There is a saying: “Never sequels were good”. However, for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the second half of life cycle has significantly revitalization. So that can compete with the leaders in its segment, VW Golf TDI like this.

The trajectories of industrial groups which derive our two competitors faced here are very different. While Volkswagen terrifies the competition with annual profits exceeding 11,000 million euros, he Fiat Group has long focused on buying Chrysler, what you had to take effort and economic management that, willy-nilly, has left interest rejuvenation of their ranges in an appreciable background. Decisions appear to have taken as the virtual disappearance of the Lancia brand in the near future and invigoration of those from the United States, as Jeep and Chrysler, with which, presumably, they will try to find a larger hole in the Old World.

Wait

Alfa has maintained its kind in recent years, really only two models in its range. Now introduces a third, 4C, which like the extinct 8C, is also very minority. The vaunted SUV as big saloon is still all to see, then spent several years amid rumors and delays appearance. Therefore, is the Giulietta model that supports the survival of the brand -and the benefits under Chrysler, clear- model that since its launch in mid-2010, has totaled sales of over 220,000 units. In front we have the Golf omnipresent, whose success story is … well, the adjective you put it. Comparing their respective broadcasts is palmaria, but it really is that the difference between the two products? Undoubtedly, the German engineering is world leader, as almost everything that comes from that country, supported by a nearly infinite financial resources, but the Giulietta presents some improvements that can not be ignored.

Input, the engine receives a sensible evolution that goes beyond the 10 extra hp advertised maximum performance (now yields 150 hp). Now announces 6 mkg of torque more than its rival at the same engine speed, something that we have seen in our dyno because the electronics we have not been allowed off the stability control, which is essential for testing on bench rollers.

The point is that, Now, the engine of Alfa is another, definitely. To get an idea, it is easy to boot into second without accelerating more than you would at first or slipping the clutch. Elasticity is one of its main virtues, pushing from 1300 rpm in any ratio. In fact, in 5th and 6th it makes overtaking in much shorter times than the Golf (also 150 hp). Well Italy!

Of course, the consideration comes time consuming, and that the Giulietta has also improved in this respect. Finally we found a little Alfa consuming, and that on our scale there are still more than a hundred kilos of lightness in favor of the German model. Little but not so little as we mark the indicator of average consumption trip computer. This device has shown a variation in their superior measurements to 5 percent more or less than 0.3 l / 100 km less than the real in customary amounts of consumption, so our stay was somewhat obscured initial surprise when the Center technical won the actual figures. Still, three tenths of a liter per hundred kilometers, with a better vivacity in traffic, seems a toll bearable when, in addition, the weight difference is checked.

Refined

But not only it is optimized mechanical performance, Giulietta is quite noticeable the more refined. The engine does not transmit a brusque “turbo effect” with progression in a more refined power delivery. But it is also the suspension and tires have improved insulation of the passenger compartment against irregularities firmly, forming a marching much smoother and improved ride quality. This does not prevent this Giulietta maintain a truly sportsmanlike conduct when dealing with all kinds of curves.

Q2 electronic differential lock allows the car to confront effectively cornering, high speed cornering, but sense of immediacy and precision in front. The back is not abrupt changes in load on the engine, ensuring nobility of behavior so that does not surprise at least experienced driver. Despite all these qualities, we must recognize that the rack-and León Golf, Octavia, etc- is the segment leader and, yet, it is slightly above the Italian model.

Turning his head to lifestyle, both models seek balanced feelings between sportiness and comfort. Alpha boasts some new treatments for the dashboard, door panels and handles which, forgive us who do not agree, reminds us of certain winks Lancia. Will it be a foretaste of the mixture of styles that will live in when Lancia Alfa is just a memory?

Comfort that exists in both enables global use, ie for all users. It is not exclusive to the most dynamic or exclusively bourgeois. It is true that Golf in a live environment quieted, especially because the noise from the tires of the Italian model is clearly superior. The seats in both are very comfortable, although we prefer the Germans because their support is better suited to our particular back, among other reasons, because It has as standard lumbar adjustment, while the Alfa requires an extra payment. The available space in the rear seats reflects the outward forms, with the high end of the roof at the Golf providing extra capacity for the heads of the occupants. In the Alpha, however, should not invite people of high stature that space there, no spare.