Like any certifiable car-nut, I'm always the first in line to drive the odd car, the one that doesn't fit the mold. Last summer, I hung out at a local tuner/car enthusiast watering hole called Julep and was far more fascinated by the old, seemingly rundown cars than the newer, heavily modified ones. In fact, by the end of the night, I had taken a MKI Rabbit 1.9L TDI for a drive. I could not have been more elated.
More or less, the same thing happened when Mike and I got to Monticello Motor Club's parking lot for IMPA's Test Days. In a fraction of an instant, I had honed in on the duckling (far from ugly, mind you), the one that certainly didn't fit perfectly in the overall vehicular picture. There it was: the 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce.
Sitting amongst other turbocharged cars at the Honeywell booth, provider of turbo technology for many OEMs, the black Giulietta looked like a supermodel sitting in the middle of a group of average people. Slotted between a Volkswagen Golf TDI and a Chevrolet Cruze 1.4 turbo, the Alfa was almost overdressed.
Italian design
It's a well-known fact that Italian cars are some of the prettiest on the road. Although I cannot comment on their reliability – their reputation being well established -- this Alfa sports all the necessary elements to make it a head-turner.
Obviously, as the Alfa Giulietta is an uncommon car in North America, it already grabs attention. However, with its unique, optional 18” wheels, rear spoiler, silver mirror caps, funky headlights, and eye-catching, signature family grille, this car is hot. As an FYI, the Giulietta is only offered as a five-door hatchback with integrated rear door handles.
The cabin is also fashionable, but it doesn't wow the same way the body shell does. This is a testament to how good many manufacturers have become at designing dashboards, switchgear and seats. The Alfa does get special toggle switches for fog lights, start-stop system and door locks. The perches are as supportive and comfortable as they look, and the back row is ideal for two adults. The trunk is spacious, complete with a pass-through and a 60/40 split.
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| As tested, I figured that my Giulietta retails for just short of €30,000 which converts to approx. $40,000. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
More or less, the same thing happened when Mike and I got to Monticello Motor Club's parking lot for IMPA's Test Days. In a fraction of an instant, I had honed in on the duckling (far from ugly, mind you), the one that certainly didn't fit perfectly in the overall vehicular picture. There it was: the 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce.
Sitting amongst other turbocharged cars at the Honeywell booth, provider of turbo technology for many OEMs, the black Giulietta looked like a supermodel sitting in the middle of a group of average people. Slotted between a Volkswagen Golf TDI and a Chevrolet Cruze 1.4 turbo, the Alfa was almost overdressed.
Italian design
It's a well-known fact that Italian cars are some of the prettiest on the road. Although I cannot comment on their reliability – their reputation being well established -- this Alfa sports all the necessary elements to make it a head-turner.
Obviously, as the Alfa Giulietta is an uncommon car in North America, it already grabs attention. However, with its unique, optional 18” wheels, rear spoiler, silver mirror caps, funky headlights, and eye-catching, signature family grille, this car is hot. As an FYI, the Giulietta is only offered as a five-door hatchback with integrated rear door handles.
The cabin is also fashionable, but it doesn't wow the same way the body shell does. This is a testament to how good many manufacturers have become at designing dashboards, switchgear and seats. The Alfa does get special toggle switches for fog lights, start-stop system and door locks. The perches are as supportive and comfortable as they look, and the back row is ideal for two adults. The trunk is spacious, complete with a pass-through and a 60/40 split.
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| The cabin is fashionable, but it doesn't wow the same way the body shell does. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |