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Our test car was the Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0 Turbo Petrol 280 hp Q4 AWD Milano Edizione , a launch specification that ’ s only available with this engine and the 207bhp diesel .
Specifications for this model include 20in alloys , electrically adjustable and heated leather sports seats , front & rear parking sensors , reversing camera , heated steering wheel , fixed aluminium shift paddles and a sat-nav system which implements a 3D street view . A powered tailgate and hilldescent control also feature . What ’ s it like ?
Inside the cabin , it ’ s pretty good news . The leather sports seats are firm yet comfortable , the rather large side bolsters hugging you nicely and giving a hint of the ‘ sportyness ’ that underlies this Alfa . They provide a great driving position too .
The dash is minimalist and clean , a look straight out of the Giulia saloon ... the flat bottomed , heated leather steering wheel and aluminium gearshift paddles further confirming this vehicle ’ s sporty aspirations . A central knob controls the built-in infotainment system which is easy to use ( though not quite as snappy as it could be ). Connecting my iPhone to the system was a breeze and everything seemed to work well . Music from the afore-mentioned device was delivered through the
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upgraded Harmon Kardon 10 speaker audio system - and it sounded very good . A subwoofer in the boot area giving a nice bass response .
Materials throughout are just about premium in feel – a big step up for Alfa , yet there are a couple of places where you ’ d perhaps hope for slightly better materials … I ’ d like to have seen a stitched leather dash finish for example , rather than the soft touch finish that is the norm . Switchgear didn ’ t feel flimsy but certain items could have felt more expensive and weighty , like the main control knob for example .
A decent sized storage area resides under the armrest and offers USB sockets to charge devices and an aux in socket .
In the back , there ’ s decent leg room for adults but although there is seating for three , I can ’ t imagine that the middle seat passenger would find things quite so comfy . There ’ s access to a couple of USB charging ports here too , which are welcome .
The electric tailgate is an expected feature which always proves useful and provides access to the ample boot space . This is flat and has no lip , making it great for loading & unloading – the seats also fold leaving no obtrusive bump and opening up the load carrying area to a very decent volume . There isn ’ t any under-floor
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storage here though - a ‘ get you home ’ spare resides in the well under the floor .
Overall then , the Stelvio ’ s cabin is not a bad place to be . With a few extra touches and perhaps an upgrade to some of the plastics , this could rival any of the other offerings in the segment . The optional sunroof might be a good addition in order to make the cabin feel lighter , however , you may sacrifice a little bit of headroom with this .
But it ’ s on the road where the Stelvio really shines . On the road
The 280hp petrol engine mated to the ZF 8 speed auto ( the same type BMW uses in the X3 and Jaguar in the F-Pace ) is a very sweet combination providing a powerful yet smooth drive . Pop the DNA selector into ( D ) ynamic mode and the Stelvio transforms again into a much more fun and engaging ride . Gearshifts are more urgent , the engine is more free revving and everything tightens up to whisk you along at a pace that you can ’ t help but smile about .
And the steering . The steering is sublime ... sharp , quick ... it almost reads your mind . It really does change the perception that you have of a large SUV . It shouldn ’ t be this nimble and agile . But it is . Yes , the Stelvio has been put on a diet , weighing in at just 1660kg through the use of lightweight materials
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such as aluminium and such but …. it feels lighter than it should , it ’ s sure footed and there is minimal lean around corners . A claimed 5.7 sec 0-62 mph time doesn ’ t seem outlandish . It is quick .
With a towbar fitted , I ’ m sure that it it would make light work of any load , there ’ s that much power and torque . A Quadrafoglio version boasting 503hp will become available soon providing ludicrous power to weight ratios to rival any SUV out there . We look forward to the opportunity to test that beast .
And the Stelvio stops as well as it goes , although it might take a little practice to get used to the electro-mechanical system in use here . Initially , you ’ ll be testing the limits before settling on the correct braking regime .
Ride quality is also unexpectedly good ... though firm . Yes , things can get a little jiggly over particularly bad road surfaces but in the main , the Stelvio keeps it ’ s manners , soaking up bumps and speed humps in its stride .
The Q4 all-wheel drive system offers obvious benefits under more inclement weather conditions and provides a certain amount of offroad ability though this isn ’ t going to be quite in the same league as a Land Rover , clearly . But it isn ’ t supposed to be .
There ’ s a definite rear wheel
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