Upgraded Alfa goes on sale

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta has been revised for 2016 with a gently upgraded look, a smattering of extra equipment and some discreet technical changes.

The Italian Golf rival is now available in revised and renamed trim levels, featuring subtle styling changes to match the aesthetics of the Giulia mid-sized saloon.

The new front-end styling comprises a striking new honeycomb grille, piano black bumper inserts ( with red highlights on sporty models) and revised headlamp and fog lamp surrounds.

The look is complemented by new Alfa Romeo and Giulietta badge designs, new alloy wheels, revised tail pipes and additional colours (Alfa White and Lipari Grey).

Meanwhile, the interior benefits from revised seat upholsteries and dashboard/door panel finishes, a new trip computer display and a Uconnect infotainment system with smartphoneenabled services including music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news from Reuters, Facebook and Twitter check in, and traffic updates for navigation-equipped models.

Prices start at £18,450 for the turbo 120hp 1.4-litre version, with the new 120hp diesel TCT model going for £ 22,300 and £ 28,480 for the range-topping and TCT-only Veloce.

The new Alfa Romeo will be available in five trim levels: Giulietta, Giulietta Super, Giulietta Tecnica, Giulietta Speciale and Giulietta Veloce.

The latter is also the fastest version of the Giulietta, using a turbocharged 1.75litre engine that produces 240hp and is paired to a specially calibrated version of the brand’s twin-clutch transmission.

The entry-level Giulietta now benefits from burnished headlamp surrounds, satin-finish door handles and new oblique tailpipes, while inside there are new grey and black fabric seats with Alfa Romeo logo on the head restraints, a new matte black dashboard insert and luxury floor mats. Engines available include a 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol with 120hp and a 1.6 litre turbodiesel, also with 120hp.

There’s the same size of petrol engine with 150hp and a 2.0 litre diesel that has 150hp as well.

For the first time you can combine the 118bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel with the Alfa TCT twin- clutch transmission. The Italians quote 99g/km of CO2, 74.3mpg, a top speed of 121mph and 0-62mph in 10.2sec.

If you want even more style in your Giulietta, you can purchase an add-on kit.

The new Lusso pack can be added to the Super model to enhance the elegant look of the car and includes a 17-inch alloy wheel upgrade, sports leather upholstery, a rear armrest with third rear headrest, and aluminium kick plates.

There’s a price to pay for the additional style though – the Lusso Pack costs £2,650.

Pictures: Newspress. The refreshed Alfa Romeo Giulietta is on sale now with prices ranging from £18,450 to £28,480.