Dropping the engine and gearbox from the
Alfa 4C
into the Giulietta hatchback sounds like the recipe for a rather interesting hot hatch, right? In an attempt to create a stronger link between its regular cars and the 4C halo model, that's exactly what Alfa will do.
Does this make you want a Giulietta more?
Except it already does offer such a car. Sort of. The
Giulietta 1750 TBI Cloverleaf
has been available since the Giulietta's launch, with 235hp and 251lb ft. And all said and told, it's not a great fast hatch, the 1.4 Multiair a sweeter thing to drive.
But the engine was used as a base for the 4C. An aluminium block means it weighs in at a substantial 22kg less than the standard 1750TBI lump. So despite just another 5hp and 7lb ft, Alfa claims it will drop the Giulietta's 0-62mph time to 6.5 seconds from 6.8.
The six-speed TCT dual-clutch 'box is also carried over from 4C to Giulietta, with the manual quietly being shuffled off into retirement. Harris was fairly complimentary about the transmission in the 4C, saying it suits the engine's power characteristics and felt sharp when pushing on. Can it work in a less frenzied hatch?
No more GTAs, says Alfa. Ho hum
Despite the addition of a new(ish) engine and gearbox, Alfa will not resurrect the GTA name, maintaining that such a tag will be reserved for homologation specials. That it will continue as the Cloverleaf implies the little chassis tweaks the fastest Giulietta could benefit from won't be introduced. Shame.
If you're after a rapid and stylish hatch though, there are a few 235hp Giuliettas in the PH Classifieds. This 2012 car looks fab in white with red leather, for example. And if the lack of a proper GTA is disappointing, console yourself with looking at 156s here and 147s here. Yum.