A NEW PLATFORM

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta introduces an entirely new platform - Compact - designed to satisfy the most demanding customers in terms of handling, on-board comfort and safety. Furthermore, driving satisfaction and comfort can be adapted to meet every customer's specific needs thanks to the Alfa DNA selector, a device that customises the vehicle's behaviour according to three different logics (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather). The new Compact platform continues Fiat Group Automobiles' platform rationalisation strategy - preceded by the Mini platform for A segment  and the Small for segments B and L0 - and is a true point of departure from previous engineering solutions due to the new content introduced, the materials used and the levels of performance achieved. From the earliest design stages, the aim was to create a platform that would allow future Fiat Group Automobiles C segment vehicles, starting with the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, to be ranked best-in-class in terms of handling, steering feel, performance-to-weight ratio, ride comfort, NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness), safety (active and passive) and climatic comfort. So, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a completely new car capable of expressing both great agility over the most demanding routes and providing comfort on everyday journeys. Plus, thanks to a specific suspension calibration offered by the Sport Pack, the sportiness of the new Giulietta can be further enhanced.

Innovative materials and state-of-the-art solutions

First of all, the underbody represents a generational leap in terms of the materials used. The entire structure is now significantly stronger and provides better performance without any increase in weight with respect to the previous generation. All this is thanks to the ever wider use of high and ultra-high strength materials, which now make up more than 90% of the total mass of the system: some structural parts, designed to provide high strength and the ability to absorb impact with minimal deformation, have been made from hot-pressed tempered steel. Moreover, lightweight materials have been used for several structural elements bolted to the body structure. For instance, the front beam connecting the front struts and the third load path are made from extruded aluminium. The rear bumper beam and the third load path energy absorption elements are made from Xenoy (a thermoplastic with excellent energy absorption properties in relation to weight). The third load path energy absorption elements absorb the energy of low-speed impacts with obstacles and support the bumper in impacts with pedestrians. Employing these solutions has provided a weight reduction of 8.5 kg at the front and 4 kg at the rear with respect to conventional steel structures, without compromising safety performance.

Another new feature of the underbody is its modularity, which makes it ideal for use on a family of vehicles with different wheelbases and tracks. This modularity is provided by several central floor panels and the side members and does not affect any part of the front and rear structures. This reduces outlay to a minimum and means that the system can be applied to other vehicle systems without modification. Many of the systems and components that make up the "Compact" architecture have been thoroughly revised with respect to the previous generation, improving performance and reducing weight (-35% for both the framework of the rear seats as well as the magnesium alloy cross car beam).

Best in class performance for comfort, handling and safety

The Giulietta offers exceptional handling performance and comfort levels thanks above all to the new suspension system employed. The MacPherson front suspension in particular was revised to offer maximum rigidity under side loads, reducing the weight thanks to the use of aluminium (saving 4 kg with respect to conventional solutions). The rear suspension is a sophisticated Multilink that guarantees the best trade-off between handling and ride comfort without compromising the useful volume of the boot. In this case too, special attention was paid to reducing weight and, thanks to the aluminium wishbones, this suspension allows for a weight reduction of over 10 kg with respect to conventional Multilink systems. In addition, the new electric power steering system (dual pinion active steering) ensures an excellent steering feel and is integrated with the vehicle's active safety systems. As the name itself suggests, the solution employs two pinions fitted directly onto the rack of the steering box. The first pinion is directly connected to the steering column and guarantees direct and precise steering, without any artificial filters between the steering box and the driver's hands, affording a genuine and natural driving feel. The second pinion, again directly fitted onto the rack, is connected to the electrical actuator which is situated in the engine compartment, thus minimising the risk of impact with passengers in the event of an accident.

The climate control system, and in particular its operating logics, were completely revised and improved, in order to guarantee the best climatic conditions in the passenger compartment, while significantly reducing over-consumption of fuel (30% less than a conventional system). Similarly, thanks to specific technical interventions, exceptional noise and vibrational quality values have been achieved.

In terms of passive safety, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta was produced to obtain the maximum Euro NCAP rating, as demonstrated by over fifteen thousand hours of mathematical modelling, 80 crash tests, 150 tests on a HyGe slide and more than 100 tests on components and sub-systems. In detail, the new third load path increases the energy absorption potential of the vehicle front end and reduces both inertial forces and passenger compartment intrusion, thereby ensuring optimum passenger protection at higher impact severity. Safety is guaranteed by 6 airbags (as standard on the entire range); three-point seatbelts with double pretensioners and load limiters; a collapsible pedal unit and steering column; the second-generation anti-whiplash system and Isofix attachments.

Lastly, in terms of active safety, the new platform of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed to integrate the vehicle's different systems and exploit them to the full, thus emphasising the three set-up functions (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather) available through the Alfa DNA selector. This device, fitted as standard on the entire range, is designed to modify the operating parameters of the engine, gearbox (where automatic), steering system, Q2 electronic differential and braking system, in addition to the behavioural logic of the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC). The Giulietta will also be introducing Pre-Fill - a new function - activated when the DNA is set to Dynamic, which provides the driver with the quickest braking response possible. Under certain circumstances, i.e. when the control unit detects a hazardous situation requiring rapid braking, the braking system is pressurised a few moments before the driver actually hits the brake pedal so as to guarantee the quickest possible response of the system and thus reducing the vehicle's stopping distance. These sophisticated features which improve the dynamic control of the vehicle are supported further by Dynamic Steering Torque (DST), a function which provides feed-back torque at the steering wheel that helps the driver to perform critical manoeuvres correctly, before the VDC intervenes to prevent loss of control.

SPORTY AND COMFORTABLE

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is the result of Alfa Romeo's new approach to style and technology, which began with the 8C Competizione supercar and is emphasised by the return to Italian names, on the one hand referring the brand's glorious past and on the other looking to the future with technological and emotional values. The perfect blend of sportiness and style, the new car is characterised by its special appearance which combines compact size - it is 4.35 metres long, 1.46 metres high and 1.80 metres wide, with a wheelbase of 2.63 metres – with excellent on-board comfort and a spacious boot (350 litres). What's more, the Giulietta's dynamic look is further reinforced by: a high-impact front end with unmistakable Alfa Romeo lineage, a muscular profile enhanced by two bold creases, and a distinctly sporty rear end thanks to the spoiler and the sharply angled rear window.

Exterior style: the perfect blend of sportiness and elegance

The front features a a brand new interpretation of the classic shield, embedded in the front bumper and suspended between the air vents. This is the starting point for the design of the entire car, which combines an energetic personality with a distinctly elegant form. Everything has been made even more appealing by the bonnet surface treatment and the upright headlights. In addition, the car's exterior features finishes which emphasise the sportiness and elegance of its shape, such as the glossy treatment of the horizontal bars and V-shaped shield that gives the front end a top-quality, light effect.

Even the profile of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is brimming with personality, making the model look like an agile and sturdy car. This is mostly due to the side windows which recall the appearance of a coupé, emphasising the dynamism and fluidity of form, thanks also the concealed rear door handles and the play of light over the wheel arches and side skirts. The Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde versions boast a glossy steel (chrome line) side moulding for the windows, emphasising the cut of the side windows in a sophisticated manner. The ribs on the sides of the vehicle seem to elongate the car while the clean lines which end at the rear accentuate the angular shape of the car's body.

The rear, like the front and side, features distinct styling which emphasises the feeling of a muscular car, firmly gripped onto the road surface. Moreover, the rear end epitomises efficient use of space with a broad rear window fitted on a generous tailgate resting on muscular-looking pillars. Lastly, the bumper accommodates the number plate and, depending on the version, integral exhaust tail pipes. The light clusters on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta are worth a separate mention. Both the headlights and the tail lights use LED technology which, compared with conventional light bulbs, afford greater brightness, high reliability and reduced consumption levels (consequently with a positive impact on emissions), long life and much faster response times (in the event of braking, for instance). Therefore LED technology serves not only a stylish purpose but also safety, reliability and the containment of running costs.

The headlights also feature an integrated day light function (known as Daytime Running Light) that - when the engine is started - automatically turns on the specific LEDs designed to guarantee maximum daytime visibility with reduced energy absorption and a very long life (this function complies with a European standard which will come into effect in 2012). The headlights are available in two versions: with halogen light bulbs as standard, or with bi-Xenon as an option, with AFS system to offer improved quality light emission (both with or without dipped beams), excellent efficiency under all weather conditions and a longer life (compared to normal headlights fitted with halogen light bulbs, these devices treble brightness and duration). The AFS system on the other hand guarantees maximum visibility and safety even around bends or tight corners, allowing you to direct the beams in the direction in which the Giulietta is steering up to a maximum of 15°.

Advanced interiors for maximum wellbeing on board

The interior space was conceived and designed to guarantee maximum passenger space, enjoyment and in-car comfort so that any journey - whether long or short - is a pleasurable experience aboard the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. What's more, the interior space was devised to guarantee practical everyday use for customers, while the materials selected ensure maximum quality and durability of performance over time, as well as being the most developed expression of Italian style.

Specifically, the new car highlights the concept of lightness, as shown by the clean lines and the dashboard which develops horizontally, adding dynamism to the overall volume. In addition, thanks to the enhanced ergonomics of the interior design, every switch is ideally located: the main ones are grouped together at the centre of the dashboard and feature the same design as the switches on the 8C Competizione, while at the same time guaranteeing easy and immediate access. The navigation system with pop-up display, situated on top of the dashboard, allows drivers to display the route and the mechanical operating parameters using the Alfa dna device safely, without having to take their eyes off the road.
 
The new car's interiors are completed by its comfortable seats which ensure maximum in-car comfort, however long the journey is. There are practical storage compartments situated in various parts of the passenger compartment: in front of the gear lever, on the centre console and on the interior trim of the doors. There are closed storage compartments - depending on the version chosen - on the top of the dashboard, under the dashboard opposite the front passenger (cooled with dual zone climate control) and in the front and rear armrests. As regards colours and fabrics, the Progression version has a distinctly high-tech feel, where the black on the lower part of the passenger compartment plays against the metallic grey on the ceiling, pillars, dashboard inserts and steering wheel. The look of the seat trim is high-tech and sporty, emphasised by an electro-welded 3D honeycomb pattern. In the Distinctive version, the car's interior is distinguished by the combination of black with metallic grey on the dashboard insert (also available in two other body colours, White and Alfa Red, or in brushed burnished aluminium). Unlike the Progression version, the seats are upholstered with a structured high-tech fabric featuring horizontal electrowelding in two colour variations (black and metallic grey). The leather steering wheel features a opaque black panel, while the inserts on the doors and the trim around the gearbox are glossy black. Lastly, leather seats are available - in black, red, leather and grey - with two different interpretations: perforated leather with central 'cannelloni' or woven leather inspired by the 8C Competizione.

ENGINES

The engine is the heart and at the same time the true strength of every Alfa Romeo model. And the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is no exception: in addition to its character-filled exteriors, the new car offers an extensive range of superb engines, packed with the latest technology and bursting with performance, which are also environmentally-friendly. Even the timbre of these engines has been fine-tuned, to ensure maximum in-car acoustic comfort when travelling. At the time of its commercial launch, 4 Turbo engines will be available, all Euro 5 compliant and fitted with a “Start&Stop” system to reduce consumption levels and emissions fitted as standard: two petrol versions (120 HP 1.4TB and 170 HP 1.4TB Multiair) and two diesels (105 HP 1.6 JTDM and 170 HP 2.0 JTDM, both second-generation MultiJet engines). These engine versions are completed by the impressive 235 HP 1750 TBi available with exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde interiors. All the engines are combined with a state-of-the-art manual 6-speed gearbox from a brand new family of transverse, three axle transmissions designed for improved change quality that are more compact than transmissions with two axles. This type of gearbox can also withstand and transmit high maximum torque values (up to 350 Nm), while the six speeds allow, especially at motorway speeds, lower engine speed than current production cars with the twofold advantage of less noise in the passenger compartment and a reduction in effective fuel consumption figures. Subsequently an innovative dry dual-clutch automatic transmission will also be available on certain engine versions. Ccnceptually, the system consists of two gearboxes in parallel, each with its own clutch, which allows the selection and engagement of the subsequent gear while the previous one is still engaged. The gear is therefore changed with a simple gradual switch of the corresponding clutches, guaranteeing continuous torque delivery and therefore traction. The result is superior driving comfort and quick gear changes far superior to those offered by conventional automatic transmissions but affording improved efficiency and lower consumption levels.

120 HP turbopetrol 1.4

The 1.4 litre turbocharged turbopetrol engine is the basic petrol version and is characterised by its prompt acceleration, durability and reliability. It is therefore the ideal engine for those in search of a car that can handle city traffic effortlessly while keeping running costs to a minimum. This version is fitted with the Start&Stop system as standard, which in the city makes it possible to cut consumption and harmful emissions levels drastically, without compromising comfort and on-board safety.

In detail, the 1.4 16v turbopetrol engine develops 120 HP (88 kW) of maximum power achieved at 5,000 rpm and it has a max torque of 206 Nm (at 1,750 rpm). Driving flexibility is therefore high, with reduced use of the gearbox for a satisfying, relaxed drive, though all you have to do to achieve a more aggressive response is to press your foot on the accelerator. This is aided by the low inertia of the turbocharger that makes it possible to obtain maximum performance from a throttle command, without the annoying lag typical of this type of engine. The new 120 HP engine's top speed of 195 km/h and acceleration of 9.4 seconds (from 0 - 100 km/h) are at the very top of the compact category. What's more, the excellent performance is combined with respect for the environment and good fuel economy. This excellence is reflected in particularly low CO2 emissions, totalling 149 g/km with  fuel consumption of just 6.4 litres every 100 km (in the combined cycle). That's not to mention the extreme reliability of this engine, which is guaranteed by the hundreds of thousands of kilometres covered by prototypes during the development stage, combined with thousands of hours on static and dynamic test rigs. The interval between services is 30,000 km with no need for an interim service.

The computerised engine management system takes care of all the functions using sophisticated calculation algorithms. The accelerator control is drive-by-wire, without any manual connection so that the driver can obtain the desired response from the engine, relaxed or sporting, always with maximum energy efficiency. These excellent results were made possible by the careful design and development of all engine components totalling over 120,000 hours of work. The most modern design tools and computer-assisted calculations were used to simulate the severest turbocharger stress conditions. The main components were designed right from the development stage to guarantee the highest performance levels of a modern turbocharged engine, both in terms of resistance to mechanical stress as well as to guarantee safe and enjoyable behaviour on the road. Particular attention was paid to fluid dynamics and combustion in order to minimise power loss, thus increasing efficiency, and to reach high levels of performance with limited fuel consumption and emissions.

170 HP Multiair turbopetrol 1.4

The powerful 170 HP 1.4 TB Multiair turbopetrol engine is an amalgam of technology, which blends high performance levels with the lowest emissions and fuel consumption levels in its category for petrol engines of this power rating. That's without mentioning that the combination of this brilliant and flexible engine (a generous 250 Nm of max torque with the DNA selector set to Dynamic) with the new "Compact" platform places the Giulietta at the top of its class both for its dynamic qualities as well as comfort and practicality during everyday use. The 1.4 170 HP Multiair turbopetrol engine is distinguished by exceptional specific power (124 HP/litre) as well as by record-breaking low fuel consumption and emissions (134g/km of CO2). This is a particularly important value because it proves the effectiveness of downsizing, aimed at producing high-tech high cylinder capacity engines to get better performance allied with sharp reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. It is this latter area which provides the most surprising evidence of the technical level achieved, 134 g/km of CO2 and 4.6 l/100km (in the extra-urban cycle) combined with noteworthy performance levels (top speed of 218 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds).

The secret behind such high performance levels is the revolutionary Multiair technology, which was seen for the first time in Alfa Romeo cars and which was designed within the Group (developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies). This marks a significant generational leap compared to current petrol engines, as occurred in 1997 with Common Rail applied to diesel power units and introduced to the world for the first time on the Alfa Romeo 156. After its debut on the MiTo model, now comes the turn of the Giulietta to pick up the baton and mark a true leap of technology: the Multiair system takes the controlled ignition engine to previously unthinkable levels of efficiency thanks to continuous adjustments of the degrees and intake valve opening times, making the engine virtually throttle-less (since pumping losses are thus eliminated). The Multiair engines represent a significant point of departure from the current petrol engine scenario. For example, compared to a conventional petrol engine of the same capacity, Multiair engines guarantee an increase in power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), in addition to a significant reduction in fuel consumption (up to 10%) and CO2 emissions (up to 10%). As befits a flag-bearer for the downsizing concept, Multiair is a versatile technology that is easily applied to all petrol engines and may potentially be developed for diesel engines. On the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the Multiair engine enhances the car setup options available via the Alfa DNA selector to ensure the most effective response to the driver's expectations and different road conditions, adjusting its character via a different torque curve, accelerator sensitivity and overboost management.

235 HP 1750 Turbo Petrol

Exclusively available with Quadrifoglio Verde trim, the 235 HP 1750 TBi represents the new Alfa Romeo design strategy, which aims to provide increasingly impressive performance while ensuring a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. To achieve such results, the powerful 1750 Turbo petrol engine boasts advanced technical solutions including direct fuel injection, two continuously variable valve timing units, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any turbo lag. The resulting performance is comparable to – or better than – that of many 3-litre engines (top speed of 242 km/h and acceleration from 0 - 100 km/h of 6.8 seconds) while still delivering fuel consumption typical of a compact four cylinder unit (7.6 l/100 km in the combined cycle). It should be noted that the specific power of 134 HP/litre is the highest in the world for a 4-cylinder unit fitted on this category of vehicle, as well as being the highest ever achieved by an Alfa Romeo engine. The specific torque too, totalling 194 Nm/litre, is the highest of all petrol engines in this category, while maximum torque of 340 Nm (with the DNA selector set to Dynamic), reached at 1,900 revs alone, is an absolute best. The powerful 1750 TBi engine perfectly represents the way in which Alfa Romeo offers the most in this segment. Not just a means of transport, but a vehicle that can really connect with the customer. There is muscular acceleration thanks to high torque levels even at low revs, a smooth response that minimises gearbox use thanks to the flexibility typical of modern petrol engines, and an engine note that is engaging without ever becoming intrusive. Here, in detail, are the major innovations to be found in the 235 HP 1750 Turbo Petrol engine.

Scavenging technology

The engine's brilliant performance is the result of using scavenging technology to maximise torque even at very low speeds, making it incredibly responsive and confining the notion of turbo lag to the history books. Effective scavenging is achieved by monitoring and optimising, instant by instant, the engine operating parameters of fuel dosage, the position of the two phase transformers, the ignition advance and the injection timing. In practice, the new valve timing system defines valve overlap angles and times with extreme precision, generating a direct air flow from the intake manifold to the exhaust manifold and activating the turbocharger instantly. This new system therefore makes far better use of the turbocharger than conventional turbo petrol engines. It is controlled by an innovative ECU installed with ultra-modern engine parameter management software. In this way, the maximum torque at 1,500 rpm is 70% greater than that of a conventional turbo engine and response times have been more than halved, closely approaching those of a naturally aspirated engine.

Direct injection

Direct injection reduces temperatures in the combustion chamber through fuel evaporation, dramatically reducing the likelihood of detonation. This allows superior performance to be achieved even at quite high compression ratios (around 9.5) and guarantees low fuel consumption at partial throttle settings. Direct injection is essential for reducing emissions through an advanced dual-injection strategy. Precise control over the moment fuel injection takes place also ensures that no fuel arrives directly at the exhaust during the scavenging phase, which would compromise the functioning of the catalytic converter. Finally, the second-generation injection system features a new, high-pressure pump (capable of managing fuel pressures of 150 bar) and innovative seven-hole injectors capable of guaranteeing ideal fuel atomisation under all engine operating conditions.

Dual variable valve timing

The two continuous variable valve timing units on the intake and exhaust camshafts optimise valve timing at all engine speeds and loads, minimising both fuel consumption and emissions. With the two valve timing units linked to the turbocharger, it is possible to manage the scavenging strategy by establishing the ideal valve opening and closing overlap. When the driver requests a sudden increase in torque, the system ensures rapid response even at very low revs.

Turbo

The engine is fitted with a next-generation turbocharger linked to an innovative pulse converter exhaust manifold that optimises the use of exhaust pressure waves to increase torque at low engine speeds. Both the manifold and the turbine are made of microcast steel to withstand the very high operating temperatures (up to 1020°C) needed to reduce fuel consumption while driving at medium/high speeds on motorways.

Thermal fluid dynamics

The intake ports are designed and optimised through the use of mono- and three-dimensional computing technologies that have enabled them to reach the level of turbulence needed to obtain high combustion efficiency. This has made it possible to create both an optimal mixture of air and petrol and rapid combustion with reduced cyclical dispersion even at low revs. The design of the combustion chamber has also been optimised by extending the squish areas and minimising the ratio of surface area to volume, to the benefit of combustion. Finally, the exhaust ports have been designed to work together with the exhaust manifold and to maximise its pulse converter effect.

Friction

The entire engine has been designed to minimise power losses through friction. The pistons feature rings with low tangential load and are made of advanced, low wear materials. The cylinder head incorporates roller rocker arms that have reduced sliding contact losses at 2,000 rpm by 65% compared with the old Twin Spark cylinder heads. Optimised crank shaft design based on a very long connecting rod and a comparatively short piston stroke has minimised the vibrations normally associated with four-cylinder engines at high speed. In this way balancer jackshafts could be dispensed with, further improving engine consumption.

Performance

The scavenging technology and an innovative management system enable the engine to set new performance benchmarks. Specific torque is exceptional at 195 Nm/l, one of the highest figures for any modern engine. Maximum torque of 340 Nm is reached at only 1,900 rpm – another excellent value. This guarantees superb acceleration and allows you to drive in a relaxed manner without having to change down frequently. Finally, the engine reaches a high specific power of 134 -HP/l at the relatively low speed of 5,550 rpm.

Emissions

Thanks to a duel injection system and the high start pressure, a relatively small catalytic converter is sufficient to ensure compliance with Euro 5 emission standards, which benefits performance.


Next generation turbodiesel

To confirm the excellent technology implemented by Alfa Romeo in the field of turbodiesel engines since 1997, the year in which the first Common Rail diesel in history made its debut on the Alfa Romeo 156, the new Giulietta range includes two JTDM engines - a 105 HP 1.6 and a 170 HP 2.0 - equipped with the next-generation MultiJet Common Rail injection system. This system represents the most technologically advanced solution for controlling high injection pressures (around 1,600 bar) independently of the engine rotation speed and quantity of fuel injected. The engine management, capable of introducing small quantities of fuel with the main injection (the amount of fuel injected to provide the performance requested by the driver) guarantees particularly smooth engine operation in all situations.

105 HP 1.6 JTDM  

The 1.6 JTDM is the entry level option in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta diesel range and it was devised to guarantee significantly reduced fuel consumption, emission levels and running costs combined with prompt response at low engine speeds for a satisfying drive even in the city. Equipped with an electronically controlled fixed geometry turbo compressor, the 1.6 JTDM offers exceptional torque delivery in absolute terms, which is all the more impressive when one considers the cylinder capacity. The torque is 280 Nm at 1,500 rpm (which becomes 320 Nm at just 1,750 rpm with the DNA selector set to Dynamic). If we take into account that the maximum torque (280 Nm) is delivered at just 1,500 rpm, we are able to appreciate immediately the extent to which the 1.6 JTDM represents a revolutionary advance on present-day diesel engines: no other, not even a next-generation engine, can deliver such high torque at such low revs. When fitted with this type of engine, the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta records CO2 emissions and reduced fuel consumption (114 g/km and 4.4 litres/100 km respectively in the combined cycle), a top speed of 185 km/h and acceleration from 0 - 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds. The 1.6 JTDM boasts a particularly long servicing interval, thus minimising work required on the vehicle during its life cycle and cutting its running costs. Servicing every 35,000 km is sufficient, testifying to the high quality levels achieved and the efforts made to improve the durability and efficiency even further, thanks to careful work on individual components. On the theme of environmental respect, the engine is Euro5 compliant and is equipped with DPF and Start&Stop as standard. Moreover, the most advanced exhaust gas treatment technologies have been used, namely a Close Coupled Diesel Particulate Filter and a built-in EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system that improves control of temperature and gas flow, simultaneously guaranteeing lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

170 HP 2.0 JTDM

For customers who use the car mostly on the motorway or who demand the maximum performance levels from a diesel engine, Alfa Romeo suggests the 170 HP 2.0 JTDM. Again, it is an amalgam of technology which combines second-generation MultiJet technology with the Start&Stop system. In addition, thanks to the exceptional qualities of the new “compact” architecture, the Giulietta fitted with this engine is able to blend impressive dynamic performance levels with segment-leading comfort and practicality. This engine version, equipped with a new variable geometry turbocharger, provides segment-leading performance levels (top speed of 218 km/h, acceleration from 0 - 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds), extremely flexible driving (with the DNA selector set to Dynamic, the available torque at 1,750 rpm is a generous 350 Nm), among the lowest fuel consumption and emissions levels in its category for cars with this power rating (4.1 l/100km and 124g/km of CO2). Compliance with the Euro 5 emission values is ensured by using a close-coupled DPF (CCDPF) and an advanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system in which all subcomponents are grouped into a single, compact element (EGR module). The engine's high reliability and efficiency have enabled scheduled servicing intervals to be set at every 35,000 km, ensuring very low running costs for this engine as well.

Start&Stop and GSI: driving satisfaction and respect for the environment

Fitted as standard on all Giulietta engine versions, with the exception of the 235 HP 1750 Turbo Petrol, the Start&Stop system controls temporary engine cut-off and subsequent restarting when the engine is idling at a standstill. In these situations, which are typical of heavy traffic in urban areas and when stopped at traffic lights, when the control strategy permits, the system automatically cuts out the engine in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 10% for an urban route and 3.5% over an NEDC-type cycle. As soon as the brake pedal is released or a gear engaged, the system quickly restarts the engine to ensure the user an immediate response to controls. If the engine is turned off by mistake (stalls), when setting off from a traffic light, it can be restarted by simply pressing the clutch. The Start&Stop system offers further advantages in terms of passenger compartment comfort because - when the engine has stopped - there are no vibrations or noises, while the vehicle's various systems remain in operation to guarantee the utmost in-car comfort. The driver is informed about the use of the device by means of messages on the control panel and can always turn it off using a control near the steering wheel. The Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) linked to the Start&Stop system is a kind of co-pilot that discreetly suggests to drivers when they should change gear, leading to more efficient use of the engine in terms of fuel consumption. For example, the GSI may suggest shifting to a higher gear, by means of an indication on the instrument panel, in order to allow the engine to combust a leaner mixture, i.e. containing less fuel, or to change down a gear to make best use of the available torque. The device is permanently active when the Alfa DNA selector is set to Normal or All Weather in order to ensure a smooth and comfortable drive while also aiming to save fuel and drastically reduce emissions.

Alfa TCT transmission

The innovative “Alfa TCT” - the latest automatic dry dual clutch 6-speed transmission - will also become available. Developed within the Group by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies - the new Alfa TCT transmission, conceptually, consists of two gearboxes in parallel, each with its own clutch, which allows the selection and engagement of the subsequent gear while the previous one is still engaged. The gear is therefore changed with a simple gradual switch of the corresponding clutches, guaranteeing continuous torque delivery and therefore traction. The result is a level of driving comfort and a sporty feeling well above those offered by conventional automatic transmissions (with torque converter) and, at the same time, a superior sporty feel compared to electrically-actuated manual gearboxes, as shown by the greater speed of gear shift, the possibility of selecting between manual or automatic mode and a near-zero power loss during gear changes. The high efficiency and the combination with the Start&Stop system, the only example on the market, make for remarkable reductions in fuel consumption and harmful emissions, up to 10% less than a conventional automatic hydraulic transmission with torque converter.

In detail, the operation of the Alfa TCT transmission is distinguished by maximum interaction with the vehicle's systems. To allow for the best performance on the road depending on the driving conditions and on the driver's requests, the transmission interacts with the braking, engine control, Alfa DNA selector, Start&Stop, steering and vehicle stability control systems. Thanks to the speed with which the parameters are processed, the transmission can, for instance, modify the speed of gear shift, manage the torque delivery, for instance on low grip roads, and it can operate completely automatically or as a manual sequential transmission and adopt a usage profile which focuses primarily on reducing fuel consumption.

The specific feature of the new Alfa TCT transmission is that it is a Dry Dual Clutch transmission, which not only guarantees the highest degree of efficiency in terms of fuel consumption among automatic transmissions, but also makes it possible to make the transmission assembly particularly compact and to reduce the weight; thanks to these characteristics, this transmission can also be applied to compact cars. If we compare Dry clutches with oil bath (Wet) ones, we can say that the former dissipate energy only during the actual slipping phase of the gear change and on pick-up, whereas wet clutches, which always operate in an oil bath, introduce losses due to viscous friction like those of conventional automatic transmissions even when they are not in operation. What's more, they require forced cooling with oil and therefore continuous energy expenditure to drive the dedicated oil pump (absent in the case of Dry clutches). Moreover, a Wet automatic transmission requires approximately 4.8 litres more gearbox oil than a Dry version, again for reasons of clutch cooling (in this way, weight is added and losses due to increase in splashing). When all these effects are added together, a Dry transmission is found to be approximately 6% more efficient than the corresponding Wet one in terms of consumption. Last but not least, the advantages of the Dry clutch include the lower running and servicing costs during the system’s life span due to its simpler construction. The Alfa TCT transmission is controlled by a lever characterised by precise and ergonomic movements, which can be combined with shift paddles behind the steering wheel for a sporty and engaging drive. Lastly, it should be remembered that the new Alfa TCT transmission boasts a generous 23 public patents split into 3 areas: gearbox control, gearbox mechanics and gearbox actuator.