Review: Alfa Romeo Stelvio - an SUV with a capital S

Thursday 29 March 2018

SUVs are hugely popular in Guernsey, providing that mix of space and style that so many are looking for over here - and with the world following suit and loving the sporty, utility all-in-one car, it is no real surprise that Alfa Romeo have decided to release their own model.

Typically for Alfa, the Stelvio is extravagant. The top of the range Quadrifoglio model is one of the fastest SUV's in the world, they have 525-litre boots, great rear-seat leg and head room, and a very comfortable ride to say the least.

And obviously all of this looks great on paper, but the real question for islanders like us is how does a car that stacks up with the best around the world perform at 35mph on the coast roads, weaving through the upper parish's lanes, and stopping and starting through Town.

Well, I took one of the Mont Saint's 280BHP 2.0 litre turbocharged Milano edition Stelvios out to find the answers to those very questions.

I think one of the first things I always think about when taking an automatic out is how the transmission will perform on tight corners where you are going much slower than the car manufacturers ever planned for - and I am pleased to say the eight speed converter on the Stelvio did admirably compared to some other vehicles I have driven. Driving around Town and up through the north of the island, it felt responsive and quick, and never left you hanging.

And then when you get out onto the Esplanade or up around L'Ancresse it's atheltitism really shows - it is of course a quick car, and thats obvious when your driving it, but it doesn't feel aggressive either, its comfortable, and from your high driving position it feels more regal than down to the ground and rough.

With a car the size of the Stelvio - 1660kg, just under 2m wide and just over 4.5m long - a lot of Guernsey folk might question if its not too big for the rock, but with seemingly more and more Honda CRVs and BMW X3s appearing everyday, I think it is clear that islanders have a taste for the luxury end of the SUV scale, and that isn't only because of the luxury element, but because of the Utility they bring with them.

As mentioned, the Stelvio has a 525 litre boot - that comparing to a VW Golf's 380 litre and a BMW 3 series' 480 litres. It leaves plenty of space for luggage, beach stuff, dog cages, or brief cases and school bags, and that high level of space all comes at no detriment to the rest of the interior, as it is outfitted with Alfa's newest infotainment system, high quality interior, and every driving-assist sensor you could ask for.

Overall - and slightly unusually for Alfa Romeo - the interior and utlility elements are very well balanced, with nothing being too over the top and nothing too lacking. Whether you need to drive children to school, take your dog for a walk or get over to the UK and drive up to Birmingham, the Stelvio has strengths in all areas that really make it suit island life. And, as is typical is Guernsey, when you need to do all of those things in one journey, you can do just that.

It would probably be a sin to talk about the Stelvio and not mention the speed it can produce. It is an SUV with a capital S, because it is very sporty indeed - with a top speed of 143mph and a 0 to 60 in around 5.7 seconds.

For those car enthusiasts among you, you will recognise that this SUV has these accolades because it is built on the same platform as Alfa's new Giulia, which was its sports sedan in answer to the BMW M3. That car was incredibly well received, and is incredibly fast, even in its standard editions. And while you sit a couple of metres higher up in the Stelvio, you can see and feel the similarities between the cars. The manufacturers chief engineer is quoted as having said his aim was to exactly reproduce the feel of the very sporty Giulia in the Stelvio, and he has been given credit for doing just that.

And why, you might ask, do I put on emphasis on the speed and power of the Stelvio when we Guernseypeople are limited to 35mph and mostly short and windy roads? Well, its one because you might well want to take it over to the UK to see your new vehicles full potential (and probably very much enjoy that experience if my test drive was anything to go by), but its also because the Giulia and as a result the Stelvio don't only have speed going for them, but the drive in general is modern, smooth, quick and flexible as a result, and that really comes out and shines when heading around the island.

All taken into consideration - the Stelvio is a luxury, no doubt. But it is a luxury that more people than you might think might just take advantage of. An SUV is supposed to be a Jack of All Trades, and this car is, but it isn't by any stretch of the imagination a Master of None either.

With the sporty elements of it being obviously strong, especially when you look towards the likes of the Quadrifoglio at the very top of the Stelvio range, and then the utility element also being pretty much what any islander needs, with room for everything and a splash of comfort to go along side that, it is a great vehicle. Even other elements like its relatively fuel efficient engine running at 40.4mpg just sweeten the deal with the Stelvio.

My one main criticism of this car is that aside from the iconic front grill and logo, its certainly possible you could forget the Stelvio is an Alfa Romeo because it simply isn't as thrilling, gritty or raw as some of their previous cars. In reality though, me saying that means its probably a more practical car to own, and its lack of over-the-top flash might bring it out of the shiny photoshoots and off of the pages of glossy magazines and actually put it onto the roads.

Of course, it is an Alfa either way, and it is a car with every gadget and addition you could ask for, leather upholstery, a well designed and modern driving position and all of the other luxury bits and bobs you get with, say, the Jaguar F-Pace or the Porsche Macan S. So, much like those cars, it comes at a price, but the Stelvio on Guernsey is just as a I said, a Jack of All Trades... and maybe even a Master of Some.

For more information about the Stelvio, Giulia or Alfa's in general, the Mont Saint Garage, the island's Alfa dealer, is the place to go.