The Alfa Giulietta’s interior doesn’t feel as special as you might expect given the expressive exterior.

Many of the switches and minor controls are made from cheap-feeling plastics and feel stiff to operate.

For 2014 a new steering wheel design and different trim pieces for the dashboard and door panels were introduced. Also new is a 6.5-inch touchscreen media system with Bluetooth, digital radio and, on top versions, 3D mapped sat-nav. It looks smart enough but isn’t the most user-friendly system to operate.

In the same vein, the trip milometer isn’t easy to read and the stereo controls on earlier models are a little confusing.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta comfort isn’t exactly class-leading. The Giulietta doesn’t like uneven, rough roads much. The springs are stiff, so a lot of the ruts and bumps translate into a jiggly, busy ride.

Two cars we’ve tested also suffered from the odd creak and groan inside the cabin, which suggests that over time the Giulietta won’t be as robust as more mainstream rivals.

The seats aren’t that comfortable either. The design might look impressive but when cornering hard you feel like you need more side support. That said, a range of updates for the 2014 model year included deeper cushioning for a more comfortable experience.

Manual seat adjustment isn’t that wonderful, with handles awkward to access and a lot of faffing required to establish a good driving position.

Turismo and Lusso versions feature softer suspension than the Veloce, Sportiva and Cloverleaf.