Alfa Romeo Giulietta facelift: old vs new

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta receives a new engine, updated exterior styling and a simplified trim levels for 2016. The Italian brand hopes these changes will tempt prospective buyers away from the competition. It’s hard to spot the differences so we’re taking a look at the old and new models side-by-side to show you exactly what’s changed. Whenever a new car is launched, there are often great deals to be had on the outgoing model. Build your perfect car with our Alfa Romeo Giulietta configurator to see the deals carwow could help you get.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta old vs new styling

The new Giulietta’s basic shape is almost indistinguishable from the old model. Most body panels, including the bonnet, roof, doors and windows remain unchanged, although Alfa Romeo has altered the front and rear bumpers. A black mesh grille insert with contrasting red stripe is fitted to the front to give the Giulietta a more aggressive appearance. The five silver ribs have been removed from the central shield-shaped grille and the whole car is treated to subtler black trim pieces instead of shiny chrome. The 1.6-litre turbo diesel model is fitted with a black rear diffuser with red trim and a twin-exit exhaust. New 16-inch alloy wheels and two new colours in addition to the current nine-colour palette – ‘Alfa White’ and ‘Lipari Grey’ – join the lineup.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta old vs new interior

The interior features new seat upholstery and revised dashboard and door trim panels. Even the entry-level Giulietta comes with Alfa Romeo badges embossed on the black fabric seats. An upgraded infotainment system with smartphone integration for music streaming and sat-nav functions is standard across the whole Giulietta range. Alfa Romeo has also developed the ‘Alfa Performance’ system that monitors important driving statistics, relaying real-time driving tips to the driver via their smartphone. We don’t recommend checking these tips while driving, however!

Alfa Romeo Giulietta old vs new engines and driving

The new Giulietta will be available with the existing 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine but now paired to a twin-clutch automatic gearbox with both manual and fully automatic modes. This combination promises 120hp and the ability to return 74.3mpg. In total, customers can choose from nine engine and gearbox combinations including efficient 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 1.6-litre diesel units.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta old vs new specs

The new Giulietta comes in five trim levels. The standard car comes equipped with air conditioning, a leather steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, one-touch electric windows and 16-inch alloy wheels. Super trim is the next level up and includes climate and cruise controls, fog lights and posher upholstery. The optional ‘Lusso’ trim pack offers leather seats, armrests and a larger 6.5-inch infotainment system display. The mid-range Giulietta ‘Tecnica’ is fitted with privacy glass, automatic lights and wipers and a different side bodykit. The Giulietta ‘Speciale’ comes with tinted windows, sports suspension, revised bumpers and Brembo brakes beneath larger 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior has been upgraded with leather, Alcantara, aluminium and carbon fibre trim pieces. The top of the range ‘Veloce’ is the sportiest model on offer thanks to re-tuned sports suspension, oversized exhaust tips and a 240hp turbocharged petrol engine.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta old vs new prices

The updated Giulietta will go on sale in the UK on 1 April. Entry-level cars will cost £18,450 – exactly the same as the current model. Full details haven’t been released yet but we expect prices to be mostly the same as the current Giulietta across the range, with high performance models costing nearly £30,000.

Save money on your Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Many dealers will offer great discounts on current models when a new car is announced. If you build your perfect Alfa Romeo Giulietta with our car configurator before the new version is released, you could grab yourself a fantastic deal. If the Giulietta isn’t for you, check out our car chooser page for help picking your next new car.