Alfa Romeo’s full Giulia range is revealed at the Geneva show, joining the range-topping Quadrifoglio version that debuted in 2015.
The car is expected to take on the likes of BMW’s 3 Series and the Audi A4 and as such comes in rear-wheel-drive form as standard with its specification pitched towards the performance end of the market. All-wheel-drive variants are also believed to be planned.
The mainstream range will be available with a choice of three engines, all new all-aluminium units – a 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit of 197bhp and a pair of 2.2 diesels with either 148 or 178bhp.
Standard-fit transmission on the diesels will be a six-speed manual unit but a new eight-speed auto with steering-wheel paddles will be optional and the only choice with the 2.0 petrol.
The Quadrifoglio, meanwhile, will remain the flagship with its 3.0-litre V6 pushing out 503bhp.
Alfa Romeo is also promising impressive handling prowess for the Giulia, through a combination of a double-wishbone front and four-arm rear suspension with a toe adjustment patented by the Italian brand, and a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
The steering is a new design too, which according to its designers keeps the car’s caster constant in corners ensuring rapid and accurate steering.
All versions of the Giulia keep their weight low by use of exotic materials, carbon fibre for the driveshaft, aluminium composite and plastic for the rear crossmember and aluminium for the doors, wings, engines, brakes and suspensions – including the front suspension domes and front and rear subframes.
Quadriflogio variants make more extensive use of composites, the bonnet, roof, front splitter, rear spoiler and body inserts for example all made from carbon fibre.
Trim levels will range across Giulia, Super and Quadriflogio with standard equipment on entry-level versions including 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, LED rear lamp clusters, dual-zone climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, 6.5-inch Alfa Connect system and the new Alfa DNA selector.
The safety specification includes several driver aids, with Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian detection, Integrated Braking System and Lane Departure Warning are all standard.
Prices for the Giulia range will be announced closer to the car’s UK launch, expected in September 2016.
