Cars

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 (Type 116.A1a): the Small Sedan with a Big Temperament

Among the various versions of the Giulietta type 116, the 2.0-liter holds a special place. Appearing in the early 1980s, it represents the pinnacle of the naturally aspirated range before the arrival of the very rare Turbo version. This model, internally designated 116.A1A, follows Alfa Romeo’s classic recipe: a lively engine, sophisticated architecture, and assertive styling. A compact sedan, discreet in its presentation, but formidable once on the road.

The heart of the Giulietta 2.0 is, of course, its 4-cylinder double overhead camshaft engine of 1,962 cm³, from the great Twin Cam Alfa Romeo family. It develops 130 horsepower in its non-catalyzed European version, and shows great flexibility at low revs, while offering a beautiful climb up to over 6,000 rpm. Fed by a dual-barrel carburetor or injection (depending on markets and model years), this engine offers a raw and metallic sound, typical of Alfas of that era, which fully contributes to the driving pleasure.

Coupled with a precise 5-speed manual gearbox, and thanks to a contained weight (around 1,100 kg), the Giulietta 2.0 still offers very respectable performance today: around 195 km/h top speed, 0 to 100 km/h in less than 10 seconds, and above all, great agility on winding roads.

Under its discreet 4-door sedan bodywork lies a rare architecture for its category. The Giulietta uses the Alfetta’s technical base, with:

• a rear-mounted gearbox (transaxle), for ideal weight distribution,
• a De Dion axle with “in-board” rear brakes, typical of sporty Alfas of the time,
• precise steering and a light front end, allowing for agile and engaging driving.

These technical choices, costly to produce, reflect Alfa Romeo’s desire to offer a different car, in contrast to the more rational front-wheel-drive competitors. The Giulietta 2.0, without being brutal, retains an assertive character and a mechanical, direct driving feel, very far from the sanitized sedans of the 80s.

Externally, the Giulietta 2.0 does not seek to draw attention. Its angular, almost “functional” lines are nevertheless well-proportioned. It is recognized by a few specific details: alloy wheels, a discreet spoiler, “2.0” inscriptions at the rear, and sometimes a slightly more equipped interior (tachometer, velour seats, sport steering wheel depending on trim levels).

The interior, typical of Alfas of that era, is driver-focused. The dashboard is angled towards the driver, controls fall easily to hand, and the low seating position enhances the dynamic feel. The finish remains typical of the 80s — correct but sometimes imperfect — but the ambiance is clearly geared towards driving.

Produced until 1985, the Giulietta 2.0 type 116.A1A suffers today from relative anonymity. Stuck between the aura of the Giulia and the classic status acquired by the Alfetta, it remains one of the last production rear-wheel-drive Alfa with transaxle architecture, accessible, and still relatively simple to maintain.

It represents the Alfa Romeo spirit in its purest form: a car that prioritizes sensations and handling, with a noble engine and an architecture designed for driving enthusiasts. Even today, it seduces enthusiasts looking for an original, expressive youngtimer, true to the Italian sporting soul.

This example, sold new in France on 30/9/1983, is in very good condition, which is rare for this model. It comes with a file of invoices since 2006, the date of its import into Belgium by its last owner.

Drives very well, clear technical inspection, impeccable interior.