Eco boost for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Alfa Romeo has upgraded the engine range in its stylish Giulietta line-up for better economy and lower emissions – but prices remain the same.

While the revamp is extended to both petrol and diesel units, business drivers in particular will take notice of the 1.6 JTDM-2 diesel courtesy of a reduction in emissions from 104g/km to 99g/km.

That’s thanks to the addition of a variable-geometry turbocharger and low rolling-resistance tyres, which results in a one percent benefit-in-kind reduction to 17 per cent and free annual Road Fund Licence.

The revision also brings a boost in power from 105 to 120bhp resulting in the Giulietta’s top speed rising to 121mph and its acceleration improving by 1.3 seconds to 0-62 in 10.0 seconds.

At the same time, the 1.6 JTDM-2 has the potential to return an average 74.3mpg, a notable improvement on the current engine’s 70.6.

Alfa says all engines bar the recently-introduced 2.0 JTDM-2 150PS turbodiesel 150bhp boast improved emissions and economy, so there’s a one per cent BiK cut on all from the entry-level 1.4 Turbo petrol 120bhp to the 1750TBi 240bhp TCT unit that powers the high performance Quadrifoglio Verde version.

And the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo petrol 150 and 170bhp engines slip into a lower emissions band, reducing the on the road price by £130 and annual running costs further.

Pricing starts at £18,450 for the 1.4 TB 120bhp Progression model while the  Business Edition range, which features stuff like a 6.5-inch touchscreen Uconnect info system with voice activated sat-nav, parking sensors automatic lights and wipers, alloy wheels and metallic paint as standard, start from £19,080 for the 1.6 JTDM-2 120hp turbodiesel.