A STELVIO YOU SHOULDN'T PASS ON (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_alfaromeostelvio_2018

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 49

Alfa Romeo's Stelvio proved that the impressive engineering used in the brand's Giulia saloon could also work in more challenging market segments. The premium part of the mid-sized crossover sector is certainly one of those. For customers in this class, this Milanese model promises character and real driving engagement.

Modelsword count: 10

5dr SUV (2.0 petrol, 2.9 V6 petrol / 2.2 diesel)

Historyword count: 379

The Stelvio is an Alfa Romeo first and an SUV second. The Milanese maker wants you to be in no doubt of that. But what exactly might that mean? In the earlier years of this century, a variety of manufacturers previously unfamiliar with the SUV segment had to rather awkwardly take long established brand values and somehow make them fit into the concept behind this kind of car. Unlike Jaguar, Maserati, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini though, Alfa Romeo had at least made one of these things before. It was called the Matta, a Jeep-like 4x4 briefly sold in the early '50's, and it's long forgotten, just like the Kamal crossover prototype shown in 2003 and other models the company's made from time to time that have taken it out of its usual sporting comfort zone. The Stelvio though, might be a longer-remembered Alfa foray into the unknown - and there are plenty of reasons why. Launched in 2017, this Milanese model absolutely had to offer something different. Otherwise, there would have been no real reason for customers to bother with it when there were so many other better-established alternatives. Which is why that 'Alfa first, SUV second' boast simply had be more than just marketing-speak. Hence a promising engineering approach based on the stiff, sophisticated Giorgio platform pioneered by the universally well-received Giulia mid-sized four-door model that Alfa had launched in 2016. Thanks to a weight gain over that sharp-handling saloon restricted to just 200kgs, the engineers gave themselves a decent chance of building into this Stelvio the kind of eager character you simply wouldn't expect from a crossover contender. Plus we were promised feelsome steering, a tunefully characterful engine soundtrack and a top model with a Ferrari-derived engine. Following this Stelvio's original launch, Alfa put quite a lot of effort into refettling it over the years, starting with the first of the two range updates - in September 2018, which saw the introduction of more efficient Euro 6D engines. The line-up was further revised for the 2020 model year, with upgraded cabin infotainment, level 2 drive assist features and a range of Alfa Connected Services. A further update package was announced for the 2023 model year, but it's the earlier 2016-2022-period Stelvios we're going to look at here.

What You Getword count: 371

Even before you notice the evocative badge on the classic triangular trefoil nose, it's clear that this is a car with a uniquely Italian sense of flair, something further emphasised by the long bonnet, the short overhangs and the muscular haunches. There really is nothing quite like the Stelvio in this segment. And at the wheel? Well what a disappointment it would have been if all the romance of the exterior had been compromised by a cabin fashioned as a pale pastiche of what the German brands offer. It wasn't. Instead, there's a cockpit that to some extent at least, succeeds in combining classic Alfa charisma with modern functionality. True, there are a few issues with fit and finish, especially with some elements of the switchgear - and this Italian SUV can't match its German rivals in terms of media connectivity, though the 8.8-inch centre dash infotainment screen works effectively. There's so much else that's seductive about this cabin though; the deeply-cowled dials, the smart thin-rimmed three-spoke wheel, splashes of aluminium and huge, evocative gear change paddles behind the steering wheel that look as if they were originally designed for a Ferrari - and probably were. Add in stitched leather and a bit of optional trim embellishment and the interior can look absolutely gorgeous. When it's time to take a seat in the rear, taller folk might find access hindered a little by the swept-back roofline. Still, the rear door opens decently wide and once inside, there's a lot more headroom than the sleek silhouette previously led you to expect. Legroom though, isn't quite as good as in some direct rivals - though it's better than in a Porsche Macan - and a couple of talk folk sat behind a lanky driver will find their knees very close indeed to the scalloped cut-outs indented into the front seat backs. Finally, the standard powered tailgate opens to reveal a 480-litre capacity that improves on what you get in a Porsche Macan or Volvo XC60 but is a little smaller than other more obvious German class rivals. The seats fold in a useful 40:20:40 split so that long items like skis can be pushed through into the cabin without disturbing rear seat folk.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227