In addition to the flagship 503bhp Quadrifoglio model that debuted last year, three engines will be offered: a 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine with either 148bhp or 178bhp and marked out as the first diesel unit in Alfa Romeo’s history made entirely of aluminium. The diesels will be available with a six-speed manual or a new eight-speed automatic transmission; the petrol will be solely offered with the auto. 

A new Integrated Brake System for improved braking performance also debuts on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia along with a patented rear suspension design.

Models will come with rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive offered for some versions.

Preliminary details of three trim levels – Giulia, Super and Quadrifoglio – have also been announced. Standard equipment on the entry-level trim includes 16-inch alloy wheels, 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 Giulia Super adds in 17-inch alloy wheels, leather and fabric seats and special interior trim.

Standard safety features include Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian detection, Integrated Braking System and Lane Departure Warning.

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 launch.