The Italian car manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, has been trying to regain some of its former glory by launching some new products that are aimed at making its brand relevant again. With the demand for SUVs spreading across the United States and Europe, the company has now jumped on the bandwagon and is offering its own luxury compact crossover SUV called the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
A light and nimble crossover
The all-new 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio aims to face against the likes of the Porsche Macan, the Audi Q5, and the Jaguar F-Pace. Given the advancements in technology and manufacturing, Alfa Romeo has incorporated some of its best engineering practices into the new vehicle.
For one, the new SUV is actually the lightest of its class, all thanks to lighter material choices. The propeller shaft, for example, is made entirely out of carbon fiber, which translates to 15kg in weight savings.
Quality and refinement
Unlike previous models, the new SUV features a luxurious interior that includes soft-touch plastics everywhere. Drivers are also greeted with an engine start button placed right on the steering wheel. A 7-inch infotainment screen is also included and is controlled by buttons below the shift knob. Leather seats, proximity key with remote start, automatic liftgate, paddle shifters, and other goodies also comes as standard.
Under the hood
The base model 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, priced at $41,995, comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 280hp.
This is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with all-wheel drive. The SUV is also offered with two other 2.2-liter diesel engine options, one with 150hp and another with 180hp.
Stepping up the performance
For an additional $2,000, buyers can opt for the Stelvio Ti version that comes standard with larger wheels, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, heated steering wheels and seat.
The Ti also comes with two additional styling packages, namely the Sport and Lusso versions that each come with different add-ons that are geared towards either sport or luxury.
However, the most interesting option comes in the form of the company's Stelvio Quadrifoglio edition, which has a staggering 505hp petrol engine. Alfa Romeo claims that the particular model will be the fastest SUV around the Nurburgring racing track. The special edition model is also reportedly able to get from 0 to 100km in under 4 seconds. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is expected to launched sometime next year.
