Lifecycle updates are fairly common in this day and age, where cars don't enjoy the production runs that they used to. The more recent updates to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio could very well have ruined it, but we're pleased that they haven't.
Interior & Space
As the years march along, what we once found to be appealing and the pinnacle of motoring changes. There was a time when I believed that Ford had the best array of vehicles on offer and that the Mazda MZD infotainment system was the best. Now, there are others that I feel have a better complement of vehicles than Ford and that the Mazda MZD infotainment is outclassed by its peers. This trend doesn’t only apply to certain aspects, sometimes a whole model range can go a little backwards over time. This is a natural progression though, as manufacturers strive to innovate and improve constantly.
When I climbed back into the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, I dreaded the disappointment. The disappointment that comes from revisiting a model that you’ve held in high regard for so long, only to find that your own goalposts have moved and that you were romanticising the entire thing. Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio received a mild update this year. It would have been easy for them to over-complicate the recipe, adding too many ingredients and spoiling the essence of the vehicle. Thankfully, this was not an issue.
Styling
When the Stelvio launched in 2017, I was taken with the styling. As far as SUVs go, this is one of the prettiest. It’s styled in a way that only the Italians manage to get right – simplistic, elegant, classic and yet sporty. The proportions are spot on, and no single angle makes the Stelvio look awkward or misshapen. While some may prefer larger wheels, the 20-inch alloy’s circular design is well-proportioned and still allows for a substantial tyre sidewall for improved comfort.
The recent updates see the ‘Trilobo’ grille slightly tweaked and finished off in a gloss black. A similar treatment is given to the redesigned lower vents in the bumper. At the rear, the taillights have also been updated and while the LED element remains the same design, the dark backing and transparent glass housing add a new dimension to the wrap-around units. Lighting is the key styling change for the 2023 model year.
The most noticeable change is to the headlights, which have seen a comprehensive technology upgrade. The new Active Matrix Headlights are distinguishable by the three inverted LED daytime running lights, designed to pay homage to the SZ Zagato of the 90s. With their black housings, the new lights provide a striking contrast during the day and at night, the adaptive driving beams alter the output based on lighting conditions and traffic situations. This is complemented by an anti-dazzle high beam function and cornering lights to illuminate the road better when turning.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio colours and price guide
Space & Interior
The generous proportions of the Stelvio make it a spacious SUV without feeling too cavernous. There’s a generosity that is somehow still cosseting and enveloping. The horizontal design elements of the dashboard give the impression of width, while the high stature of it makes you feel smaller and the vehicle larger than it is. The ergonomics are on point, and finding a comfortable driving position is easily achieved. Of the current blend of SUVs today, the Stelvio strikes a welcomed balance between the high-riding driving position that provides good visibility over the road and an engaging, sedan-like feel that allows the driver to feel more connected to the driving experience.
Rear seat passengers are adequately catered for with ample leg and headroom without the compromise one too often finds in coupe-styled vehicles. You have to appreciate that approach by Alfa Romeo. The boot offers up a generous 525-litres of luggage space, expandable to 1 600-litres, with the rear seats folded forward.
Everything you need to know about the Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Comfort & Convenience
The tech revisions extend to the driver display and infotainment system as well. While this was possibly the weakest part of the original Stelvio recipe, the updates see the 2023 model modernised and updated. The drive display now features a 12.3-inch digital display that replaces traditional analogue gauges. But, Alfa Romeo, understanding that their customer base places a lot of emphasis on tradition, has retained the ‘telescopic’ binocular-like binnacle and offered a traditional font and design to the customisable display. Should they wish, less traditional owners can opt for something a little more contemporary.
The infotainment system is comprehensive, with great audio reproduction and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. These require tethered connections, and I prefer those as I’ve found wireless connections to be somewhat frustrating at times and inconsistent.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio test drive: make sure to check these features out.
Performance
One would expect there to have been some changes made to the drivetrain of the updated Stelvio, but Alfa Romeo is confident enough in their original approach, and I tend to agree; there’s nothing wrong with the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 8-speed automatic combination. This engine produces a stout 206 kW and complementary 400 Nm torque, making the Stelvio, even in non-performance trim, rather brisk. The Stelvio is a true pleasure to drive, paired with the traditional torque converter ZF 8-speed gearbox and sublime gearbox programming. Wonderful low-end pickup sees the SUV dart off the line and pulls strong throughout the rev range, although you may find yourself short-shifting to keep it in the real sweet spot. This will have you grinning from ear to ear in virtually any of the three drive modes. Flicking through the gears via the column-mounted aluminium shifter paddles is a treat, and in sport mode the satisfying nudge resulting from each gear change is highly addictive – an SUV isn’t meant to be this much fun to drive.
The Q4 all-wheel-drive system can send 100% of the power to the rear wheels, and the Active Transfer Case is capable of sending as much as 50% of the power to the front wheels in under 150ms if a loss of traction is detected and the situation calls for it. It complements the double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension to provide astounding road manners. As a result, you get an exceptionally sure-footed SUV that loves to be thrown around with agreeable levels of body roll.
Fuel Economy
The official literature suggests that you should be able to achieve a combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100km from the 2.0T engine. In the real world, this is a tough ask, but I will give them credit and say that I was not trying to hit their mark; I was having far too much fun actually driving the Stelvio. So be warned, this vehicle will encourage you to actually drive, and not just putter along trying to save fuel.
Safety
An interesting feature I didn’t even detect when driving is the Integrated Braking System that employs a brake-by-wire arrangement. Altering and adjusting the braking force electronically means that there is a less tactile connection between the driver and the braking system. While this initially may seem out of place, I was unable to tell the difference. The sign of a well-executed system allows for weight saving and additional safety features to be implemented.
The Stelvio has 6 airbags and the usual array of braking and handling assistance systems. The addition of the no-cost optional Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sees the Stelvio fitted with lane keep assistance, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Price
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0T Veloce is competitively priced at R1 205 500 and is largely devoid of hidden options lists, like we’ve become accustomed to with the German firms. In fact, the only options one can select are metallic paint for an additional R2 000 or a panoramic sunroof for an extra R20 000.
The Stelvio is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a maintenance plan for the same duration of 5-years/100 000 km.
What is covered by the Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s warranty?
Competitors
From those aforementioned German manufacturers, you’ll be looking at the BMW X3, Audi Q5, or Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. The Swedes counter with the XC60 and the British with the Range Rover Evoque or Discovery Sport. It’s hard to ignore the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Lexus NX, especially if you’re looking for something a little different. If you need more seats, the Ford Everest or Hyundai Palisade offer a little more room.
Verdict
The Stelvio is an endearing creation. It’s a vehicle that begs to be driven in a spirited manner and then looks gobsmacking gorgeous when you walk away from it. It’s not without a few quirks but these all whittle away into the dust when you get on with it. There are very few vehicles out there that feel like they’re more than just modes of transport and the Stelvio is one of those. If you have to go the SUV route, you can do a far lot worse than the Stelvio, and truth be told, unless you get a Stelvio, you probably will.
Keyword: Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0T Veloce (2023) - revisiting automotive excellence