Alfa Romeo Giulietta updated for 2019

A revitalised Alfa Romeo Giulietta is officially on sale in Europe, but the facelifted model, which runs engines compliant with the latest (Euro 6D) emissions regs, is not expected to reach Australia before the second half of 2019, at the earliest.

The refreshed small-car range is already available to order in Europe and deliveries will commence from March in three trim levels and featuring cosmetic changes to distinguish it from the model it replaces. A new colour, Visconti Green, is introduced with the update.

But as yet, FCA Australia won't give a start date in Oz. Director of Corporate Communications, Tracie Stoltenburg, says nonetheless that the importer remains committed to selling the Giulietta in Australia, despite the fact that fewer than 300 were registered locally in 2018.

"We are continuing to sell Giulietta," Ms Stoltenburg advised, "that's definitely confirmed."

So we will likely see the updated Giulietta, but probably not for some months after its on-sale date in Europe. Pick a month in the second half of this year would be our suggestion...

At entry level the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Super is powered by either a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine or 1.6-litre diesel. Of the two, the diesel is the only variant available with a self-shifting (dual-clutch) transmission.

Added silver brightwork front and rear, plus 17-inch 'Turbine' alloy wheels set the Giulietta Super apart from the earlier models. Revised fabric upholstery in the cabin is complemented by grey stitching, and mocha, black and red leather options are available to order. Cruise control, dual-zone climate control, front fog lights and rear parking sensors are now standard for the base-grade Giulietta.

For the mid-range specification, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Speciale is offered with the same two engines as the Giulietta Super, but the diesel is paired exclusively to a manual transmission.

The major visual points of difference for the Giulietta Speciale include the black 17-inch alloy wheels in a five-spoke design, side skirts, larger exhaust and tinted side windows. Further identified by black trim in lieu of the Giulietta Super's bright-finish trim the Giulietta Speciale also features black finish for the door handles, door mirrors, foglight surrounds and Giulietta badge.

Aluminium scuff plates and pedals are standard for the Giulietta Speciale, which is fitted with sport seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Red stitching is used for the seats, steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake.

Powered solely by a 2.0-litre diesel driving through a dual-clutch transmission, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce is the flagship of the range. Sports bumpers with yellow accents (rather than the red accents of the Super and Speciale trim levels) are the key identifying aspect of the range-topping model, which rides on 18-inch alloys in a dark finish. Other signature elements include yellow Brembo brake calipers and dual exhaust pipes.

Interior trim comprises Alcantara/fabric combination for the seats, with contrasting yellow stitching for the seats and flat-bottom steering wheel. An Alfa Romeo logo appears on the headrests and the scuff plates and pedals are finished in aluminium.

Standard equipment for the Giulietta Veloce runs to front/rear parking sensors, electro-chromic mirror, electric fold-in mirrors, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers and Uconnect audio system with 6.5-inch screen and satellite navigation. A Veloce Rosso option pack consists of red accents in place of yellow for the interior trim stitching, front splitter, rear diffuser and brake calipers.