DRIVERS looking for sporty looks to match the competition DNA of the Alfa Romeo marque will doubtless welcome the latest version of the Giulietta with open chequebooks.

According to its makers, the new Sport version marks the entry to the Giulietta ‘Performance DNA' range, along with the Speciale and Veloce models. These three versions "encapsulate the sporting heritage of the Alfa Romeo brand, whilst adding additional content and performance," according to Alfa.

However, the new Giulietta Sport is basically just a new trim level. And although it comes with what Alfa calls athletic styling cues and enhanced equipment levels, the basic underpinnings and mechanicals stay the same.

Externally, this new trim level features 17-inch five-hole alloy wheels, side skirts, front splitter and rear diffuser with red trims, rear privacy glass and is finished at the rear with an extra-large exhaust and fog lights to give a more purposeful look.

The interior adds dark headlining, as seen on the Veloce trim level and is available with Misano Blue paintwork - an exterior shade that is currently reserved for the flagship Veloce.

These styling touches are complemented by a number of additional technology features. A techno-leather steering wheel, climate control, cruise control and 5-inch Uconnect multimedia system with Uconnect LIVE services all come as standard.

The Giulietta Sport is available with either a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine priced at £20,695 or 1.6 turbodiesel costing £22,230.