Fans of Italian styling are anxiously awaiting Fiat and Alfa Romeo's full scale return to the U.S. now that the alliance deal between the Italian auto giant and Chrysler has been well and truly signed off but sadly, the wait may have to last a few more years still. According to Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne, Alfa Romeo is unlikely to return to the U.S. until the end of 2012 and even then models like the MiTo and new Giulietta may be off the cards.

While other markets are already enjoying the MiTo and will soon be able to experience the Giulietta, which is making its debut this week at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the U.S. is expected to only receive the larger Giulia 159-replacement and another large sedan based on the Chrysler 300 platform plus several sports models.

At least we can still ogle at them. Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Center, the new Giulietta is a five-door hatchback equipped with impressive dynamic and comfort features. The Giulietta rides on an all-new platform simply titled Compact that comes fitted with a range of dynamic enhancing technologies. These include the new DNA driving mode selector, which offers Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather modes, as well as the automaker’s Q2 electronic front-wheel drive differential.

Several different versions have been developed: two Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf) models fitted with a 235 horsepower 1.75-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, two Distinctive models fitted with a 170 horsepower 2.0-liter JTDM turbodiesel engine and a Base model fitted with a 170 horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged gasoline mill.

All the engines are teamed with a six-speed manual as standard while the MultiAir and JTDM engines are available with an optional dual clutch automatic transmission.

Overall measurements come in at 14.3 feet in length, 4.8 feet in height, and 5.9 feet across. In the trunk there’s a generous 12.3 cubic-feet of storage.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta will go on sale in Europe this May.

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