While Alfa Romeo is chasing global volume sales with
the Stelvio crossover, it doesn't intend on disregarding its small cars,
despite reducing demand for such vehicles.
The Italian company is developing the next-generation
Giuletta and while it hasn't confirmed it, a company official has said it's
"technically possible" for the compact model to be underpinned by a
shortened version of the Giulia's platform. This means that there's a chance
the Giulietta could be rear-wheel drive as standard and may receive an
all-wheel drive option down the road, just like the Giulia.
Beyond its new underpinnings, it is inevitable that
the future Giulietta will adopt a thoroughly refreshed design, inevitably
inspired by the Giulia and Stelvio. As depicted in these renderings from Indav
Design, that could mean the inclusion of a rounder front fascia with sportier
headlights than the outgoing hatchback as well as prominent creases along the
bonnet.
The entire shape of the roof could also closely
resemble the Stelvio and in these images, supports thin horizontal taillights,
a small spoiler and a blacked-out diffuser. All told, it looks seriously
impressive and if the rear-wheel drive platform spawns a high-performance
variant, could give the Focus RS a run for its money.