Alfa Romeo’s new, super-fast, rear-wheel-drive Giulia model will carry a price-tag of £29,180 when it goes on sale later this year. Buyers will be able to select from five trim levels – Giulia, Super, Tecnica, Speciale and Quadrifoglio – and will also have a choice of four engine variants – two petrol and two diesel – which are all paired to a brand new eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

All grades are well equipped with even the entry trim level boasting comprehensive standard specification including forward collision warning with autonomous emergency brake with pedestrian recognition, integrated brake system and lane departure warning.

Such systems have contributed to the new Alfa being awarded a Five Star Euro NCAP rating, with 98 per cent protection result for adult occupants – making it the highest score ever achieved by a car, despite the more stringent Euro NCAP evaluation system introduced last year.

All models feature a comprehensive list of kit including dual-zone climate control, the Alfa DNA rotary driving mode selector, UConnect 6.5-inch display infotainment system with DAB plus MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, 8-speaker audio system, a 3.5-inch TFT colour cluster instrument panel, rear parking sensors and cruise control.

The range-topping Quadrifoglio, which can sprint from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds, is powered by a new turbo charged V6 petrol engine, with an eight-speed paddle shift automatic transmission as standard and costs from £59,000.