THE Alfa Romeo Giulietta benefits from something called D.N.A. which helps drivers adjust the car to their specific requirements.

The system acts on key components such as the engine, steering and brakes allowing the person behind the wheel to hone the Giulietta's responses to the prevalent conditions.

Normal mode - unsurprisingly the ‘N' part of the equation - is designed for relaxed driving so every component controlled is in its regular configuration.

Move the switch, positioned ahead of the gearlever, and ‘D' for Dynamic is engaged giving the engine increased enthusiasm while making the steering weightier for a sporty feel. A function called Pre-Fill is also activated designed to give the brake pedal the feel of a racing car.

It recognises that the driver is about to brake when the accelerator is released and increases the pressure inside the braking system reducing pedal travel so improving response times.

These settings are fine in theory but when it comes to the hot rod Cloverleaf they are rendered redundant.

That's because this Giulietta has only one way of travelling - quickly.

The 1750 TBi petrol engine is a beast that laughs in the face of electronic settings. Boasting a twin overhead camshaft, direct injection, variable valve timing and turbocharging it responds to the lightest touch on the accelerator with an eagerness of a cheetah spotting a wounded antelope.

To me it didn't seem to matter what setting I chose the response was always nothing short of electric.

For once the official 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds doesn't do the car justice as it feels a good deal quicker than that.

The ride is pretty smooth as well for a speedster although the occasional hump and hollow do make themselves felt in the cabin.

As with virtually every Alfa since the dawn of motoring time, the Giulietta has a classy exterior with the classic shield grille suspended between the air vents and the headlights.

The Giulietta's profile is coupe-like thanks to a neat trick that conceals the rear door handles - allowing the car to retain five-door practicality - with muscular wheelarches and deep side skirts enhancing the overall effect.

The rear is similarly eventful creating a road-hugging impression that translates to the Giulietta's performance on the road.

The cabin uses good quality materials and subtle shades that give the interior a light and spacious air.

Considering the sleek shape, headroom is surprisingly plentiful and all occupants are made to feel comfortable.

The boot caters for a family's weekly supermarket shopping expedition and there are numerous cubby holes dotted around the interior with closed compartments on top of the dashboard and in the front and rear arm rests.

The Giulietta starts with the entry-level Turismo graduating up through Lusso, Veloce until the heady heights of Cloverleaf are reached.

The top-of-the range model features Cloverleaf badging - which actually does the overall look few favours in my opinion - as well as lowered suspension, red brake callipers, dark-tinted windows and 18-inch alloys.

This is in addition to the dual-zone climate control, sports dials, cruise control plus a hands-free mobile phone system with voice recognition and media player with USB port that Alfa already includes on other models.