Description
The turbocharged 1.4 Multiair powered Giulietta is the ‘warm-hatch’ offering in the range, one step down from the full-fat Cloverleaf. With 167-bhp, though, it’s not a steep step! The clever variable-valve Multiair technology provides 184lb-ft of torque, which means a 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in under 8 seconds and a top speed of 135mph is possible. Of course the 1.75-litre QV is quicker (about a second in terms of 0-60, and 15mph extra for the top speed), but this is snapping at its heels and loses absolutely nothing in the handling department either.
This is a 2015 example in Distinctive trim (dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, cruise control, DAB + Bluetooth stereo), 6-speed manual with the optional extra 17″ sport wheels box ticked. It has covered 99k miles (this is likely to increase as we are driving it while advertising it) and comes fresh from us treating it to a major service. This included:
- New cam belt
- New water pump
- New Multiair filter
- New rear brake discs and pads
It drives very well indeed, with everything working (including the air con, which is a big benefit right now!). A previous owner has fitted some lowering springs to tighten up the handling, but it’s nothing outrageous – you don’t need to be worried about speed bumps, for example. The exhaust silencer has also been professionally removed to enhance the sound (something the 1.4-litre was criticised for at the time). There is a full service history, two keys present and correct, the car is 100% HPI clear (no finance, no accidents, never stolen, etc), and we’ll refresh the MoT so the new owners get a full 12 months too.
Cosmetically, we’d rate it as average for an 11-year-old car. There are some blemishes to the red paintwork (the worst being the starting of lacquer peel on the roof tip spoiler and a little ding in a rear door – both pictured) and the alloys have their share of kerb rash. But, it is still entirely presentable and does shine well when cleaned. The interior is pretty much faultless too – a very tidy cabin indeed.
We’re actually using this car ourselves at the moment (hence the increasing mileage). The engine delivers enough punch and with the DNA system set to Dynamic (should be ‘Default’, if you ask us!) it is a rewardingly fun family-sized hatch. But, importantly, it doesn’t cost a huge amount to run either. We’re not seeing the quoted 51MPG very often, but high 40s on a run is easily achievable. Because it was registered after the 1st June 2015 cut-off, too, tax is only £170 per year (earlier models are in a higher band, so fall into the £200 tier). Even insurance, at Group 23, isn’t too bad.
Fun to drive, inexpensive to live with and, at this asking price, cheap to buy – where’s the catch? We don’t know, we’ve not found it either yet.
