Alfa Romeo Giulietta

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Alfa Romeo’s Giulietta is the flamboyant, outspoken member of its class, making the Volkswagen Golf look like the David Moyes and the Ford Focus about as engaging as a post match interview with West Brom manager Steve Clarke.

In short, it has style that its rivals simply cannot come close to.

In Sportiva guise tested here it’s priced at a BMW 125d-rivalling £29,040, however, and while that’s a car that takes the Michael Laudrup’s charismatic and devastatingly effective middle ground.

Fitted with a 170bhp two-litre JTD diesel engine punching out a maximum of 258lb.ft. of torque the Giulietta packs will punch its way to 62mph in eight seconds and a 135mph top speed, but that’s easily outgunned by the 218bhp 125d’s 6.5 seconds and 149mph.

A 60.1mpg fuel economy figure and 124g/km CO2 emissions beat its German rival, however.

The Alfa’s real strength lies in the details, from that fresh, uncluttered nose dominated by a distinctive Alfa Romeo grille, to an unfussy rear end embellished by referee’s whistle-shaped LED light constellations.

The Sportiva includes satin-effect wing mirrors, a rear spoiler, sporty side skirts and turbine-like 18 inch alloys part-concealing red Brembo brake calipers.

An uncluttered interior echoes the exterior.

Three dials operate the dual-zone climate control and the stereo is neatly confined to the upper part of the dash.

Deeply cowled dials and stylish aluminium pedals complete a modern aesthetic which manages to evoke elements of Italian supercar heritage and premium sports cars past.

But some materials fall well behind the quality of those of its German rivals and elements of the fit and finish lack the same tactile solidity.

The Guiletta handles with precision but feel through the steering wheel is limited and the driving position feels geared towards drivers well under six feet tall.

Alfa Romeo’s DNA system summons up Dynamic, Normal or All Weather settings via a rocker switch on the centre console. Dynamic summons an extra 24lb.ft. of torque, but the more eager throttle response hampers smooth progress.

Fast, flowing progress is where the Giulietta feels best. The optional red leather seats struggled to contain me down twistier tarmac due to a lack of lateral support.

Strong brakes and a torque-rich power delivery made for a classy performer that likes to cover ground with high-speed nonchalance.

In terms of outright quality or cutting-edge on-board technology the Giulietta does not quite stand toe-to-toe with its German rivals. It lacks their polish and the grunt to compete with the class-leading 125d.

But its ability to be the individual in a crowd of rivals that could be seen to play things too safely ensures that it offers a unique appeal.

It’s the outspoken Italian that plays by its own rules and as a serious rival it simply demands to be taken seriously as a result.

Alfa Romeo Guilietta Sportiva

Engine: 1,956cc, 4cyl, turbodiesel

Power: 170bhp and 258lb.ft. of torque

Fuel Economy: 60.1mpg (combined)

Emissions: 124g/km CO2

Performance: 8 seconds (0-62mph) and 135mph

Price: £29,040

RATING: *** (out of five)