2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Overseas Preview Drive | Alfa Applies Its Enthusiast Appeal To The SUV Brigade
Like it or not, the SUV, in its many forms, is here to stay. High-riding wagon-esque vehicles now account for over half of Australia's new car sales, and other bigger markets around the world are following the same trend.
That means it would be utterly foolish for any brand to ignore the lure of lifestyle-focussed SUVs and crossovers. That’s also why Alfa Romeo, a brand long associated with engaging dynamics and driver involvement, has rolled out its first ever SUV.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio arrives as the second model from the revitalised Italian automaker, set to join the Giulia sedan in showrooms, and with a large amount of shared componentry beneath the surface.
This crucial new model is pivotal in ensuring Alfa Romeo can secure the income it needs to continue its coming new model push, and in key growth markets for the brand, like the United States and China, an SUV is essential. But can the brand’s history and its new aspirations exist harmoniously?
TMR travelled to Northern Ireland for a first drive of the Stelvio to find out.
Vehicle Style: Prestige medium SUV
Price: From $65,000 plus on-road costs (estimated)
Engine/trans: 149kW/330Nm 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol, 156kW/450Nm 2.2-litre 4cyl turbo diesel
OVERVIEW
The Alfa romeo will arrive, initially at least, with a simple range offering a choice of just two engines - one petrol, and one diesel - both matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and both served with Alfa Romeo’s Q4 all-wheel drive system.
From there buyers can opt for a lush Super Lusso trim, or a more performance-flavoured Veloce specification but regardless of the equipment variant safety kit like autonomous emergency braking, forward collision, lane departure warning and six airbags will come included.