Alfa Romeo Giulia arriving next February with five-model line-up

Alfa Romeo Australia has confirmed a four-model line-up for the highly anticipated Giulia sedan range when it launches Down Under in February 2017.

The Giulia’s Australian line-up will comprise of five models across four equipment grades – Giulia, Super, Veloce and range-topping Quadrifoglio. Three petrol models and one diesel variant will be offered, all with an eight-speed automatic transmission standard.

Standard safety specification across the range includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB) and pedestrian recognition, Integrated Brake System (IBS), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

The entry level Giulia is powered by a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 147kW and 330Nm, the latter on tap from 1,750-4,000rpm. This endows the Giulia enough performance to crack the 0-100km/h sprint in just 6.6 seconds, and a combined cycle fuel economy of 6.0L/100km.

The entry-level Giulia comes equipped as standard with leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-Xenon headlamps, keyless go, stop/start technology, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a reverse parking camera.

As with all Alfa Romeos, the Giulia’s driver focused interior features the brand’s DNA rotary driving mode selector, a 3.5-inch TFT colour cluster instrument panel, UConnect 6.5-inch display infotainment system with DAB and Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-speaker audio system.

Next in the range is the Giulia Super, available with a choice of 147kW/330Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine or a new 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel which produces 132kW and accompanied by 450Nm of torque from 1,750-3,750rpm. Rated at just 4.2L/100km on the combined cycle, the sole diesel-powered Giulia is capable of 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds.

The Giulia Super sports an even higher grade of leather which also adorns the dash and doors, an eight-way power driver’s seat, active cruise control and heated steering wheel. Safety also steps up with the inclusion of blind spot monitoring.

Those looking for more sporting prowess in the Italian sports sedan will be drawn to the Giulia Veloce, powered by a higher-performance version of the turbo 2.0-litre petrol engine serving up a potent 206kW and 400Nm. The Giulia Veloce accelerates to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds, yet sips just 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.

The Giulia Veloce also gains Alfa’s SDC variable damping suspension, limited-slip rear differential, 19-inch Veloce alloys and an uprated braking package, with calipers distinctively finished in red.

Inside, the Veloce’s cabin steps up the visual performance with aluminium dash inserts and pedals, a sports leather seats and steering wheel, and a premium sound system.

Calling the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C 63 as rival, the flagship Giulia Quadrifoglio packs a Ferrari-inspired 375kW / 600Nm twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine.

The super sedan storms from rest to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Bringing the car to a halt from the same speed will take only 32 metres. Flat out the Giulia Quadrifoglio is said to top 300km/h. Thanks to cylinder deactivation technology, the Quadrifoglio’s fuel economy rating is just 8.2L/100km.

The Giulia Quadrifoglio distinguishes from the rest of the range with its sports bodykit-enhanced silhouette, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, and bi-Xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) and automatic high beam.

Inside, the Quadrifoglio’s leather-wrapped surfaces throughout feature contrast stitching, along with aluminium and carbonfibre highlights.

The leather and Alcantara front sports seats are eight-way, electrically adjustable, and generously bolstered to help occupants withstand the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s prodigious cornering forces.

Premium appointments include a Harmon Kardon 14-speaker sound system and an 8.8-inch infotainment screen controlled via a centrally mounted rotary dial.

Based on an all new rear-wheel drive architecture, all Giulia models benefit from perfect 50/50 weight distribution and is said to offer best in class power-to-weight ratios.

The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia range will go on sale in Australia in February 2017. Full specification details and pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.