Alfa Romeo has squeezed a limited volume variant into the local Giulietta range, the Giulietta Sprint.
Priced at $31,000 and featuring a 110kW/250Nm version of the 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo-petrol four-cylinder, the Giulietta Sprint is based on the 88kW Giulietta Progression ($29,000) and rides on 17-inch alloy wheels rather than the 16-inch alloys of the donor car.
Manual only, the Giulietta Sprint can polish off the 0-100km/h dash in 8.2 seconds and carry on to a top speed of 210km/h. Alfa Romeo claims a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.7L/100km.
Apart from the larger wheels, the Giulietta Sprint variant can also be distinguished by Sprint badges, sports rear bumper, side skirts and dark-tinted windows outside, and Sprint logos embroidered in the headrests. Other cosmetic details and comfort/convenience features for the Giulietta Sprint include: carbon-effect door panels and dashboard surround; a sports, leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and new seats featuring cloth and Alcantara-upholstery and red stitching.
The importer says the name recalls the rear-wheel drive Giulietta Sprint of the 1950s, powered by a 1.3-litre DOHC four-cylinder.