Test review: Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Evolving is art

Let it be known that I have an affinity with the Alfa Romeo brand, that dates back decades. Always loved the aesthetic good looks from the outside, always refined interior and the drive and ride always just different. And the Stelvio fits right into those categories I have just described. The Stelvio is an evolving masterpiece in terms of style and technology. But it’s now updated since the first launch. Updated styling features sophisticated Full-LED Adaptive Matrix headlights and brand-new “Trilobo” grille, new, completely digital instrument panel with historic “telescopic” design and then some.

Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio caused a sensation in the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) world when it was introduced. It was the dynamic brand’s first modern foray into the SUV market and it had to bring two Alfa Romeo hallmarks to this vehicle category: styling flare and driving dynamics – characteristics not easily associated with utility vehicles, sporty or not.

'Evolving is performance art'

The evolution of the Stelvio can be compared to 'Performance Art', a new form of art in which the artist's performance is carried out live in front of spectators. In a similar way, Alfa Romeo's 'mechanical creations' manifest themselves in real life, generating strong emotions and ensuring the best driving experience in the automotive world.

Image: Supplied

A new “look”

Standing out on the front of the Stelvio, the front grille (where the logo is positioned) and the lower grilles of the two main air ducts have been given a unique finish, which provides a contemporary reinterpretation of the famous and distinctive “Trilobo” grille.

The layout of the group of rear LED taillights provides the perfect combination of style and sophisticated technologies, accentuating the Stelvio’s sporty soul. The Stelvio has new taillights in glass with a transparent finish.

Image: Supplied

Alfa Link suspension

Driving an Alfa Romeo is an unforgettable sensation. Stelvio achieves this in the SUV segment thanks to the use of the exclusive Alfa Link™ suspension architecture. On the front, double wishbones with a semi-virtual steering axis (an Alfa Romeo exclusive) optimises dynamics and allows quick steering precision for uncompromised handling. On the rear, a multilink solution was opted for, with four and a half arms - an Alfa Romeo patent - that offers enhanced handling combined with excellent comfort.

 

The new, completely digital instrument panel

The Stelvio is equipped with the most cutting-edge technology to ensure a comfortable and connected experience, while simultaneously providing the trademark pleasure of driving an Alfa Romeo. The most significant update can be seen in the instrument panel with its historic “telescopic” design. It includes the new, completely digital 12.3” TFT screen, where one can access all the vehicle’s information.

Image: Supplied

 

All-wheel drive with Q4 technology

Designed to manage the vehicle’s traction in a reactive and predictive way to ensure the highest levels in terms of performance, efficiency and safety, the Q4 technology guarantees all the benefits of all-wheel drive and, simultaneously, guarantees reduced fuel usage, reactivity and the pleasure of driving a rear-wheel drive vehicle. At the heart of the Q4 system is the Active Transfer Case (ATC) that monitors grip conditions and driver inputs in real time to ensure the best performance.

 

Integrated Braking System (IBS)

The electromechanical braking system combines stability control with the braking system, guaranteeing an instantaneous response of the brakes, reducing stopping distances and allowing for significant weight optimisation. The use of the brake-by-wire system allows for a notable reduction of the components inside the engine compartment with a single hardware unit made up of a pump, power brakes and ESP.

Driver assistance

Contributing to the Stelvio’s stellar driving dynamics is the extremely direct steering which has been paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with aluminium shift paddles, guaranteeing unparalleled handling in curves. And, finally, for the perfect balance between driving pleasure and assistance systems, the Stelvio offers a complete set of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as an option. This means that the driver can let the vehicle control the accelerator, brake, and steering wheel in certain conditions via electronic systems that require constant monitoring by the driver. These systems support the driver and offer greater comfort during long journeys.

 

Peace of mind

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce offers peace of mind motoring for five years or 100,000km thank to its warranty and maintenance plan. To be joined later in the year by the Stelvio Q, the Veloce model - available immediately - retails at R1,205,500 with the option of a sunroof at R20 000.