What's all this about?

It's the full run-down on Alfa Romeo's Giulia range, following its appearance at the Geneva Motor Show.

What do we know at this stage?

We know the four engines that will power the range and (roughly) what the trim line-up will be like.

Tell me about the latter first - I'm a stickler for detail.

OK, the trims in the UK are going to run basic Giulia, then Super and finally Quadrifoglio: Alfa seems to have dropped the Verde bit of the famous performance badge, although we'll refer to the range-topper as the QV for simplicity's sake from now on. Entry-level Giulias will get 16-inch alloys, cruise control, LED rear lights, dual-zone climate control, a 6.5-inch Alfa Connect infotainment set-up and the new Alfa DNA selector. 'Super' bumps that kit level up with 17-inch rims, leather and fabric seats and bespoke interior trim. Optional Luxury or Sport Packs add even more to the specs. All three of the 'regular' Giulia engines are available at these levels.

Which three engines are those?

A turbocharged petrol 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 200hp at 5,000rpm and 330Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm; or an all-aluminium 2.2-litre turbodiesel - the first such unit to be made in Alfa's history - split into two outputs. The lower variant offers 150hp at 4,000rpm and 380Nm from 1,500rpm, while the beefier model increases those stats to 180hp at 3,750rpm and 450Nm at 1,750rpm. But neither the trim level nor the drivetrains we've talked about yet address the most exciting Giulia of all.

The QV...

The QV indeed. It's so far in advance of any other Giulia that's it's almost like a car apart. It is powered by a 2.9-litre 'Ferrari-inspired' V6 biturbo petrol. Reputedly, this engine will feature in a new Ferrari sports car coming soon, while its specification is not a million miles away from the 2.9 V8 twin-turbo of the Ferrari F40. Sorry, that might seem like a bit of an insult... to the Giulia.

You what?!

The Giulia QV's engine develops more power and torque than the F40's lump, with 510hp and 600Nm capable of propelling this 1,524kg saloon to 190mph. It'll do 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, too. It features cylinder deactivation in an effort to save fuel and a whole host of extra technology - such as an Active Aero Splitter for variable downforce at the front, Chassis Domain Control selectable drive modes, a torque-vectoring rear differential and larger carbon ceramic brakes - to help it all keep on the straight and narrow. You'll identify the QV from outside easily, thanks to its body kit, 19-inch wheels and bi-Xenon lights, while inside are leather and Alcantara sports seats, a sports steering wheel with a red power button and an extra Race mode in its Alfa DNA Pro drive selector.

The QV seems light. Are all Giulias slender?

Yes, the use of carbon fibre and aluminium in various components keeps the bulk off, so the 180hp 2.2 diesel is only 1,374kg. There are some hatchbacks heavier than that. All Giulias will also use four-link rear suspension and passive rear-wheel steer to improve the handling.

So when will we know if this is genuinely Alfa's renaissance?

It's going on sale in the UK in September, so expect first drives sometime in the summer. We don't mind telling you, we're massively apprehensive. We dearly want all Giulias, not just the QV, to be sharp. Until then, here's hoping.