I have always felt that Italian jobs usually come with names which fit the looks of the product.

Having recently tried the Alfa Giulietta I can certainly vouch for the veracity of this.

Like most members of the fair sex, Giulietta is "lovely to look at" and, when you are behind the wheel it is, as the old song tells us, definitely "delightful to hold".

With sporting beauty to put most of the opposition in the shade, this highly entertaining hatch with a difference is certainly one to look out for.

We are talking simply stunning here. There are six engine options from which to choose, three JTD diesels and a trio of petrol power sources with a quartet of generous trim levels, Turismo, Lusso, Veloce and Cloverleaf.

In the frame here is the Giulietta 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir 170bhp Veloce.

This follows the legendary 1950s Giulietta which is remembered for being the very first model to bring Alfa Romeo style and performance to a wider audience and today's jaw dropper has already proved to be a highly desirable five-door hatch.

It also has that feeling of having a sporting soul, looking, at first glance, very much like an Alfa sports coupe, standing low, sleek and lean.

However, those concealed rear door handles do reveal a pretty spacious, well appointed hatchback which also delivers a decent boot with a lot of flat floor space. The car certainly excels in the two adults and a pair of youngsters stakes.

The Veloce model is generously kitted out with standards such as the likes of electric windows all round, electrically heated and adjustable wing mirrors, six-speaker sound system with CD, while some excellent stop/start technology adds to its "green" credentials.

This model also adds dual zone automatic climate control, sports steering wheel in black leather with remote audio controls, front armrest with storage compartment, Bluetooth hands free system with USB port, cruise control, leather and microfibre upholstery while dials with white back lighting, aluminium sports pedals and kick plates add to its sports style interior.

The Fiat Group MultiAir petrol engines have already gained much applause for both performance economy and there is definitely a very positive feel from behind the steering wheel as you move away.

As many drivers have already discovered, the 1.4 TB MultiAir petrol engine does deliver a smooth performance and is almost diesel like.

The 0-62mph milestone arrives in an agreeable 7.2 seconds. Top speed is 135mph, official CO2 emission figures are a highly acceptable 134g/km, plus, there is the promise of almost 50mpg.

The Giulietta comes in four door style only and set on hugely imposing 17-inch alloys there is some extremely assured handling to enjoy particularly when in sport mode delivering body roll free cornering while providing an enjoyably comfortable ride when on the cruise.