RE: Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Review

RE: Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Review

Tuesday 28th February 2017

Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Review

It would appear Alfa can make a decent saloon, but what about an SUV? Time to find out



While PH types are probably most enthused about the Giulia (up to and including the Quadrifoglio), it's the Stelvio that's really key to Alfa Romeo's rebirth. Vital, you might say. Not only do the big premium manufacturers have many successful SUVs already - see BMW, Mercedes and Audi as the key examples - those that have previously ignored the market now find themselves compelled to compete. When Lamborghini feels the need to enter a market, albeit in its upper echelons, you sense the fad isn't going away anytime soon.

Alfa knew it needed an SUV, and knew it had to be competitive too. If it's not up with the class best, why would customers bother with an unknown SUV entity when there are so many alternatives? Hence lots of "best-in-class" espoused in the press conference, along with some more predictable soundbites: "It's an Alfa first and an SUV second", "It has an Alfa soul", "a pure driving experience" and so on. The word "passion" may have been mentioned once or twice too...

There are two caveats to this review also. Firstly, the Stelvio wasn't driven on the Stelvio (it's closed due to snow) and there isn't a Quadrifoglio available yet; expect a drive in that later in the year.

What's available instead are the two engine variants that will be on offer at UK launch in Q3 this year, the 210hp diesel and 280hp petrol. Both are all-new and all aluminium, both are paired to the ZF eight-speed auto with Alfa software and both, says Alfa Romeo, are "guaranteed to give even the most skilled driver unique thrills."


Unique thrills
By and large, the diesel is pretty good. It's decently refined, responsive from 1,500rpm (the auto won't kickdown if you've chosen the correct mode - a good sign) and strong through its mid-range. Predictably perhaps the upper reaches aren't really worth exploring, and it never feels as fast as that 0-62mph time would suggest (attribute that more to the short gear ratios), but it's a pleasant enough diesel. There are no nasty knocks or vibrations in the cabin, the automatic gearbox feels perfectly matched to it and it's subdued at a cruise. Perhaps the Stelvio diesel's biggest issue will be just how competitive the engine will feel against some very strong rivals; on this impression it feels to be on par for performance, while perhaps a little behind on refinement.

Pleasingly though the Stelvio feels like it can take on all comers dynamically. Alfa makes great pains to stress the benefits of a low kerbweight (c. 1,650kg, achieved through some aluminium body panels and even a carbon propshaft) distributed evenly around the car and the sharp, direct steering with a 12:1 ratio. In the context of this event the work feels to have paid dividends, the Stelvio eager, willing and agile through bends, genuinely not feeling far off a good hatchback in terms of dynamics. On winter tyres it moves into understeer a tad sooner than is ideal (peak claimed cornering is 0.92g), but that's to be expected; more encouraging is that it doesn't feel like the interminable front-end push you might associate with a diesel 4x4, the car responsive to brake and throttle inputs to atone for your mistake.

Alfa will tell you that its engineering approach is top-down with the Stelvio, that the lessons from the Quadrifoglio filtered down into the regular versions rather than the fast one being built from the humdrum cars, and there is a sense of that here. Without wishing to get caught in the 4C trap, here the Stelvio feels to handle with real ability and aplomb.


Italian stallion
The brake pedal is fantastic, firm and confidence inspiring in a way that you again simply wouldn't credit an SUV with. Those big aluminium paddles are a joy to use - particularly as the slightly-too-aggressive gearbox map will change down a lot - and that steering is super direct yet not unsettling. In all honesty it feels ever so slightly Ferrari-like, the response initially a little unsettling but, having acclimatised, easy to get used to. A diesel SUV has never been quite this enjoyable on a mountain pass before.

However, before this becomes a paean and we drop to pray to the Balocco gods, the Stelvio has a few of dynamic issues. A drag co-efficient of "less than 0.3Cd" promises much in terms of refinement, but on occasion a little too much wind noise can be heard. And while the ride is seemingly well damped, it could prove a little firm in the UK. That doesn't stop family buyers lapping up Macans though, does it? While mentioning the Porsche, it's clearly worth stating that definitive verdicts are impossible without comparison to the direct rivals. The signs are good though, put it that way.

On all Stelvios the Chassis Domain Control allows the choice of Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency driving modes; the latter is best avoided, dulling the throttle response to an unacceptable level. Surprisingly though Dynamic is usually the best mode. Not only is the suspension uncorrupted (the new aluminium Alfalink setup is non-adjustable on these models), the additional steering weight is not unpleasant and the sharper throttle response welcome. Gear changes are swift and smooth in all modes too, apart from that tendency in Dynamic to arrive at all corners in a gear not far off the redline. In normal conditions the Q4 all-wheel drive system is 100 per cent rear drive, with up to 50 per cent able to go forwards; without any slippery surfaces to test this on, there was little impression of power being directed around on this drive. 'Surefooted' is probably what you would call it.


That petrol emotion
The petrol engine is again all aluminium and boasts some competitive numbers: 280hp is accompanied by 295lb ft which, combined with a 1,660kg kerbweight, means 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, 143mph and 161g/km. In all honesty though it's a pretty flat engine - power and torque is plentiful, but there's no incentive to extend the engine; indeed with a rev limit at 6,000rpm the power band isn't a great deal wider than the diesel's. The noise is joyless too. While fast enough, to have this sort of petrol engine from Alfa is rather disappointing.

Still, the vast majority of UK buyers will be having the diesel anyway, so that's hardly the end of the world. Just a little sad. Of far more relevance (probably) to buyers will be the Stelvio's interior, where the car again feels to be broadly in line with the competition without ever surpassing it. It's spacious enough, refined enough, plush enough; at no point does it truly frustrate, though neither does the Stelvio inspire. The infotainment may be found to be lacking against rivals too, with some fairly plain graphics compared to cars like the Q5 and X3. The functionality is very good, though. And while much is made of the Stelvio's driving position in comparison to the Giulia (apparently the roll axis is the same as the saloon), it doesn't quite envelope the driver like a Macan.

Despite that there's plenty to recommend the Stelvio, of that there's no doubt, but the car enters into a fiercely contested segment. At the moment it feels on par (or very close) to cars like the Macan and F-Pace, with the GLC and X3 to bear in mind also. Whether some strong Alfa dynamics are enough to convince prospective buyers, particularly with the Porsche and Jaguar available too, remains to be seen; pricing will be a key factor as well, which is due in a couple of months. For now praise of the Stelvio is measured yet entirely warranted, the car feeling like a worthy sector entry rather than a new class leader. If you are an Alfa fan you'll find plenty to like here, though newcomers to the brand may need a little more convincing - let's see when it arrives in the UK in September.


ALFA ROMEO STELVIO DIESEL
Engine
: 2,143cc 4-cyl diesel
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 210@3,750rpm
Torque (lb ft): 347@1,750rpm
0-62mph: 6.6 seconds
Top speed: 134mph
Weight: 1,659kg (DIN, excluding driver)
MPG: 58.9 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 127g/km
Price: TBC

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO
Engine
: 1,995cc 4-cyl petrol, turbo
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 280@5,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 295@2,250rpm
0-62mph: 5.7 seconds
Top speed: 143mph
Weight: 1,660kg (DIN, excluding driver)
MPG: 40.4 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 161g/km
Price: TBC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author
Discussion

great_kahn

Original Poster:

83 posts

85 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
An acceptable alternative to the repugnant Bavarian Sierra brigade, and with Range Rovers now only purchased by sweaty stressed middle aged women, this could be a winner.

Spoof

1,854 posts

214 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
In normal conditions the Q4 all-wheel drive system is 100 per cent rear drive, with up to 50 per cent able to go forwards; without any slippery surfaces to test this on, there was little impression of power being directed around on this drive. 'Surefooted' is probably what you would call it.


Must have been that 'high grip' snow...

TurboHatchback

4,151 posts

152 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
Woop, yet another ugly jacked up uncomfortable 4cyl diesel hatchback. I know they have to build one as the market gets what the market wants and it sounds like they've done the best job they could given the stupid requirements but why people want this sort of rubbish mystifies me.

wemorgan

3,578 posts

177 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
TurboHatchback said:
Woop, yet another ugly jacked up uncomfortable 4cyl diesel hatchback. I know they have to build one as the market gets what the market wants and it sounds like they've done the best job they could given the stupid requirements but why people want this sort of rubbish mystifies me.
Because not every one is the same as you. It's quite simple.

DUMBO100

1,878 posts

183 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
I quite like it and the review sounds promising, the big issue that Alfa faces with their new models is residual values which are still quite low against their competitors, most of these cars will be leased or pcp' d weak residuals means higher monthly payments. You could have a Porsche Macan for not that much more per month, the car might be good but they need to offer attractive financial packages to sell in big numbers

PhantomPH

4,043 posts

224 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
Article said:
Still, the vast majority of UK buyers will be having the diesel anyway
Will we, tho? Whilst that might have been true even last week, the fact that there is massive 'diesel bad' rhetoric ATM and increased charges in London and potential bans elsewhere, I am not so sure.

To me (I know it's an Alfa...), the petrol engine might be the right option. It's fast enough without being intrusive. Remember that this car is unlikely to be revved out to the max all the time. In this sector (non-halo model) I would imagine the petrol engine's key playing card is it's refinement. Can I go fast without loads of noise and fuss and....

nickfrog

20,872 posts

216 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
wemorgan said:
TurboHatchback said:
Woop, yet another ugly jacked up uncomfortable 4cyl diesel hatchback. I know they have to build one as the market gets what the market wants and it sounds like they've done the best job they could given the stupid requirements but why people want this sort of rubbish mystifies me.
Because not every one is the same as you. It's quite simple.
I agree - I really wouldn't want a Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Overland but I have no issues with anyone wanting one.

thegreenhell

15,115 posts

218 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
I find this strangely appealing, even more so than the Giulia. Exciting times for the Alfa brand.

M1C

1,832 posts

110 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
I think the Guiliaesque styling really works on this, it looks good smile

zeb

3,193 posts

217 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
great_kahn said:
An acceptable alternative to the repugnant Bavarian Sierra brigade, and with Range Rovers now only purchased by sweaty stressed middle aged women, this could be a winner.
worked for the diplomatic corps for quite a while I see......hehe

TurboHatchback

4,151 posts

152 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
nickfrog said:
wemorgan said:
TurboHatchback said:
Woop, yet another ugly jacked up uncomfortable 4cyl diesel hatchback. I know they have to build one as the market gets what the market wants and it sounds like they've done the best job they could given the stupid requirements but why people want this sort of rubbish mystifies me.
Because not every one is the same as you. It's quite simple.
I agree - I really wouldn't want a Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Overland but I have no issues with anyone wanting one.
People are welcome to buy whatever they want, I just don't understand the thought process that leads to buying one of these nor the set of requirements for which this sort of vehicle is the logical answer. I understand why people buy most sorts of cars, even highly undesireable ones as there is a set of requirements for which most vehicles might be optimal but not these faux-fashion-4x4 things.

Clearly lots of people want them now though as they're astoundingly popular.

Matt Bird

1,450 posts

204 months

PH Reportery Lad

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
Spoof said:
In normal conditions the Q4 all-wheel drive system is 100 per cent rear drive, with up to 50 per cent able to go forwards; without any slippery surfaces to test this on, there was little impression of power being directed around on this drive. 'Surefooted' is probably what you would call it.


Must have been that 'high grip' snow...
There wasn't any snow, honest! Rather misleading pics. Road drive only this time.

Spoof

1,854 posts

214 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
Matt Bird said:
Spoof said:
In normal conditions the Q4 all-wheel drive system is 100 per cent rear drive, with up to 50 per cent able to go forwards; without any slippery surfaces to test this on, there was little impression of power being directed around on this drive. 'Surefooted' is probably what you would call it.


Must have been that 'high grip' snow...
There wasn't any snow, honest! Rather misleading pics. Road drive only this time.
I just found that comment with those pictures rather amusing. Couldn't help myself.

Guvernator

13,104 posts

164 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
I'm interested in this car for the OH but do have a few concerns

1) "UK buyers will mostly buy the diesel"? Why make statements like this when diesel is obviously on the way out, in fact why are manufacturers making new diesels at all when the political tide is obviously changing? I know this applies to other manufacturers too but they at least seem to be releasing hybrid versions of their popular ranges now.

2) What size is this? The article compares it from everything from an F-pace (pretty huge) to an X3 (pretty small). I wasn't sure what size segment this SUV was aimed at previously and after this article, I'm still non the wiser.

3) Great point made above on residuals, Alfa need to back these with proper finance deals so the monthly figures are attractive. If they don't prop up the usually woeful Alfa depreciation somehow or make the list price cheaper than it's rivals, people will just go and buy the Macan or the Evoque instead, both of which have outstanding residuals in their class.

jamespink

1,218 posts

203 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
PhantomPH said:
Article said:
Still, the vast majority of UK buyers will be having the diesel anyway
Will we, tho? Whilst that might have been true even last week, the fact that there is massive 'diesel bad' rhetoric ATM and increased charges in London and potential bans elsewhere, I am not so sure.

To me (I know it's an Alfa...), the petrol engine might be the right option. It's fast enough without being intrusive. Remember that this car is unlikely to be revved out to the max all the time. In this sector (non-halo model) I would imagine the petrol engine's key playing card is it's refinement. Can I go fast without loads of noise and fuss and....
I too question this slavish UK diesel leaning. The Nox emissions in many UK cities are still at EU "fine-able" levels and according to the last report I read, show no improvement since the late 80's (take a look at the exhaust of any London taxi) whereas petrol engine emissions, aside from being less toxic to start with, have improved by 20% to 30%. Aside from being a mainly lack-luster alternative to petrol or petrol hibrid, has diesel not had its day on emissions alone?

nickfrog

20,872 posts

216 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
TurboHatchback said:
nickfrog said:
wemorgan said:
TurboHatchback said:
Woop, yet another ugly jacked up uncomfortable 4cyl diesel hatchback. I know they have to build one as the market gets what the market wants and it sounds like they've done the best job they could given the stupid requirements but why people want this sort of rubbish mystifies me.
Because not every one is the same as you. It's quite simple.
I agree - I really wouldn't want a Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Overland but I have no issues with anyone wanting one.
People are welcome to buy whatever they want, I just don't understand the thought process that leads to buying one of these nor the set of requirements for which this sort of vehicle is the logical answer. I understand why people buy most sorts of cars, even highly undesireable ones as there is a set of requirements for which most vehicles might be optimal but not these faux-fashion-4x4 things.

Clearly lots of people want them now though as they're astoundingly popular.
The thought process is simple. They tend to be a better functional alternative for transport than traditional estates or saloons for many people. They're slightly shorter than an "equivalent" estate yet offer similar interior space ; they offer a higher driving position which is brilliant for visibility, touring, ease of access. They tend to have taller sidewalls and longer travel suspension which is a good combo for comfort.
They are dynamically superb despite the high COG but won't quite match a lower car, which is no big deal as they're not track cars. They use a little more fuel which is offset by better residuals. No downsides IME. I am sure they are also bought for fashion but that shouldn't come into it objectively ; many buy them despite the image as they don't really care about what others think.


Motormatt

484 posts

217 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
nickfrog said:
TurboHatchback said:
nickfrog said:
wemorgan said:
TurboHatchback said:
Woop, yet another ugly jacked up uncomfortable 4cyl diesel hatchback. I know they have to build one as the market gets what the market wants and it sounds like they've done the best job they could given the stupid requirements but why people want this sort of rubbish mystifies me.
Because not every one is the same as you. It's quite simple.
I agree - I really wouldn't want a Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Overland but I have no issues with anyone wanting one.
People are welcome to buy whatever they want, I just don't understand the thought process that leads to buying one of these nor the set of requirements for which this sort of vehicle is the logical answer. I understand why people buy most sorts of cars, even highly undesireable ones as there is a set of requirements for which most vehicles might be optimal but not these faux-fashion-4x4 things.

Clearly lots of people want them now though as they're astoundingly popular.
The thought process is simple. They tend to be a better functional alternative for transport than traditional estates or saloons for many people. They're slightly shorter than an "equivalent" estate yet offer similar interior space ; they offer a higher driving position which is brilliant for visibility, touring, ease of access. They tend to have taller sidewalls and longer travel suspension which is a good combo for comfort.
They are dynamically superb despite the high COG but won't quite match a lower car, which is no big deal as they're not track cars. They use a little more fuel which is offset by better residuals. No downsides IME. I am sure they are also bought for fashion but that shouldn't come into it objectively ; many buy them despite the image as they don't really care about what others think.
Quite right, they are incredibly popular because most people outside of PH value daily ease of use and function above driving dynamics, and don't tend to over analyse the image.
Having said that, whilst I'm still able bodied with good eyesignt, I'll take an estate over an quasi-SUV. I'm not prepared to sacrifice the lower COG, reduced weight, increased performance and efficiency, better handling and in many cases better refinement that an estate offers over its SUV equivalent in order to get a high seating position and marginally easier access, but I can understand why some people would.

Matt Bird

1,450 posts

204 months

PH Reportery Lad

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
Guvernator said:
I'm interested in this car for the OH but do have a few concerns

1) "UK buyers will mostly buy the diesel"? Why make statements like this when diesel is obviously on the way out, in fact why are manufacturers making new diesels at all when the political tide is obviously changing? I know this applies to other manufacturers too but they at least seem to be releasing hybrid versions of their popular ranges now.

2) What size is this? The article compares it from everything from an F-pace (pretty huge) to an X3 (pretty small). I wasn't sure what size segment this SUV was aimed at previously and after this article, I'm still non the wiser.

3) Great point made above on residuals, Alfa need to back these with proper finance deals so the monthly figures are attractive. If they don't prop up the usually woeful Alfa depreciation somehow or make the list price cheaper than it's rivals, people will just go and buy the Macan or the Evoque instead, both of which have outstanding residuals in their class.
Sorry! Stelvio is 4680mm long, 1670mm high and 2160mm wide. X3 is 4657/1678/1881 (suspect width is without mirrors here) and F-Pace is 4731/1667/1936 (again I think without mirrors). Alfa made no mention of hybrids at all and has clearly invested a lot in the diesel here, with a focus still on it. That there will be a 180hp version with two-wheel drive in time suggests that will be pitched as the eco version.


Matt

Guvernator

13,104 posts

164 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
I'm not a fan of SUV's either but for the purposes of getting an average family from A to B they really are one of the best options due to stuff already stated above, well it's either that or an MPV! So all the scorn on PH, either the majority of PH'ers are rich bachelor singletons or powerfully built company directors who pack the kids off to boarding school or let the nanny kart the kids around so don't have to worry about the practicalities of moving kids around.

theholygrail

261 posts

167 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
quotequote all
"with Range Rovers now only purchased by sweaty stressed middle aged women"

my favourite PH comment of recent years! Brilliant.