Without SUVS and crossovers tel you today, not anymore. So has Alfa Romeo recently, the Stelvio launched. Time to get acquainted with the first SUV of the brand.
[ First look, then read? Watch the video HERE! ]
Italian cars, we approach as women: if they are sexy enough and have sufficient character, we are inclined to forget that there are also some imperfections which we must live. Let’s enjoy superficial with the looks to start, that is what conservative, but well-proportioned. Fine ass, nice flanks, nice profile, but the nose is what concerns me completely wrong. That headlights run too far to the inside and the grille does not seem, as a part of the frame is omitted. Not mothers finest muzzle, in my humble opinion.
Is it better for each other with the inner? Yes. The interior is neat. In terms of finish and use of materials not on the level of the premium Germans, but we can perfectly live with that. Also here is, however, something to complain about. The rear camera is, for example, on the stamp shown. The navigation looks also as if he were from 2008 comes in terms of visuals. But if you can live, you have a fine cabin available, with good sitting chairs, and in our case, with a beautiful, matte-finished houtinleg. The wheel is fine in the hand and if you like I should be looking for the first time: the start button is located on your large round richtingsbepaler.
So far, So good. But it is also a bit of a #fitgirl? The figures are promising, however, in our case. The range starts with a 150 hp diesel or a 180 hp petrol engine, but we do have the Stelvio First Edition at our disposal: 280 hp and 400 Nm to ensure that we in 5.7 seconds one hundred kilometers per hour on the nice round clocks must be able to conjure. All this is made possible by a 2.0 Turbo and a not-too-bizarre-weight. The Stelvio weighs 1660 kilograms and although it is obviously not a light car to mention, the Stelvio is up to 100 to 200 kilograms lighter than competitors like the Audi Q5 (driving test), BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace (driving test).
Admittedly: the Stelvio feels rap. The power is by Alfa Romeo’s four-wheel drive “Q4” in the first instance to the rear wheels is controlled. Only when the rear wheels grip lose is going to a maximum of 50% of the power to the front wheels. The 180-hp diesel is your choice to order with pure rear-wheel drive and the 150 hp entry-level model that is still to come, get standard rear-wheel drive. A remarkable choice of Alfa Romeo, because that, in principle, a more expensive concept is front-wheel drive, but they want to be in Italy again cars with character. The engines are also linked by default to an eight speed automatic transmission from ZF. That is a good choice, because that bak has set himself at Mercedes, and Jaguar as a very fine instance proven.
Still a remarkable choice of Alfa Romeo: you get a fairly sporty tuned chassis. The DNA system, the Alfa Romeo will let you choose from different settings for your gearbox and gaspedaalrespons, but has no effect on your onderstelafstemming. That means that Alfa Romeo actually says: this is how it is supposed to and that’s it. That can for some be a turn-off, but it results in a sleek driving machine. And that is exactly what Alfa Romeo has in mind with the Stelvio: a car that, despite its high seating position and tough to prevent yet it’s ok to send. The Stelvio is of course named after the mountain pass, but although that’s a spicy piece of asphalt, just the asphalt: the Alfa Romeo Stelvio also has no off-road ambitions, he just wants a good steering high-on-the-legs Alpha.
And I have to admit that Alfa Romeo has succeeded. The Stelvio sends tighter than you on a car like this would expect. The car may be standing higher on his legs, the car leans very little about, and in addition, the control system is wonderfully sharp and direct. There is 6.5 inches more ground clearance than a Giulia and the seating position is even 19.5 centimetres higher, but apart from a different look on the road, you notice there is not a lot of. In addition, feel the car more compact than he actually is and he is very fine. What a nice driving car this is!
Also the 2.0 Turbo is a pleasant companion. You can ‘m fairly quiet z’s work in the “N” or “A” position, but turn the selector to the “D” is the block wakes up and turns on the ZF gearbox nice and sporty. You go into Dynamic mode manual switching then you should also really do: there are no foolproof stumperhulpjes that manually for your switch if you have the speed governor is reached, the Stelvio remains there, just simply hang on to your poker or flipper behind the steering wheel pulls. The only thing I turn to is that in the Dynamic mode, an “artificial tree in your back” is programmed. The bak flips are much harder than necessary, because you notice very clearly that the no additional acceleration results. That gimmick had it?, what concerns me.
The Stelvio Is a perfect SUV or crossover? No. He divides opinions with his appearance, with his row-properties, are prevented. But I have the Alfa Romeo that: they have built a car that manages to touch you. It is not another grey mouse, but he will also not fast as too loud or too raunchy to be assessed. In one way or another, know the Stelvio you to captivate. He has not the refinement of an Audi, BMW or Mercedes, but he also does not have the German dullness. Add to this that the Stelvio is a lot cheaper than similar executed premium alternatives and Alfa Romeo may be one of the best offerings in its segment. Not perfect, but fun!
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition is now at the dealer, is available from €68.450 euro. The cheapest variations start at only €55,000 euro. Movie!
Thanks to autobedrijf Wim Prins.