Alfa Romeo has been giving more details of the UK line-up for its forthcoming Giulia range. Automatic gearboxes will be standard across the range and and apart from the top Quadrifoglio sporting model, all UK Giulias will be diesels.

The new 2.2-litre engine, manufactured at Pratola Serra in Italy, is the first all-aluminium diesel unit in Alfa Romeo’s history. The four cylinder, 2.2-litre 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 the balancing countershaft ensures 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, and both will be combined with Alfa Romeo’s advanced eight-speed automatic transmission as standard for RHD markets.

A new eight-speed automatic transmission, linked to the Alfa DNA system, makes its debut on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia and is specifically tuned to deliver a comfortable and efficiency-oriented drive when the car is in Natural and Advanced Efficiency mode while still providing increased responsiveness and driver control when in Dynamic mode, regardless of whether it is used on automatic mode or if the driver choses to shift manually via the selector or steering column-mounted paddle shifters.

Alfa says the proportions of the Giulia have evolved from its all-new rear-wheel drive architecture which gives the car with short overhangs, a long bonnet, muscular haunches and the longest claimed wheelbase in its segment. The Giulia has a balanced 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 specifically tuned to maximise its dynamic abilities and enhance driving comfort.

Among the technical highlights – Integrated Brake System for improved braking performance, extensive use of lightweight materials, advanced steering configuration and a patented rear suspension design.

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 180hp 2.2-litre turbo diesel version is just 1,374kg.

The cabin design of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia is designed to be centred around the driver with the main controls grouped together on the small steering wheel. The human-machine interface (HMI) consists of two knobs for adjusting the Alfa DNA selector and the infotainment system. 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 trim level, a 3.5- or seven-inch colour instrument display offers the driver all the essential information about the car at-a-glance. Organised in four screenshots, the information on display changes according to the DNA mode selected by the driver, offering a variety of readings including lateral acceleration, fuel consumption and suggested gear shift points. A new 8.8-inch Connect Nav 3D system developed in collaboration with Magneti Morelli is also available, as well as new sound systems from Harman Kardon.

Standard equipment on the entry-level Giulia trim level includes an eight-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, LED rear lamp clusters, dual-zone climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, Connect infotainment system and new Alfa DNA selector. In terms of safety features, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian detection, Integrated Braking System and Lane Departure Warning are all standard. This is supplemented on the Giulia Super by 17-inch alloy wheels, leather and fabric seats, steering wheel paddle shifters and special interior trim.

The standard equipment can also be increased with the Luxury Pack and the Sport Pack. The Luxury Pack enhances the interior with full-grain leather upholstery for the seats, including power adjustable front seats with heaters, real wood interior detailing, chrome-effect exterior window trim and Xenon 35W headlights with AFS.

The Sports Pack, available on the Super model, includes a sports steering wheel, aluminium interior trim and Xenon headlights.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia will go on sale in the UK in September with pricing and final UK specifications announced closer to the car’s UK launch.