Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde

Is the Giulietta worthy of the Quadrifoglio Verde badge? First impressions…

Just like its tomboy little sister – the MiTo – the Giulietta has been given a sports makeover.

Most significantly, it now uses the same direct-injection, 1750cc turbo petrol engine and six-speed transmission from the stunning Alfa Romeo 4C supercar. Alfa’s engineers have also worked on the “music” of the Giulietta QV, giving it a suitably rorty exhaust note.

Now with Launch Control, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde can accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 6.0 seconds and top 149mph. It also benefits from reduced CO2 emissions, dropping from 177 to 162 g/km.

The Giulietta is already very pretty and thankfully Alfa hasn’t gone OTT with the QV changes.

Distinguished by its lowered sports suspension and Quadrifoglio Verde emblem on the front wings; it features various styling tweaks including an Anthracite finish on the mirror fairings, front grille, door handles and fog-light frames, two large exhaust tailpipes, 18-inch alloy wheels and red Brembo brake callipers with 320mm brake discs.

Inside, there are comfortable new leather sports seats, aluminium sports pedals, special floor mats, leather-trimmed gear selector and Alfa Romeo’s new 6.5-inch touch-screen multimedia system – much better than the system used in the MiTo QV.

The Giulietta QV used Alfa’s DNA selector, offering different throttle, transmission and steering settings depending on the driver’s choice. So it will cruise around happily in Normal (N) and All-weather (A) modes, while getting a little frisky in Dynamic (D).

It works as a basic automatic, though motorsport-style sequential shifts are possible via the gear lever or steering wheel paddles.

I was a little underwhelmed by the last Giulietta I drove – a 2.0 JTDM-2. The QV is an attractive, capable everyday car, but it won’t take your breath away.

It’s still not quite as hot as it could be and not really a rival for the Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST. Yet, with a £28,120 price tag, that’s exactly what it’s up against.

As was ever the case, you don’t just buy an Alfa Romeo for its performance, handling and price-point – Alfas are also bought for their looks and heritage and the Giulietta QV is no exception.

Review: @garethherincx