Thursday 19th January 2017

Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition launched

We've seen the Quadrifoglio, now here's the Stelvio people will actually buy (if we get it)

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It's fair to say there's quite a bit of excitement around the Alfa Stelvio: not only does it follow the very well received Giulia, it's an SUV; and, let's be honest, SUVs are what's selling at the moment. So while the 510hp version is all well and good, it's those Stelvios lower down the range that are more crucial to success.

So it's like this, but less racy. And does 40mpg

Here's the first of them, the Stelvio Launch Edition. Available only with the 280hp 2.0-litre and eight-speed auto as seen in the Giulia Veloce, the Launch Edition is said to be capable of 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and 143mph. For what it's worth, CO2 and fuel consumption are rated at 161g/km and 40.4mpg.

Like the Quadrifoglio, this Launch Edition (LE?) uses Q4 all-wheel drive, said to offer "the advantages of all-wheel drive and the driving pleasure of a rear-wheel drive car." There's much to be encouraged by in the press bumf, talk of rapid response in getting plenty of torque to the front axle through a compact and light arrangement. Remember only a maximum of 50 per cent of the torque can reach the front wheels though; Alfa claims "best in class" traction and directional stability.

Distinguishing the Launch Edition from the rest of the Stelvio range are some natty 20-inch wheels, chrome window frames and bi-xenon lights. Or, in Alfa's words, "an appealing style that expresses the right balance of heritage, speed and beauty: a magic alchemy and perfect expression of over one century of history of the brand." Right...

Expect an interior like this too, but less racy

We can't see the interior yet but it's due to feature electric seats, the larger 8.8-inch infotainment screen, real wood trim and instruments in a TFT display. Sadly there is no quote to accompany the inside.

Now Alfa says this Stelvio can be ordered in its dealerships immediately ahead of a Geneva show debut. Whether it will reach the UK remains to be seen though; we've asked the question and are waiting for a response from Alfa UK. Dare it be said the signs are looking good though?

 

[V8 FOU]

THAT is an SUV that I would consider buying.
Oh dear, what have I said?

Looks so good though.

[j90gta]

The rear three-quarter view looks extremely heavy. Think this design might be extremely colour sensitive.

[SirSquidalot]

This is a very good looking beast!

[Tuvra]

Not for me thanks, not fussed on the new saloon either

[cib24]

I normally hate dull colours like grey on a car but on this one the grey looks better than the red.

[Uncle John]

I'm very interested in one of these. Just got to persuade the wife.

[firebird350]

The problem for me is that ALL SUV's look exactly the same to me (because I'm not interested in them I only ever glance at them anyway) and so the only clue as to what it might be is the front grille on these vehicles. Obviously the Alfa's grille is very distinctive but, as for all these things, that's as far as the styling goes for me - can't bear any of them!

[FN2TypeR]

I prefer the F-Pace

[anonymous-user]

It reminds me of a Nissan Juke with an Alfa nose grafted on. It kinda looks bulbous. I'll wait and see how it looks in the metal.

I'm a huge fan of Alfa and they need to make money to survive - if it means filling the coffers with an SUV and then spending the money on making a RWD Spider and a 6C sports car can only be good..if that will happen I don't know but helped Porsche make money.

[Quickmoose]

knock down Maser Levante isn't it?
and if Harry Metclafe is to be considered, it'll be pretty good... if a bit tight in the footwell.
In fact seeing as thought the Maserati wasn't Maserati enough coming down the food chain might make this the better marque to be in...

I have a 'good feeling' about it, but want to see one for real...

[Cotic]

Tuvra said:

Not for me thanks, not fussed on the new saloon either

Is there an SUV you like? Or an Alfa, for that matter?

[Tuvra]

Cotic said:

Tuvra said:

Not for me thanks, not fussed on the new saloon either

Is there an SUV you like? Or an Alfa, for that matter?

Yes I loved all the previous Alfa's and love the 4 & 8C. Also like SUV's too, as someone else stated though, I think the Jag is a much more handsome vehicle, especially in the right colour and spec:-

[underphil]

Quickmoose said:

knock down Maser Levante isn't it?
and if Harry Metclafe is to be considered, it'll be pretty good... if a bit tight in the footwell.
In fact seeing as thought the Maserati wasn't Maserati enough coming down the food chain might make this the better marque to be in...

I have a 'good feeling' about it, but want to see one for real...

I don't think it's related to the Levante at all

[MTech535]

With this and the Jaguar F-Pace, the Germans will need to up their name in the SUV styling stakes.

If I was to want an SUV, this is the one I would be wanting.

[Vee12V]

underphil said:

Quickmoose said:

knock down Maser Levante isn't it?
and if Harry Metclafe is to be considered, it'll be pretty good... if a bit tight in the footwell.
In fact seeing as thought the Maserati wasn't Maserati enough coming down the food chain might make this the better marque to be in...

I have a 'good feeling' about it, but want to see one for real...

I don't think it's related to the Levante at all

It isn't. Different platform (Giulia platform), different engines.

[Quickmoose]

Vee12V said:

underphil said:

Quickmoose said:

knock down Maser Levante isn't it?
and if Harry Metclafe is to be considered, it'll be pretty good... if a bit tight in the footwell.
In fact seeing as thought the Maserati wasn't Maserati enough coming down the food chain might make this the better marque to be in...

I have a 'good feeling' about it, but want to see one for real...

I don't think it's related to the Levante at all

It isn't. Different platform (Giulia platform), different engines.

blimey... some economies of scale tricks missed there, they look like cousins...

[KarlMac]

underphil said:

I don't think it's related to the Levante at all

Happy to be corrected but i'd be amazed if it isn't in these days of cost reduction and platform sharing.

Lovely looking thing. Fingers crossed alfa have started to find their groove again.

[FN2TypeR]

MTech535 said:

With this and the Jaguar F-Pace, the Germans will need to up their name in the SUV styling stakes.

If I was to want an SUV, this is the one I would be wanting.

Couldn't agree more.

[DS240]

MTech535 said:

With this and the Jaguar F-Pace, the Germans will need to up their name in the SUV styling stakes.

If I was to want an SUV, this is the one I would be wanting.

I still think the Macan looks good for an SUV.

Where the Germans lead though is on the quality, especially the interiors.

We don't really know what the Alfa is like yet interior quality wise, but I have been unimpressed with recent jags I've been in. An F-Pace at £60k+ felt no more special than 30k level. Sharp plastics on door bins and cheap feeling leather and dashboard trims.

I'd love this Alfa and the Guilia to be a success.

[Matt Bird]

Hi all,

Official line from Alfa is that, because the car doesn't arrive in the UK until the autumn, it's unknown yet whether we will get the Launch Edition or not. We'll keep you posted!

Cheers,


Matt