2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta UK first drive

A revised version of Alfa Romeo's long-standing Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra rival.

Besides myriad cosmetic tweaks, including a new grille and alloy wheel designs, the Alfa benefits from a host of interior upgrades - most notably the addition of an all-new 'Uconnect' media system, redesigned seats and different trim panels.

A new 2.0-litre 'JTDm-2' diesel, more powerful and cleaner than the previous 2.0-litre unit, has also joined the Alfa's engine range. It uses new injectors, ones which can fire up to eight times per combustion cycle, resulting in more efficient combustion cycles.

Output from the turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel is rated at 148bhp and up to 280lb ft, some 10bhp and 22lb ft up compared to the older unit, which is sent through the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

Alfa claims 67.3mpg on the combined cycle for this 2.0-litre diesel Giulietta, and an appealing low emissions rating of 110g/km of CO2 - 4.5mpg more and 9g/km less than the outgoing engine.

Performance appears adequate on paper too, with a claimed 0-62mph time of 8.8sec and a top speed of 130mph, marginal improvements of 0.2sec and 3mph compared to the previous Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

Trim levels have also changed for the 2014 model year, with the new range comprising of 'Progression', 'Distinctive', 'Exclusive' and 'Sportiva Nav'.

We tested an Exclusive variant which comes as standard with dual-zone climate control, cruise control, sports suspension, a 5-inch Uconnect multimedia system with DAB and Bluetooth, USB and aux-in connectivity.

A range of cosmetic upgrades also feature in the Exclusive model, including tinted glass, 17-inch alloys, 'darkened' headlights, aluminium sports pedals and side skirts.

Prices have increased slightly trim-for-trim compared to the previous generation, but Alfa counters this by claiming that the kit levels have increased even more so; for example the Exclusive trim adds £2000 worth of kit for a hike of £920, compared to the Veloce model it supersedes.

A noticeable improvement over the previous model, that's for sure. Alfa's interior tweaks have helped lift the interior ambiance and feel considerably, and it's a lot more interesting to look at than the likes of the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.

Up front you'll find relatively comfortable seats with plenty of support, lots of space and adequate visibility. The steering wheel adjust for rise and reach, and it's not difficult to find a suitable driving position, but the wheel has contours that may not agree with some. There's no clutch footrest, or clear space alongside the clutch, which could prove tiresome on longer trips - and the brake and accelerator are positioned quite close together.

A modicum of storage spaces - such as a decently sized glove box, stowage tray in the centre arm rest and slender door pockets - will prove useful to many but the lack of a place to put your mobile will frustrate many. The problem is exacerbated further by the positioning of the USB and auxiliary connection ports in front of the gear lever, which means that cables can end up trailing all over the cabin.