New Porsche Macan T vs Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce: verdict
What happens when a sporting brand turns its hand to creating a sensible SUV? We spend a day at the races to find out...
Our verdict
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio provides a truly entertaining, playful driving experience that some will prefer to the Macan’s more measured, precise responses. If we focused on fun above everything else, we might have made the Stelvio our winner. However, after its poor showing in the buying and owning section, there’s no way it can beat the Macan in this test.
There’s more to it than that, though. Not only is the Macan still brilliant to drive, but it also has the upper hand in terms of comfort, refinement and interior quality. And while the Macan T isn’t as muscular as our favourite GTS version, it delivers a similar experience at a much lower price.
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1st – Porsche Macan
For Tidier handling; classier interior; more practical boot; better infotainment
Against Feels like it could do with more power; pricey optional extras
Recommended options Adaptive cruise control/AEB (£606), Comfort Access (£455), 75-litre fuel tank (£84)
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read our full Porsche Macan T review >>
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2nd – Alfa Romeo Stelvio
For Fun to drive; more rear seat space; superior safety kit
Against Inferior resale values; much more expensive to buy on finance; patchy interior quality
Recommended options Premium Interior & Sound Pack (£1750), Driver Assistance Pack (£1000)
What Car? rating 3 stars out of 5
Read our full Alfa Romeo Stelvio review >>
Find Alfa Romeo Stelvio deals >>
Specifications: Porsche Macan T
Engine 4cyl, 1984cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 261bhp at 5000-6500rpm
Peak torque 295Ib ft at 1800-4500rpm
Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic
Driven wheels All-wheel drive
0-60mph 5.9sec
30-70mph 5.8sec
Top speed 144mph
30-0mph 8.8m
70-0mph 46.2m
Noise at 30mph 60.5db
Noise at 70mph 66.1db
Kerb weight 1865kg
Tyre size (std) 265/45 R20 (f), 295/40 R20 (r)
Fuel tank 65 litres (75 litres optional)
CO2 emissions 229g/km
Specifications: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce
Engine 4cyl, 1995cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 276bhp at 5250rpm
Peak torque 295Ib ft at 2250rpm
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
Driven wheels All-wheel drive
0-60mph 5.7sec
30-70mph 5.4sec
Top speed 143mph
30-0mph 8.9m
70-0mph 47.2m
Noise at 30mph 60.6db
Noise at 70mph 66.7db
Kerb weight 1660kg
Tyre size (std) 255/45 R20
Fuel tank 64 litres
CO2 emissions 198g/km
Test weather conditions Dry
Cars pictured
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce with Anodized Blue metallic paint (£700), electric sunroof (£1250) and Driver Assistance Pack (£1000)
Porsche Macan T with Carrara White metallic paint (£674), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (£1052), Bose sound system (£834), tinted LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (£618), tinted LED tail-lights (£539), privacy glass (£333), high-gloss black roof rails (£245) and Driver Memory Package (£228)
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