In easy reach of the driver's left hand - on the centre console just ahead of the gearshift - is a switch that makes all the difference to the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta MultiAir.
It's called DNA - that's Dynamic, Normal and All Weather - and it's where the sporting prowess that is part of the Alfa Romeo genetic code is hidden away.
Selecting the Dynamic mode sharpens throttle response and allows the engine to produce full torque while also increasing steering feel. There's more responsive braking through a "pre-fill" function that recognises when the driver lifts off the throttle quickly and "primes" the brake system while the intervention parameters of Vehicle Dynamics Control are changed and the Q2 electronic differential is activated so it interacts with the VDC to provide a limited slip effect.
You need to select Dynamic for the Giulietta to come to life and actually drive like an Alfa Romeo. Drive it in Normal mode and you get a relaxed and efficient family hatchback. The All Weather mode tunes the traction control intervention for slippery surfaces.
The Giulietta takes over from the Alfa 147 as a premium five-door Italian alternative to a Volkswagen Golf, a Peugeot 308 and upscale mainstream cars like the Mazda3 SP25 Limited. The "shield" grille, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, rear spoiler and the concealed rear door handles - which have been an Alfa hallmark since they appeared on the 156 - lend the five-door hatch a distinctive appearance.
Giulietta showcases clever new MultiAir "downsized" engine technology - a direct injection turbocharged 1368cc petrol engine with sophisticated variable valve timing and lift functions. From 1.4-litres, it develops a lively 125kW at 5500rpm and has 250Nm of torque easily accessible at 2500rpm to match the output of 2.0-litre and slightly bigger naturally aspirated engines.
For the meantime, there is no automatic transmission available. A dual clutch TCT option for the Giulietta hasn't reached New Zealand yet, leaving a six-speed manual as the sole choice. For the Kiwi market where two-pedal cars play the dominant role that will limit the sales potential of the Giulietta but it does suit the punchy little turbo engine.
Even in Dynamic mode, the powertrain requires something of a reset of Alfa expectations. It's not a four-cylinder with lumpy cams and cackly exhaust or a buzzy boxer-four like the old Alfa 33 that is one of Giulietta's predecessors.
The performance comes in a more muscular style with turbo boosted torque playing a bigger role than revs. It's quite a different style of Alfa performance to have the gearshift indicator light suggesting that sixth gear and 1200rpm is an appropriate choice for cruising at about 55km/h.
But such are the combined marvels of direct injection, turbocharging and variable intake systems that it will do that without the Giulietta feeling laboured.
Leave the Giulietta in Normal mode and take an easy drive obeying the prompts of the shift indicator and, in a totally un-Alfa like experience, you will rarely exceed 2500rpm.
Cruising at 100km/h finds the gearing is well matched to the close ratios of the gearbox and the torque of the MultiAir engine. In sixth gear, the Giulietta is using a relaxed 2300rpm or in fifth gear its 2800rpm. Things get a little more urgent in fourth gear which equates to 3500rpm.
Official combined cycle fuel consumption is 6.0-litres per 100km and my road test averaged 6.4 litres/100km. An automatic engine Stop and Start system offers city driving fuel savings and can be disabled from a switch on the centre console.
The chassis feels reasonably firm as you'd expect of an Alfa Romeo and some of the responses over bumps and corrugations on Kiwi roads can be quite abrupt. Mainly it reflects the choice of 17-inch alloy wheels - in a 10-spoke style with a distinctive "twist" design - shod with low profile 225/45 series Pirelli P7 Cinturato tyres.
The Giulietta has plenty of cornering grip and feels nimble on twisty roads with confident steering feel once the Dynamic mode has been selected.
But when I drove it like an Alfa encourages, I was soon looking for a little more side bolster support from the driver's seat. The seats are quite basic in design with less lateral support and shape across the shoulders than I'd like although there is good cushion length.
Manual cushion height adjustment is provided along with slide and recline movements and the steering column is tilt and reach adjustable.
Accommodation in the rear of the Giulietta is tight for headroom and legroom and taller passengers may also have some visibility issues because their eye level is at the same height as the top of the glasshouse.
There's a useful size boot with 350 litres of load space that requires a moderate lift over the load lip. There are four load securing hooks and the rear seat has a 60/40 split fold backrest design.
Alfa Romeo importer Ateco Automotive has selected two variants of the Giulietta for the New Zealand market.
The car tested here is the entry level priced at $46,990 and the specification includes a sport cloth upholstery, metallic interior surfaces, cruise control, a trip computer, rear parking sensors, rain sensor wipers and auto headlights, dual zone climate air conditioning and steering wheel audio controls.
The audio system is a single disc CD player with a USB connection in the glovebox.
Along with a 5-star Euro NCAP (2010) crash test rating, the safety features include six airbags, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Traction Control and the Q2 electronic differential.
The optional perforated leather trim in the test car with stylish red stitch detailing is a $3000 option while Alfa charges $750 for metallic paint and a sunroof is $2500.
For enthusiasts seeking a more red-blooded Alfa experience, the Giulietta is also available in a 1.8 QV model with a 1742cc turbocharged engine developing 173kW at 5500rpm and 340Nm of torque at 1900rpm - also with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Running on 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres and also equipped with a Bose audio system the Giulietta QV is $54,990 and competitively priced as a Volkswagen Golf GTI rival.
The Giulietta is evidence of Alfa Romeo evolving so it offers cars with traditional style and classic Alfa design cues combined with modern "down-sized" efficiency.
Generously appointed and finished with high quality materials, the Giulietta will appeal to drivers who enjoy the individuality of an Italian car and, with a press of a switch, it delivers the rewarding performance that is a vital part of the Alfa pedigree.
ALFA ROMEO Giulietta MultiAir - $46,990
SAFETY:
Dual front airbags
Front seat side and curtain airbags
Front seatbelt pretensioners and load force limiters
Vehicle Dynamics Control and Traction Control
Antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist
Front seatbelt reminder
Three-point centre rear seat belt
3 x child seat tether points
2 x ISOFIX child seat mountings
Immobiliser security system
Space saver spare wheel
CRASH TEST RATING:
Overall rating (2010 test)
FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined (claimed): 6.0 litres per 100km
Road test results:
Combined: 6.4 litres per 100km
MORE INFORMATION:
THE NUMBERS
Engine 1368cc four-cylinder direct injection turbocharged petrol
Maximum output 125kW at 5500rpm
Maximum torque 250Nm at 2500rpm
Length 4531mm
Width 1798mm
Height 1465mm
Wheelbase 2634mm
Kerb weight 1290kg
Fuel tank capacity 60 litres
Wheels 17-inch alloy
Tyres Pirelli P7 Cinturato 225/45 R17 radial
Malcolm Wano and Kiahara Takareki Trust in Moerewa want to inspire young people.