11:16 pm, February 1, 2012
Alfa romeo at last have a mid-range diesel engine for their hatchback model. is it any good? JAMES BATCHELOR finds out
WHAT IS IT?
This is an important engine for the Giulietta as it hurls the Italian firm into the mid-spec diesel market for hatchbacks – a crucial sector Alfa Romeo wants to compete in. It aims to balance fuel economy with performance.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
This diesel sits between the 105bhp 1.6-litre JTDm, and the big daddy of the black pump range, the 170bhp 2.0-litre JTDm. It packs 140bhp and a more-than-healthy 320Nm of torque to propel the car to 62mph in 8.8s and onto 127mph. It emits only 119g/km.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
The JTDm-2 140 range kicks off with Lusso at £20,750 boasting 16-inch alloys, Blue&Me and climate control and rises to £20,050 for the Veloce that has leather and lost of aluminium trim. All have Alfa’s DNA system.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
It’s a decent effort from Alfa and is a welcome addition to the range. It’s just a shame about the intrusive diesel clatter, and ambitious 62.8mpg figure – we managed 49mpg. We think the grippy and highly composed chassis is super, though.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK OF IT?
Autocar felt that by sticking to the motorways, the Giulietta is ‘a worthy enough alternative to the Focus’ although What Car? said they’d rather plump for the cheaper 1.6-litre diesel version.
WHAT DO WE THINK OF IT?
We’re fans of the Giulietta and this engine is a welcome addition to an already strong product line-up.
