MOTORING NEWS - Porsche and BMW boldly went where only specialists have gone before when they created their bigger lifestyle SUV-type vehicles.
The successes of the Cayenne and the BMW X Series and even the Panamera and Gran Turismo were beyond expectation.
Demand from customers was for bigger family oriented vehicles to ensure that the wife did not veto her husband buying into a sport brand as a last-gasp-at-youth folly.
At the time, I was less than impressed, but one has to make peace with reality.
Over time the larger Porsche models started to out-sell the sports cars until they eventually became the money spinners of the company, subsidising the rest.
Alfa Romeo might be onto something with their Stelvio SUV that will propel the brand back where it should be after some unremarkable years in South Africa.
The name itself indicates that this model aims to provide an exciting driving experience as it is named after Italy's highest mountain pass, over 20km long and with more than 75 hairpin bends.
Alfa can also be counted on to consider driving pleasure, Italian styling and versatility as extremely important.
We live in hope that the brand will return to the Southern Cape, but until then, it is taken on trust that the Stelvio will deliver impeccable handling, worthy of a real sports car, balanced weight distribution, the most direct steering ratio in the segment and state-of-the-art suspension with exclusive Alfalink technology.
Use of lightweight, hi-tech materials including carbon fibre for the drive shaft and aluminium for the engine, suspension systems, bonnet, fenders, doors and the tailgate will provide good road-holding.
The Stelvio offers the Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel drive system, and can be optionally equipped with mechanical locking rear differential.
SPORTY DESIGN
The Stelvio's proportions, with a length of 4,7m, height of 1,7m and width of 2,2m, express strength, dynamism and compactness.
The Alfa Romeo styling also finds expression in high-quality finishes, which involve creating rich, harmonious reflections across the bodywork.
The sculptural shape on the flanks gives contrasts between light and shadow on the surfaces. The rear-end shape has not been neglected and the front and rear wings are accentuated.
Stelvio has strong features, similar to the known cloverleaf front, one of the most recognisable designs in automotive styling.
The rear is eye-catching too, because of the dual sports exhaust tips, and from the "Kamm tail" styling that gives character and pays tribute to Alfa Romeo's history.
Customers can choose from 11 body colours (pastel, metallic and tri-coated) that highlight the Alfa Romeo SUV's sleek silhouette.
CREATURE COMFORTS
The Stelvio brings Italian style into the picture with a stylish interior and room for passengers to relax.
The SUV gives the driver control thanks to the new Alfa drive elector as well as the high driving position, which may sound different from a genuine Alfa Romeo sports car, but apparently isn't.
Stelvio also ensures a high level of on-board comfort with dual zone climate control system, a sophisticated Alfa Connect infotainment system and a fine audio system with 8, 10 or 14 speakers, depending on the model.
Last but not least, the 525-litre boot competes with the best in the segment and has a convenient electric tailgate that can be set with three different opening levels.
The leather, full grain and real wood have all been chosen for their visual and tactile appeal.
The driver's position is central, with a slightly undulating dashboard and a small, direct-ratio, leather-wrapped steering wheel that adapts to all driving styles.
Also provided is a clear TFT colour information display cluster with 7" display which supplies all essential information. The driver and car interface consists of two rotary controls for easy, immediate use of the selector and Alfa Connect systems.
UNBEATABLE SAFETY
Stelvio features several sophisticated safety systems, available as standard or optional depending on the version.
Key amongst them is the integrated brake system (IBS), forward collision warning and autonomous emergency brake with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring (BSM) with rear cross-path detection and active cruise control.
DETAILS
At the time of launch, the Stelvio will be available in Super as well as the limited First Edition with a choice of eleven body colours and three alloy wheels (from 18" to 20").
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is available from nationwide dealerships. Pricing starts from R810 000 for the Super and the First Edition is priced at R946 000.
All Alfa Romeo Stelvios feature a three year or 100 000km warranty and a six year or 100 000km maintenance plan as standard.
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