Alfa Romeo has been fleshing out the details of the wider Giulia range, including the diesels, although final UK specifications will be confirmed later on. There are expected to be three different trim levels; Giulia, Super and Quadrifoglio.

Alfa says the proportions of the Giulia have evolved from its all-new rear-wheel drive architecture which bestows the car with short overhangs, a long bonnet, muscular haunches and the longest wheelbase in its segment. The Giulia benefits from the careful management of weights and materials to obtain 50/50 weight distribution across its axles, while the four-arm Alfa Link rear suspension (with an Alfa Romeo-patented solution for toe adjustment) and new double-wishbone front set up have been designed to maximise dynamic abilities and enhance driving comfort.

The new Giulia utilises an array of high-strength and ultra-lightweight materials including, for example, carbon fibre for the driveshaft, aluminium composite and plastic for the rear crossmember and aluminium for the doors, wings, engines (petrol and diesel), brakes and suspensions – including the front suspension domes and front and rear subframes. As a result, the dry weight of the diesel version is just 1,374kg.

The Giulia’s diesel engine is manufactured in Italy at the Pratola Serra factory, in areas designated exclusively for the construction of Alfa Romeo engines. This engine is the first diesel unit in Alfa Romeo’s history made entirely of aluminium. This four cylinder, turbo-diesel engine uses latest-generation MultiJet II injection system with Injection Rate Shaping (IRS), an operating pressure of 2,000 bar and a variable geometry turbocharger, while a balancing countershaft is used in the interests of smoothness and refinement across the rev range. Two versions will be available, one which produces 148 BHP at 4,000rpm and 280 lb ft at 1,500rpm, and the other with 178 BHP available at 3,750rpm and 332 lb ft at 1,750rpm.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB) with pedestrian detection are standard on all versions of the Giulia, and the automatic option is a new eight-speeder which makes its debut here.

The cabin design of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia is centred around the driver with the main controls grouped together on the small steering wheel. Alfa says premium materials, including carbon fibre and real wood, are chosen for their visual and tactile pleasantness and assembled in such a way to make the human touch visible. Depending on the trim level, a 3.5-inch or seven-inch colour instrument display is included and there’s also a high-end sound system by Harman Kardon.

Also available: a new 8.8-inch Connect Nav 3D system  developed in collaboration with supplier Magneti Morelli. The Alfa Connect 3D Nav system is equipped with voice recognition for complete connectivity with all mobile devices (Apple iOS and Android) including full control of Bluetooth calling and music streaming, as well as audio, including DAB digital radio. The navigation system includes high-resolution 3D maps with rapid route calculation even in locations where there it’s not possible to find a GPS signal thanks to its advanced Dead Reckoning technology.