SUVs are predominantly not associated with sporty driving or handling or styling flair, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio however, rolls all these things into a neat sporty package. We spent the day piloting the latest Stelvio around the Cape and this is what we found.
The Italian Alps are calling
When the Alfa Romeo Stelvio first arrived in South Africa backing 2017 we were completely besotted with the Italian supermodel. Named after a twisty mountain pass in the Italian Alps, this performance SUV was a perfect combination of drop-dead gorgeous styling, high-end engineering, and driving dynamics that focus the drive on the driver.
A few years on and the Stelvio has received its life cycle updater in the form of a completely new front and rear end with the front grille (where the logo is positioned) and the lower grilles of the two main air ducts having been given a unique finish, which provides a contemporary reinterpretation of the famous and distinctive “Trilobo” grille. The headlights are the main new feature on the front with the “3+3” lights, now in Full-LED Adaptive Matrix providing dipped beam, high beam, and cornering. Around the rear, the Stelvio has new taillights in glass with a transparent finish.
These changes elevate what was already beautiful and polishes this diamond, but the inside has also received some finesse.
Interior changes
The most significant interior update can be seen in the instrument cluster with its historic telescopic design. It includes the new, completely digital 12.3” TFT screen, where one can access all the vehicle’s information. Moreover, the cluster can be reconfigured into three layouts: Evolved, Relax, and Heritage.
Evolved represents the future of Alfa Romeo design and uses the central area of the screen, despite keeping its two lateral quadrants in place. Relax focuses on comfort, is free of detailed vehicle information, and goes without the two quadrants. Heritage is inspired by the brand’s iconic Sixties’ and Seventies’ models, with distinctive details like inverted numbers at the end of the speedometer
The Drive
With the Western Cape recently being inundated with bad weather, the launch route had been completely washed away and a new route had to be quickly set up. Our small fleet of Stelvio’s headed out to find what was left of some of the scenic mountain drives in and around Cape Town with the aim of securing the Stelvio’s driving credentials. We can confirm that all is still very much in order within the drive train, with the vehicle delivering as an exhilarating drive as remembered.
Pin point accurate handling, power on tap and a drive that smacks you upside the head and says “Opa!”. The new digital interface inside is also a stunning piece of kit that we highly recommend you take a look at.
Model and Pricing
| Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce | R1 205 500 |
All Alfa Romeo’s are sold with a 5 year / 100 000km warranty and maintenance plan.
* Pricing correct at time of publication
Verdict
Five years on and the Stelvio still does not fail to impress! The driving dynamics coupled with the exterior styling make this an experience if you still enjoy the act of driving. There is an old saying along the lines of “You can’t call yourself an auto enthusiast until you have owned or driven an Alfa” and it still rings true. The Stelvio is a family SUV that manages to excite and engage at every turn and this is just the base model. The QV model is slated for arrival later this year and for that, we personally can’t wait!
Keyword: Alfa Romeo Stelvio (2023) Fist Drive Review