Thumb the start button on the steering wheel and the 2.0-litre turbo petrol four settles into a familiar, slightly gravelly idle.
Under load, the engine doesn’t really get any more sporting in tone, but it does forgo any digital augmentation through the speakers.
Producing 276bhp and 295lb ft of torque, it’s good for 0-62mph in 5.7sec. Indeed, the Giulia feels brisk and responsive, helped by its sub-1500kg kerb weight.
Its ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox is generally smooth, with only a bit of awkwardness when pulling away from a set of traffic lights.
Make use of the tactile shift paddles and you will have plenty of fun swapping cogs when you’re after more involvement.
The Giulia is impressively hushed when you’re cruising: you will immediately notice that there isn’t much wind noise.
Some greater feel from the brake pedal wouldn’t go amiss, but this has long been one of the Giulia’s quirks.
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