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The Alfa Romeo Giulietta will start from £16,995 when it goes on sale later this summer. The Giulietta undercuts both the entry-level five-door 1.4-litre Volkswagen Golf TSI and the cheapest five-door Ford Focus, despite boasting more power and equipment as standard.

Five engines will be available from launch: two 1.4-litre, turbocharged petrol engines with either 118bhp or 168bhp; a 103bhp 1.6 JTDM diesel; a larger 2-litre diesel producing 168bhp; and a top-of-the-range 232bhp 1750 TBi petrol.

All bar the 1750 TBi are equipped with stop and start technology to help reduce emissions and fuel consumption, while every model is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A twin-clutch semi-automatic system will also be available.

Three trim levels - Turismo, Lusso and Veloce - will be available. All will be fitted with Alfa's 'DNA' system, which allows the driver to choose between a range of vehicle chassis and throttle settings. VDC stability control featuring a simulated limited-slip differential called 'Q2' and a hill-hold feature are also standard.

Inside, all Giuliettas are to be fitted with climate control, electric front and rear windows, LED lights, six airbags and a CD/MP3 stereo.

The range-topping Cloverleaf is only available on the 1750 TBi, priced at £24,495. It comes with lower suspension, 18-inch titanium alloy wheels, dark tinted windows, Cloverleaf bading and larger brakes with red callipers. The top speed is 150 mph, with a 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 6.8 seconds.

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