As part of Alfa Romeo’s ongoing worldwide expansion, the carmaker is hard at work developing the next-generation Giulietta hatchback.

Recently, Alberto Dillilo, the head of passenger and vehicle design for Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles, confirmed that the new Giulietta will be based οn a shortened version of the platform underpinning the new Giulia sedan.

As the Giulia is rear-wheel drive, it begs the question whether the new Giulietta will follow its example as reported by Auto Express. Dillilo was noncommittal, saying that “it’s possible, technically”.

Τhe saloon is also available in all-wheel drive, and such versatility could prove beneficial for the next Italian hatch if it is to rival the latest Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series, both of which have all-wheel drive variants.

If this is the case, RWD and AWD transmissions will likely spawn a high-performance variant rivaling the Volkswagen Golf R, or even the likes of the latest Ford Focus RS and Mercedes-AMG A45.

It will also mean that new Giulietta will fill the void left by the 1-Series as it transitions to front-wheel drive. Oh, the irony…

PHOTO GALLERY