inches).
More photos and details after the jump.
Inside Line News: Alfa Romeo Giulietta Rolls Out
The engine range will initially be four deep with two gasoline engines (including a 170-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with Fiat's MultiAir variable valve timing technology) and two diesels. The top diesel offering is likely the strongest of the four, as it's a Fiat MultiJet displacing 2.0 liters and rated at 170 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque.
Later on, a new direct-injected and turbocharged, 1.8-liter four will slot it at the top of the lineup. Look for this sophisticated engine to pump out 235 hp and 251 pound-feet of torque -- nothing short of stellar for a motor of this size. Said engine will be available only on a Quadrifoglio Verde ("four-leaf clover") version of the Giulietta featuring a lowered sport suspension.
All Alfa Giulietta models will come standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and the top gas and diesel engines will get a six-speed, twin-clutch gearbox option as well.
Interior furnishings are said to be inspired by the 8C Competizione (ah, wouldn't we all love to say that?). The preliminary features list doesn't include anything out of the ordinary, but the pop-up navigation system is a TomTom unit and is indeed removable.
jederino says:
02:47 PM, 04/13/10
Gorgeous car. Would absolutely love to dream of possibly buying this, even if it had to eventually be left by the roadside in a steaming pile. Please may this at least have average reliability, and it is too good to pass up!
lj182 says:
03:09 PM, 04/13/10
Dear Fiat, Please keep your Fiat 500 in Europe and send this (or any other Alfa) instead. Thanks.
gregnv says:
03:15 PM, 04/13/10
This looks like a 5 door, but without door handles on the rear side doors. Are the rear doors suicide doors (like the RX8) or are they standard doors?
smudge12 says:
03:24 PM, 04/13/10
They are standard doors. The handles are hidden in the C pillar. The fifth picture shows it clearest.
brn says:
03:28 PM, 04/13/10
I can't get past the fugly nose on Alphas.
brn says:
08:43 PM, 04/13/10
I don't know if you just insulted her front or complemented her behind. Maybe a bit of both.
crowb says:
06:14 AM, 04/14/10
I am in love with this car.
throwback says:
06:45 AM, 04/14/10
Stunning car, if they can price it at Mini Cooper S levels it will sell like crazy. Saab better get their 92 built fast or they will be left in the dust.
grkflyer says:
07:52 AM, 04/14/10
As a current owner of a 335i and in the market of a small everyday car I must say...this is Gorgeoussss......! I would buy it in a heartbeat just on looks alone, what do u know, I guess love at first sight does exist.
firstwagon says:
12:13 PM, 04/14/10
"Dear Fiat, Please keep your Fiat 500 in Europe and send this (or any other Alfa) instead. Thanks."
Send both. The Fiat 500 is a great little car and should be a lot cheaper then the Alfa. Italian character and style at Honda Fit prices and they will sell eveyone they can build.
The Alfa is a more premium car and will compete in a tougher crowd. It will be a slower seller.
dino6 says:
01:11 PM, 04/14/10
Sex sells! Alfa Romeo is the sexiest car brand in the world. Ferraris, Lambos, Maseratis are like supermodels - you can gawk but have no real prospects. Alfa Romeo is the sexy black haired Italian cheerleader in school - high maintenance but you have real prospects. Or just remember Mrs. Robinson if you lean more that way.
Marchionne has to bring something unique to the U.S. market as long as it has average reliability. I'd rather have this Giuletta over a Mini Cooper. This will sell.
1ToBeOn2Wheels says:
06:22 PM, 04/14/10
Stunning inside and out! I absolutely love this car. As long as it stays under $30,000, I'm sold. This would make a great everyday ride!
charlesb says:
08:49 AM, 04/19/10
Looks good and with Italian reliability! I guess .500 keeps you in the bigs.