These are the first official shots of the revised-for-2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta, due to debut at the Frankfurt motor show next week, and on sale in Europe in October - expect right-hand drive versions about four to six months later, with a South African release pencilled in for the first quarter of next year.
New features include updated front-end styling with a new LED lighting package, new engine options and more electronic bells and whistles.
A redesigned grille, chromed foglight bezels and new LED headlight clusters with daytime running lights distinguish the new Giulietta's front treatment, matched by new LED tail light clusters and new alloy rims in 16, 17 and 18” diameters.
Inside, there are new door panels and handles, and a new trim insert for the centre stack and dashboard, together with new seats and a new steering wheel; in particular, the Quadrifoglio Verde model features new sports seats upholstered in a black leather and alcantara mix with contrasting stitching and an embossed logo on the backrest.
FIVE-MODEL RANGE
The Progression derivative is trimmed in black and grey fabric, while the Distinctive customer can choose between black and tan, or plain grey fabric upholstery.
The Exclusive version is trimmed in a leather/fabric mix, in either black and grey or tan and grey. Full leather upholstery in black, red or tan is available on request.
The new steering wheel boasts an aluminium insert and black, white or red stitching - depending on the interior - on leather trim with a special foam backing that ensures a firm grip, while the luggage compartment has been re-lined with special black trim.
A new Uconnect infotainment system - available on all five derivatives as an extra-cost option - is based on either a 125mm or 165mm touchscreen with satnav and voice recognition functions, as well as USB and auxiliary ports, and Bluetooth connectivity for telephony, rading received SMS text messages and direct streaming of music files and web radio stations from a smartphone.
NEW 110kW 2.0 JTDM 2 ENGINE
This all-new two-litre turbodiesel uses a third-generation common-rail injection system that delivers two consecutive injections so close together as to generate a continuous, modulated fuel supply, as well as a small-diameter turbocharger to deliver a claimed 380Nm at 1750rpm.
All the engines in the 2014 Giulietta have been uprated to Euro 5+ (Euro 6 ready) emissions standard.