SECTOR: Compact medium hatchback PRICE: €17,050–€26,100 approx. FUEL: 4.0–6.4l/100km CO2: 104–148g/km

Alfa Romeo launched the revised Giulietta range at the Frankfurt Show last year, with a number of revisions to the model that first appeared in 2010. These include minor exterior changes such as a new front grille design and revised front fog lamp surrounds, new colour options and new 16, 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, all Giuliettas are available with Alfa’s new Uconnect multimedia system with 127mm screen or larger 165mm screen for models with satellite navigation. The system offers Bluetooth connectivity, wireless music streaming, and DAB digital radio. There are some trim changes including new door trim panels and a new “sporty” steering wheel. The seats have been redesigned for greater comfort. Alfa has also revised sound insulation to reduce interior noise for all models.

Under the bonnet, a revised 2.0-litre JTD engine now develops 150hp instead of 140hp, while emitting less CO2 – 9g/km less at 110g/km. Fuel consumption on the EU combined cycle is reduced to 4.2l/100km. The new common rail fuel injection system can provide up to eight injection pulses in each injection sequence, helping to reduce the characteristic diesel combustion noise, and 40% fewer components so should prove more durable.

Other engine options remain. This includes the 120hp and 170hp variants of the 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol engine. The 170hp variant with TCT automated twinclutch transmission benefits from CO2 emissions reduced to 119g/km. The 105hp 1.6-litre JTD diesel variant which delivers the lowest CO2 in the range at 104g/km. Topping the diesel range is the 175hp 2.0 JTD model.

As before, the car comes with the Alfa D. N. A. driving selector with Dynamic, Normal and All Weather options, designed to change various responses such as acceleration and steering to suit the mode selected.

Initially there is not too much to distinguish it from the earlier 140hp model. Externally the changes are small and the interior changes comparatively subtle. Interior quality is definitely better than earlier Alfas, but it still struggles to compete with rivals from Germany. The extra 10hp is welcome and more to the point, the additional sound insulation, which makes it more comparable with its diesel rivals. It’s a better rival than it used to be to models like the SEAT Leon FR, Vauxhall

Astra, Ford Focus and VW Golf, but surprisingly for a sporty Italian car, lacks the driver involvement of these models.

But it does offer competitive CO2 emissions and low fuel consumption, which helps to give it fleet appeal. This is helped by the comprehensive trim options – there are five in total – Impression, Progression, Distinctive, Exclusive and Quadrifolglio Verde, giving a wide range of prices. Availability varies according to market. Standard equipment includes six airbags, the Alfa DNA system, and manual climate control.

Progression adds rear electric windows, a CD/MP3 sound system and steering wheel remote controls. Distinctive brings a longer list of additional equipment including alloy wheels, front fog lights and dual zone climate control. Exclusive brings leather/fabric upholstery, rear parking sensors, rain sensing wipers and light sensing lights.

Verdict:

The 2014 Giulietta is a better car than before. Improved refinement is welcome and the 150hp diesel will be attractive in markets with CO2 based tax systems.