1 month into owning my Giulietta (2014 1.6 jtdm Distinctive) and I'm loving it. I'm not enamoured with the DNA stystem though: N a bit sluggish and D - artificial steering and jerky throttle response for town work. It's not a major complaint though and it's still probably the best car I've driven. The brakes though seem very poor for such a modern car with sporty ambitions. They seem spongy and pedal travel is excessive in comparison to my previous car (VW Eos). When driving spiritidly in D mode I've been surprised by the lack of stopping power. The car has only done 24k so pads should be fine and I can't see there being air in the system? The brakes on my Eos were fantastic so maybe I just have to adjust to them? Just wondered if other Giulietta owners find their brakes a bit disappointing and would be grateful for any feedback.
The brakes get should new fluid at two years on the service schedule. Yours don't sound typical. Unless the VW brakes you got accustomed to were too sensitive?
Maybe someone has replaced the pads with cheapo items?
Could also be the fluid needs changing as Cue suggests.
I replaced a set of very worn original pads on my BMW for a set of Eicher pads from Eurocarparts.
The difference in stopping power and pedal feel was massive. The car just didn't want to stop with the Eicher pads and they were quickly thrown in the in and replaced with some more OE items.
Spongy pedal usually indicates air in the system, often in tiny bubbles, so best to have the fluid changed and lines bled. The brakes on our G truly impressive, best of all the cars I have driven over the last 20 years, the bloody thing nearly stands on its nose when an emergency stop is required, which, driving in London is almost a daily event !
Also, discs can get glazed and need a good emergency brake! Leaving the M25 towards the roundabout on the sliproad does it for mine occasionally and safely.
Thanks for the replies, I think it needs running into the dealership while still under warranty. There is no way you could describe the brakes on this car 'impressive', so must be room for improvement.
Brakes on the g are good so worth checking. Totally agree about the steering in d mode. Bit of a disappointment coming from the 156 but the brakes are impressive!
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