Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Unlike the outside of the Giulietta, there’s nothing all that radical about the inside of the car. However, that’s no bad thing, because it makes for a simple, no-nonsense layout. The instruments are clear and easy to read, the ventilation controls are a doddle to understand, and the rest of the controls are fairly conventional. The touch-screen infotainment system isn’t quite such a hit, though. The screen is small by class standards, meaning that the icons you have to hit are tiny and cluttered together. The menus could be simpler, too, and the system could be quicker to respond. Your rearward visibility is another aspect that’s not ideal, because the rear screen is small and flanked by thick pillars, but at least there is lots of adjustment for your driving position. In terms of quality, the Giulietta isn’t too bad when judged in isolation. However, the standards of materials, fit and finish are very high in rivals like the VW Golf, BMW 1 Series and Audi A3; and, next to these cars, the Alfa is severely outclassed.