The test of the most sporty Italian SUV, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q4 with a diesel engine and 210 hp

It wasn’t the facelift that made the Stelvio a desirable model, because Alfa Romeo’s big SUV was. It is his character and DNA that brings unprecedented things to the unit.

One has to “track” the most expensive models of the type – SUVs but also in general – all those that have a sense of sport emphasized in their DNA to recognize features similar to the Stelvio. However, this has two lessons: On the one hand, you have in your hands an interesting example of driving a real car from Alfa Romeo, which has a tradition in this field, and on the other hand, a big question mark if it is big. An SUV needs to be like this.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.2 TD Q4
K. BOIDANIS

Because, in fact, there is absolutely no reason to “look” for this high feeling from the steering wheel, for example with the dimensions and weight of the Stelvio (which with glory and honor is included among the large luxury SUVs). You have no reason to look for such precision in responding to corners, with a very fast hanger that will surprise you with the small movements required to turn the car on a mountain course and a series of turns.

A set of steering frame and suspension, which “screams” that it would like another 200 horses to show its worth and make the driver “king of the mountain”. Do not be surprised that this experiment here began in an unusual way. The issue of steering and the overall sporty nature of the Stelvio dominates over all other factors that may affect the buyer.

It stands out so strongly from the rest of the best sets, that it is undoubtedly the first topic that one will touch when analyzing the virtues of the Italian SUV, which stands out. comfortable against parallel forces from Germany. Well, maybe not in this economy-oriented version with a 2.2-liter diesel engine that produces 210 hp – which, as we said, looks “little” – but certainly in the more powerful gasoline ones.

Like any Alfa Romeo, the Stelvio has a special weight when displayed. This he gets effortlessly and has to do – also- with the brand personality of the Milanese company, which may have been in “foreign hands” for years, but stubbornly maintains that it can do more than the special character it has done. Alfa Romeo models, different.

As for the refreshing part that we have to talk about since it was an event to get… The front and rear lights take the beauty that Tonale introduced to the range, while the Trilobo (as Alfa calls the configuration with the grille and side vents at the front) shows more of the Italian style.

The body color, the dark rims and the calipers with the Alfa Romeo logo that come out shamelessly from the large vents, are “simple details” that increase the appetite of those initiated in Italian semiotics – and make every passer-by unwilling. stop appears in the Stelvio. Less pronounced are the changes in the cabin.

Where however, the picture was better and any intervention one could say was needed, it has to do with improving the software more and any related hardware, a little. These were made by Alfa Romeo and so the largest SUV in the range now has a 12.3-inch horizontal digital instrument panel with the ability to choose between three different configurations – for the driver’s visual delight.

In this improved Stelvio, the driver has a “semi-autonomous” steering system (Level 2) and similarly improved features related to electronic “assistance” driving. We said, the overall aesthetics of the cabin, there is nothing wrong that would require major changes. The metal pads behind the steering wheel, along with the engine start button on its face, give the model a distinctive character.

Seats with leather covers (in the case of “our” Stelvio) provide excellent support for the front bodies and generally remind us that in terms of choice of materials and assembly image, Alfa Romeo has found a center and is competitive. equally against any payment proposal in the category.

The width of the cabin is exactly what one expects. In the back seat, three will fit for the trip, without having too much space – but they won’t be cramped either. Accordingly, in the luggage compartment, the available volume of 525 liters is more than satisfactory and with the thick carpet that covers all its surfaces, it does not give a chance to anyone loading to see a “cheap” table.

All of this seems too “small” to bother with once the Stelvio starts rolling. Especially for the driver, driving it is a real experience unlike any other model of this price that Alfa Romeo has put up. Yes, well, of course the Stelvio is not cheap but everything is judged by comparison and in this light, the “package” offered by Alfa Romeo is very good in every respect.

The steering wheel is light and due to the fact that it has been chosen to be a game in feeling and response (we said, perhaps more of a game than the needs of society) “sacrifices” have been made in what is related to the diameter of the circuit. This means the Stelvio needs some familiarity and maybe more maneuverability to get into narrow streets in the middle – where it will sometimes find itself.

Going outside the walls, however, the “thing” begins and becomes very good. Maximum steering response, combined with excellent traction from all-wheel drive and the Stelvio’s wide rear tires (255/45-20”), make for a collection you won’t want to stop driving. .

Accuracy in the delivery of driver commands is the same as a car that is “tuned” to track times on tracks around the world. All “inputs” in the driver’s sensory organs are related to this element which does not allow any “active element” to make its presence felt.

The agility of the Stelvio on the National Road is excellent, as is the environment it offers to passengers, with a low level of noise thanks to the good air condition of the body and good soundproofing. Accordingly, in the network of the region, what else shines, is related to the accuracy of the steering wheel and the need for small movements of the steering wheel through closed corners of the track.

The turbo diesel engine “spills” quickly when the driver pushes but this will not be a hindrance to the driver as here we are, the ZF 8-speed automatic ensures that there is always the right gear for every situation. It’s all fun and doesn’t let you rest, giving you at the same time, a very good grip and great confidence.

You don’t miss a good soundtrack from the V6 (or V8) petrol engine which can complete the emotional collection but that’s a matter of choice. In this case, writing an unusual number of kilometers accumulated by the Stelvio, was a very good sign for the cost of travel. Consumption remained without special effort, at levels below 8.0 liters per 100 kilometers of driving, real and particularly pleasant.

For gentleness – tourism – action, the Stelvio thanks to the diesel engine has the opportunity to move at the cost of a small city car, staying close to 6.0 km lt./100. This is a practical feature that is highly valued these days. “Flirting” with 70 thousand, Alfa Romeo’s proposal for the four-wheel drive Stelvio in the Veloce version, is a very good case of covering a number of unusual needs – and this probably says everything about the character of the model.