Well Hello Alfa Romeo – Giulietta

So you know that feeling of butterflies you get in your stomach just before you go on your first date with some you really really like. Well that was the feeling I had as I slid into the drivers seat of the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, giggling like a school girl, I adjusted the seat and mirrors before griping the steering wheel, sliding it into first gear and dropping the clutch.

Last Friday I was fortunate enough to get invited to the media day for the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta and what a totally awesome experience it was. I totally felt like Jeremy Clarkson or the Hamster Hammond on Top Gear as we weaved our way around Franschoek and through the passes, testing the car's capabilities.

My first impression was, wow she’s a looker, with smooth sleek lines running the lenght of her body, perfectly curvaceous in all the right places, that cheeky floating grill and the Bi-xenon headlight inviting you in to experience more. I must admit it felt great to drive a car that turns everyone’s head as you cruise by, cellphone camera’s clicking away like the paparazzi, trying to capture the Giulietta’s beauty. We even had one guy ask if you could sit inside and check it out while we were stopped at the petrol station. But you can’t help but think, will her performance live up to her good looks?

And in my book that would be a definite yes, I am no expert but I have never had this much fun driving a car… and I love to drive. Everything was a pleasure, the smooth changes of the 6-speed gearbox was like a hot knife through butter, not to mention the power these engines put out. I drove both the 1750 TBi Quadrifoglio Verde and the 1.4 TB Distinctive. And I was astounded by the power output of the 1.4 engine whist in dynamic mode, I mean my little 1.4 seems like a lawn mower engine in compression.

I’m not gonna get all technical on you, but if you are interested in specs, like Blue&Me, ABS, DNA, ASR and SBR and can check it all out on the website.

What I am going to tell you is that if I had the cash, I would be sold, and I would have a bright red triple layer pearlescent painted Giulietta parked outside my place for sure. This car has the ability to take you back and make you feel like a little kid again, playing with your favourite toy.

~ One day when I’m big ~