Segment:
Compact Family Car / Premium Hatchback
Positioning Statement:
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta (940) was positioned as a stylish, sporty, and premium hatchback offering a distinct Italian flair and engaging driving dynamics within its segment.
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Design Philosophy:
Distinctive Italian styling, sporty handling, comfortable interior, advanced technology for its time.
Driver Focus:
Emphasis on driver engagement and a sporty driving experience, a hallmark of the Alfa Romeo brand.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Operation, fluid checks, basic information
Brakes:
Brake system operation, brake fluid level checks
Suspension Steering:
Basic information on steering and suspension components
Electrical System:
Lighting, instruments, dashboard warnings, battery, fuses
Bodywork Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, climate control, comfort features
Safety Features:
Airbags, seatbelts, child seat installation, ABS, ESP
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement
Routine Checks:
Pre-drive checks, dashboard warning light explanations
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights and basic troubleshooting steps
Emergency Procedures:
What to do in case of a flat tire, jump-starting, towing information
Depth Of Information:
Designed for the owner to understand vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions found in a workshop manual.
Engine Options 2011:
Multiple petrol and diesel engines available, including: 1.4 TB (MultiAir), 1.8 TBi, 1.6 JTDM, 2.0 JTDM
Typical Power Output Petrol:
Ranges from 120 PS (1.4 TB) to 235 PS (1.8 TBi)
Typical Power Output Diesel:
Ranges from 105 PS (1.6 JTDM) to 170 PS (2.0 JTDM)
Fuel Delivery Petrol:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) or Direct Injection (GDI for MultiAir variants)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI)
Emission Standards:
Euro 5 compliant
Standard Transmission:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
Optional: Alfa TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission) - available on select engine variants
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios vary by engine and transmission type, detailed in technical sections of a workshop manual.
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific type and capacity (e.g., Tutela Transmission Gear Oil X)
Euro Ncap Rating:
5 Stars (Achieved in 2010)
Stability Control:
Standard: Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDCS) including ABS, EBD, HBA, Hill Holder, Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, window airbags, driver's knee airbag
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning seatbelts with load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX preparation for child seats
Infotainment System:
Blue & Me infotainment system with USB connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and audio streaming.
Navigation:
Optional satellite navigation system (often integrated into the dashboard display).
Driving Modes:
DNA (Dynamic, Normal, All Weather) driving mode selector influencing engine response, steering feel, and stability control settings.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors.
Phone Integration:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music playback.
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
Typically every 15,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions and oil specification.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically every 20,000-30,000 km or 12-24 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions and oil specification.
Timing Belt Replacement:
For petrol engines with a timing belt, replacement typically recommended around 100,000-120,000 km or 5-6 years. Diesel engines often use timing chains.
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 0W-30, 5W-40) and ACEA specifications (e.g., ACEA C3, A3/B4). Often requires specific low-ash oils for diesel particulate filters (DPF).
Coolant Specification:
Paraflu UP coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with specific inhibitors)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (e.g., Tutela Brake Fluid DOT 4)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Water with appropriate washer fluid additive for cleaning and de-icing.
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (bushings, wishbones), exhaust system components, turbocharger issues (on some variants), DPF issues (on diesel variants if regeneration is hindered).
Electrical Gremlins:
Some owners have reported minor electrical issues, often related to sensors or modules, typical for complex modern vehicles.
Gearbox Issues:
Occasional reports of clutch wear or issues with the Dualogic/TCT gearbox on specific models/years.
Brand Identity:
Alfa Romeo is an Italian automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing sporty, stylish, and performance-oriented vehicles, renowned for their driving dynamics and distinctive design.
Predecessor:
Alfa Romeo 147
Platform:
Based on the Fiat Compact platform, shared with other Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) models.
Production Start Year:
2008 (introduced globally, 2011 in some markets as the first significant update/new generation for some regions).
Manufacturing Plant:
Pomigliano d'Arco plant, Naples, Italy