ROAD TEST - ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA 1.4 TBI PROGRESSION:
Alfa Romeo's Giulietta is firmly entrenched in our minds as an entertaining, strong-performing hatchback. It figures - the only versions we've driven until now have been the 173kW 1750 TBi and 125kW 1.4 TBi Distinctive.
The latter proved the most impressive in the range, but we didn't really know what to expect when the most affordable model - the 1.4 TBi Progression - landed on our doorstep. While the badging makes it sound like it shares an engine with the aforementioned Distinctive, its 1.4-litre turbopetrol motor is in a lesser state of tune, outputs falling from 125kW to just 88kW and from 250Nm to 206.
That's quite a clip to its claws, but the good news is that the Progression is R37 313 less expensive, at R246 917. Here it aims squarely at the 90kW VW Golf 1.4 TSI Comfortline, but is the money you save over the 125kW model really worth the performance deficit?
Well, as long as you're not expecting a hot hatch of sorts, the 88kW Progression is a really satisfying performer. It pulls off neatly and lag-free, and feels punchy throughout the rev range. At Reef altitudes, thanks to its turbocharger, it's a far stronger performer than its outputs would suggest and at the very least, it's on par with the Golf TSI in performance terms.
As we noted when testing the other derivatives, the Giulietta is nimble through the corners yet offers a comfy-enough ride quality on most surfaces. Then factor in the solid-feeling gearshift motion and intuitive, well-weighted steering and you have the ingredients for an enjoyable drive.
An annoying design oversight, though, is the cramped footwell that leaves virtually no space next to the clutch pedal and the pedals themselves feel a bit too upright.
Interior build quality and fit and finish are up there with the best in the class and the dashboard has a refreshingly different, yet somewhat sporty design. Occupant space is decent all round, but shoppers take note that the boot is a bit on the cramped side by segment standards.
Sadly, the Progression is missing some of the equipment that you find in the more powerful Distinctive model, with items like the dual zone climate control and rear seat air distribution not having made it onto the rations list. On the outside trades down from 17-inch to 16-inch wheels.
Ultimately, the 125kW Distinctive still seems to be the pick of the range, but if the price saving is tempting enough to you then you won't feel too much missing in the 88kW Progression featured here.
THE BILL:
1.4 TBi Progression (88kW) - R246 917
ALTERNATIVES:
Audi A3 1.4T Attraction (92kW) - R259 755
Fiat Bravo 1.4 T-Jet Sport (110kW) - R246 492
Ford Focus 2.0 Trend 5dr (125kW) - R245 430
Renault Megane 1.4 TCe GT (96kW) - R249 900
VW Golf 1.4 TSI Comfortline (90kW) - R249 500