Alfa Romeo Stelvio long-term test
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the Italian brand’s first ever SUV, and a rival to models such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace. So, what’s it like to live with?...
- The car: Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.2D 210 Q4 Milano Edizione
- Run by: Steve Huntingford, editor
- Why it’s here: To see if Alfa Romeo’s large SUV is a match for the best prestige rivals when tasked with family duties
- Needs to: Offer a practical interior, premium build quality, sensible running costs and a good blend of fun and comfort
Price when new £43,990 Value on arrival £35,340 Mileage on arrival 18,284 Mileage now 20,416 Official economy 58.9mpg Test economy 38.2mpg Options fitted Metallic paint (£770), Driver Assistance Pack Plus (£700), Sound Theatre by Harman Kardon (£500) and space saver spare wheel (£275)
6 December – welcome return
With judging for the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in full swing and all the new models that are in contention needing to be assessed, I recently went more than a week without using the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. But it only took the briefest of journeys – the 4.9-mile run between our offices in Feltham and Twickenham – to remind me what a joy it is to drive.
I didn’t exceed 50mph at any point and much of the trip was done at 30mph or less, yet still the sharp steering and tightly controlled ride stood out, making the car feel reassuringly precise.
The Stelvio hasn’t sold in huge numbers so far, perhaps because its interior feels a bit cheap in places, affecting its showroom appeal. However, I reckon that anyone who makes it to the test drive stage won’t fail to be impressed.
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