The New Alfa Romeo Giulia Range Has Been Revealed: Still Want A 3-Series?

For years, Alfa Romeo has relied on customers buying with their hearts rather than their heads. Horrific depreciation, poor reliability and average driving dynamics have resulted in poor sales - which is not a surprise. Only the most dedicated would buy an Alfa over the usual Audi, Mercedes or BMW. For 2016 Alfa wants to turn this around, by producing a car that’s objectively better than the competition. The car in question? The new Giulia.

We covered the unveiling of the 503bhp V6 QV version last year, but the whole range has now been officially revealed. The full fat QV will sit at the top of tree, with three engine options below - one petrol and two diesels. The petrol motor - a 2.0-litre, 200bhp four-cylinder with MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve actuators and a 2-in-1 turbocharger - is claimed to be responsive, sharp and economical.

Unfortunately, non-QV petrol buyers will be restricted to an eight-speed automatic transmission; if you want to row the gears yourself, you’ll need to buy a oil-burner. Performance figures are yet to be released, but we can expect to receive them closer to the Giulia’s international launch later in the summer.

A lack of a manual in the petrol car is a shame, but it’s the two 2.2-litre diesel motors that the majority of buyers in the UK will be interested in. Both units are made entirely of aluminium, a first for Alfa, and both receive a variable geometry turbocharger. The least powerful diesel produces 150bhp and 280lb ft with the pokier motor producing a much more respectable 180bhp and 332lb ft of torque. Both diesel engines can be had with the aforementioned eight-speed automatic gearbox, or a six-speed manual.

Alfa has also worked hard to ensure the car is dynamically superior to its competitors. Each model features 50/50 weight distribution, sophisticated four-arm link rear suspension and a new double-wishbone front end set-up. The Giulia also receives a new integrated electromechanical braking system (IBS), which combines the stability control system with the traditional servo to improve brake response. Alfa claims that this should reduce vibrations through the pedal making for a more consistent feel. Impressively, with standard discs, 62mph to a standstill should be achieved in just 38.5m. We can’t wait to try the system for ourselves.

The Giulia is also packed with innovative electronic features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. All come as standard.

The cabin is also feature packed. Customers can choose from three trim levels - Giulia, Super and Quadrifoglio - and two ‘packs’ called Lusso and Sport. The standard entry-level cars will receive 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, fabric seats and a 6.5-inch Alfa Connect system.

The ‘Super’ specification cars will receive upgrades such as 17-inch wheels, leather and fabric seats and ‘special interior trim’. And if that doesn’t sound high-class enough for you do not fear, as you can also spec the Luxury Pack, which receives full-grain leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, and real wood interior detailing. Unfortunately final UK trim levels are yet to be finalised, so we’ll have to wait for the launch later in the year for full specifications.

The car will be priced competitively, so we expect a starting price around £25,000.