AR Giulietta Cloverleaf

Anyone owned one in their time and what's your honest opinion? I've read loads of press reviews and they're not the best (usual comparison with the Fiesta ST benchmark blah blah) however there are some good owners comments. I don't drive my cars like a loon so perhaps begs the question why I'm interested in one in the first place

I had a 2015 2.0 diesel qv line for four years.

No problems at all, but

It was just a car, nothing exceptional.

Also found that parts were a little expensive.

If the price was right, I'd still look at a cloverleaf though

Paul

My wife has one, it's our daily car, I like it. Previously we had a 170bhp Giulietta, this one (240 bhp) replaced it. In some ways the lower powered car was better IMO, very well balanced & about 15% better fuel economy. This one obviously has a lot more power, it's quicker than the Coupe but very different. It's a good everyday drive, very comfortable on long journeys. I expected the ride to be harsh on 225/40 x 18 wheels but actually it has a really good ride/handling balance.

Thanks Wink - your comparison with the 170bhp reflects EVO magazine opinion. Still useful to know that it's an OK every day car which this will be should I go ahead with one. I know us coupe owners prefer to take our car to specialists to work on but I gather the Tbi is nothing particularly specialised so any good garage should be able to carry out necessary work?

I've got a 2014 (facelift) 170 Multiair Sportiva Nav with the TCT gearbox. Nice engine, gearbox fine. Can have it in slushmatic mode or use the paddles to change gear when you want to. Pulls well, except 6th which is more of a cruising gear. Just shift down a gear to overtake.

Reviews don't love the gearbox. I find it fine and shifts well. Pulling away took a little getting used to as it did not seem responsive in normal mode, but you get used to it. I wouldn't say it was bad, just setup for economy / normal driving.

Dynamic mode is very quick to kick down, sharpens throttle response and is much more mental. Pull away much better. Would like to tune the parameters to your liking. Somewhere in between.

Don't like the steering as it is nice and light at slow speeds then gets heavier above 30 ish. Dynamic means it's heavier all the time. Coupe is much better, electric assistance too artificial.

I don't give it the full beans and get 46 on a motorway/ fast a road run (indicated by the computer). If you take it a little easier I've seen nearer 50. I don't drive it for economy. Around town it's nearer 30.

Door handles can snap, in and out. Build quality not brilliant, but not terrible, nothing rattling. Friend had to replace the whole mirror as the temp sensor failed (air con not working because of failure). Usual BS from car makers (all the same) that you can't change modules.

Seats very comfortable. Ride good on 18s, can crash into some small potholes, maybe it needs new dampers.

I like it. Suits me as a town car and comfortable on the motorway, handles well, heating / air con good. Euro 6, so £30 a year vehicle tax.