Introduction

Nothing epitomises style, beauty and panache quite like an Alfa. The Italian sports car manufacturers have been turning out some of the most eye-catching cars spotted on the roads of the UK for decades. Always fun, quirky and chic, it is safe to say the words 'Alfa Romeo' and 'boring' have never used in the same sentence. In fact it is often said that every car enthusiast at some point in their life should own an Alfa.

Under the bonnet

The Giulietta Cloverleaf is undoubtedly a good looking car, but what of its credentials under the bonnet? Does its performance match its striking exterior? Does its handling do justice to its sleek curves and dazzling alloys?

The updated Giulietta QV model debuted at the Geneva Motor Show this year along with the MiTo Cloverleaf and the general consensus among the motoring glitterati is that this car delivers. The 1.75-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 240hp making for a top speed of 149mph.

Its engine, as well as its TCT six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, is taken from the Alfa Romeo 4C and produces 340Nm of torque allowing a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds - 0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor.

Alfa's range of hatchback cars has always combined performance with functionality to deliver a pleasurable driving experience, and the company has even devised a new system to improve the exhaust noise.

Always keen to stand out from the crowd, Alfa has included a large exhaust pipe, a rear splitter and new 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, which give the QV a personality that is the hallmark of an Alfa Romeo.

The interior of the car doesn't disappoint either - there's a new steering wheel and dials and leather and Alcantara sports seats. The car also comes with a new matt Magneseo Grey paint option as well as Alfa Red and Competizione Red.

As with all other Alfa Romeo cars, the driver of the new Giulietta model can customise the vehicle characteristics using the Alfa DNA driving mode selector, which adjusts throttle response, engine performance and transmission responsiveness, as well as the level of power steering assistance.

The new MiTo QV

Also debuted at the Geneva show was the Giulietta's sister: the updated Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio. This car has also been given a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox to replace its old six-speed manual transmission making it 10 per cent more efficient than its predecessor, achieving up to 52.3mpg and emitting 124g/km.

The MiTo QV also has a new rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers. Like the Giulietta, it comes with the option of matt Magnesso Grey paint and has leather upholstery and a carbon-look dashboard.

From a performance point of view, the MiTo is no slouch with a 170hp 1.4-litre MultiAir turbocharged petrol engine giving it a top speed of 136mph and taking it from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds.

Drive the MiTo QV hard on B-roads and you are treated to that true hot-hatch experience. There's plenty of pull, tight handling and a short-throw gear shift. There's no doubt this little hot-hatch performs.

As with other MiTo models, the Cloverleaf is front-wheel drive and rides on MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the back. Even the Cloverleaf's 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder 16-valve engine is basically the same unit that powers all petrol MiTo models.

Like the current generation, the next Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde will be the range-topping model, as Alfa Romeo has no plans to bring back the GTA sub-brand to the C-segment in the near future.

Both the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the MiTo Quadrifoglio will go on sale in the UK this May with prices expected to be around £29,000 and £24,000 respectively. If, however, that is out of your price range, there'll be a new QV line trim level in showrooms soon.