Alfa Romeo marked the dawn of a new era when it revealed the new Giulia a year ago, but delayed production more than what is considered the norm in the auto industry.

Finally, the Italian automaker started manufacturing its premium saloon and handed over the first six examples in its domestic market yesterday. Two were delivered with the 180-horsepower diesel engine in Milan and Arezzo, and four with the 150hp diesel in Mantua, Perugia, Bari and Ragusa. They were all in Super trim and came in a variety of colors including Montecarlo Blue, Vesuvio Grey, Vulcano Black and Alfa White.

The new Giulia will be offered in five trim levels: the base Giulia, the mid-range Super and the top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio, plus the Business and Business Sport trims dedicated to corporate fleets. Customers wil be able to choose between a 2.2-liter diesel with 150 or 180 horsepower, a new turbocharged 200hp 2.0-litre petrol unit offered exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the M4-rivaling 503hp Quadrifoglio. By the end of the year, a 280hp version of the 2.0-litre petrol model and a 210hp version of the 2.2-litre diesel will be added to the range.

Along with the first customer deliveries, Alfa also confirmed the impressive safety ratings awarded by the Euro NCAP, which gave it five stars and a 98% score for adult occupant protection.

PHOTOS