Alfa Romeo

SAFETY

Most comprehensive equipment in its sector

One of the cornerstones of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is class-leading safety. During its development the car underwent 15,000 hours of mathematical modelling, 80 crash tests, 150 tests on a HyGe slide and more than 200 tests on components and sub-systems. This has been reflected in its five-star EuroNCAP performance.

As a result every model features the most comprehensive range of safety equipment in the segment. This includes six airbags (front multi-stage, side and curtain), five three-point seat belts with double pretensioners and load limiters, a collapsible pedal unit and steering column and second-generation anti-whiplash system and Isofix attachments.

Safety engineered in from the platform up

To absorb the energy from low speed impacts and support the bumper in a collision with pedestrians there’s a third load path element. This allows the front to deform uniformly making the car less ‘aggressive’ in head-on and side-on collisions. But because engineers have used aluminium for elements surrounding the front beam, 8.5kg has been pared from the weight. The rear bumper beam and third load path energy absorption elements have been made from the thermoplastic Xenoy, giving a weight reduction of 4kg compared with a more traditional solution.

Enormous array of electronics limit accidents and damage

Every effort has been made to prevent Giulietta drivers having an accident in the first place. Therefore the hydraulic power assisted braking system comprising two crossover independent circuits has been specifically designed for progressive braking with shorter stopping distances.

The size of the brakes varies according to the engine. The 120bhp 1.4-litre petrol and 105bhp 1.6-litre JTDM have 281mm self-ventilating front discs and cast iron floating callipers. The 170bhp 1.4-litre MultiAir and 170bhp 2.0-litre JTDM engined models are fitted with 305mm self-ventilating discs and cast iron floating callipers. Each of these engine sizes is equipped with 264mm solid rear brake discs and cast iron callipers. The most powerful version in the range, the 235bhp 1750 features strong 330mm self-ventilating front discs with Brembo aluminium fixed callipers. The rears are fitted with 278mm solid discs, again with cast iron callipers.