ALFA Romeo's Giulietta has been about for six years and the model has had two minor facelifts since it made its debut.

However, you would have to look quite hard to spot the differences.

The Italian company has always built pretty cars but Alfas did not always enjoy a reputation for reliability.

In recent times the firm has worked hard to improve the quality of its products and this is now making them a choice you can make with your head as well as your heart.

The Giulietta has made a significant contribution to the cause and it is a sharp looking car that makes most other family hatchbacks look bland.

It certainly has a visual impact thanks to its new headlights, trademark grille and offset front number plate. It is just as handsome in profile or from the rear and it looks more expensive than it is.

Inside, the changes are just as subtle, with a few improvements to materials and the addition of a Uconnect infotainment system. This lets you pair your smartphone to use apps like music streaming and social media.

The cabin doesn't feel as upmarket as the BMW 1 series or Audi A3, but it has Italian flair and some neat touches even although some of the plastics are rather scratchy.

Four adults can travel in comfort although there is not as much room in the rear as some of its more modern competitors.

The Sprint model tested offers lots of spec including tinted windows, fog lights, side skirts, immobiliser alarm system, cloth and alcantara upholstery, Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, Alfa DNA, a DAB radio and the touchscreen infotainment system.

Fitted with the 1.4 MultiAir 150bhp engine, the Sprint has a nice soundtrack and is good for a top speed of 130mph and reaches 62mph in 8.2 seconds.

The steering feels fairly direct and responsive and combines with the agile handling to give this family hatch sporting appeal.

The claimed economy for this model is 49.6mpg with emisssions of 131g/km.

All models get the DNA system which enables the driver to select from three driving modes. You can choose All Weather, Natural or Dynamic to suit your mood or the road conditions.

The pedals are a little too close together for my taste and there is no rest for your left foot, so I found it difficult to get a truly comfortable driving position.

Boot space is listed at 350-litres and the good news is that there is enough room for a proper space saver wheel.

At £20,700 the Sprint is also reasonable value for money although the final tally for this particular car was £23,870 with options were added.

These included £510 for the Alfa Red paint, £260 for rear parking sensors, £450 for dual climate control, £260 for cruise control, a further £160 for a front armrest, £160 for a height adjustable passenger seat and £1,050 for the nav system with a larger touchscreen and voice recognition.

A Visibility Pack which added rain, dusk and condensation sensors as well as an electrochromic rear view mirror and folding wing mirrors added a further £320.