Alfa Romeo Stelvio – brand’s first crossover debuts

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio World Debut

The latest model entry in Alfa Romeo’s revival plan – the Stelvio – will go on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show, marking the company’s first foray into the crossover market.

Named after the stunning mountain pass in the Italian Alps (as seen on Top Gear series 10 episode one), the Stelvio is built on a rear-wheel drive platform codenamed Giorgio, which it shares with the Giulia sedan.

Two engine options will be available when it goes on sale next year – a 2.0 litre direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 280 hp and 400 Nm of torque, as well as a 2.9 litre biturbo V6 on the top-end Quadrifoglio variant with 505 hp and 600 Nm of torque. The latter isn’t just about grunt (0-96 km/h in 3.9 seconds), as it features cylinder deactivation to save fuel.

Said engines are paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, with Q4 all-wheel drive coming as standard. The crossover’s AWD system allows transfer of up to 60% of torque to the front axle, while a torque vectoring differential helps improve traction and stability.

As for the looks, the Stelvio carries the familiar family face as seen on the Giulia sedan, while the rear gets similarly-shaped taillights as well, albeit adjusted to match. Interesting design cues include the distinct C-pillars where the side windows and rear greenhouse meet, iconic Alfa wheels, quad tailpipes (on Quadrifoglio variants) and rear diffuser.

Inside, the layout is almost identical to the Giulia, right down to the dual rotary control dials on the centre console – one to select the various driving modes (Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficiency and Race), and the other for the dash-mounted infotainment system. Buyers get to choose between 6.5-inch or a 8.8-inch widescreen display. An additional 7-inch screen in the instrument cluster is standard.

The Stelvio will be built at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) plant in Cassino, Italy, and when it hits markets in 2017, it will compete against the Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes GLC and BMW X3.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Mikey on Nov 16, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    The front head lights looks very CX(mazda) especially in Red. Overall, this Alfa Stelvio looks sexy as it should be. This will be a rare beauty to be parked beside an equally rare Ferrari.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • heybadigol (Member) on Nov 16, 2016 at 4:55 pm

    The Giuila was a beautiful car. Despite sharing a plank with that, this Stelvio is the total opposite. I’m getting the feeling that Italians are not that good doing SUV designs (but their supercars, sedans and bikes are on another planet). The Maserati Levante is equally as uninspiring to look at. No wonder Ferrari refused to do sedans or SUVs. For me, the Jaguar F Pace wins hands down in the design department for this class. With the Porsche Macan a close second.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • Lumpis pato on Nov 16, 2016 at 5:39 pm

    A rich man’s mazda 2?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Aragon on Nov 16, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    Alfa also jumping on SUV bandwagon like other manufacturer. Guess you have to adapt to stay alive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Any news on Giulia coming in?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • JAVfan on Nov 17, 2016 at 11:19 am

    I’m sorry guys…
    But I hope somebody can share with me some information, or can anybody please explain how do we define an SUV?
    It more looked like a hatchback to me.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Nov 17, 2016 at 11:55 am

    tow truck fave when come back malaysia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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