Alfa Romeo's First SUV Stirs the Soul
Our newest Automologist, ATHERTON, really, really likes Alfas, and the first SUV from the brand has gotten him no less excited. Rea...
http://automology.blogspot.com/2017/10/alfa-romeos-first-suv-stirs-soul.html
Our newest Automologist, ATHERTON, really, really likes Alfas, and the first SUV from the brand has gotten him no less excited.
Reading the name itself gives you that sexy feeling. Alfa Romeo cars are as known for their beauty as their engineering ingenuity. We are in the time and age when everything is possible. Years ago, the words ‘crossover’ and ‘SUV’ weren’t on anyone’s mind. But today, you find a whole plethora of brands clamouring to build one after another. Such is the market demand for SUV vehicles.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the new kid on the block. Named after the mountain pass linking Italy to Switzerland, it is Alfa’s first ever SUV and it absolutely stirs one’s soul with its looks. And having its performance to supplement that image is a match made in heaven à la Ferrari. No wonder its chief technical officer, Roberto Fedeli who was with Ferrari, is the one at helm of this marvel.
The Stelvio offers SUV-like versatility and at the same time providing comfort and drive-appeal matching sports saloons. It uses ultra-light materials such as a driveshaft made of carbon-fibre and the bonnet, rear wings, engine and suspension made of aluminium! Take that, you haters! The governing bodies of environmental sustainability are grinning from ear to ear because it lowers fuel consumption and emissions, whilst offering higher efficiency and spirited driving.
You can opt for a petrol or diesel engine: there is the 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol with either 200hp or 280hp and Q4 All-Wheel Drive System; for greater efficiency, go for the 2.2-litre Turbo Diesel with either 180hp or 210hp and Q4 All-Wheel Drive System. The 180hp version is also available as a rear-wheel-drive. All engines comes with ZF 8 Speed automatic.
With Integrated Brake System (IBS) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian recognition, this SUV surely raises the bar in terms of safety for drivers and jaywalkers alike.
It has the proper ride height and it truly does connect driver to the road. Interior is simple and elegant but very importantly, functional. The seats are plush for all passengers, even for the rear occupants. You see, Alfa wants anyone and everyone who gets into their car to enjoy the ride. Period.
When you’re on a trip away from the city or just taking a drive with friends, the boot space is adequate enough as it provides 525 litres of capacity. Of course, you can adjust the rear seats to extend that volume. With an 8.8” colour display infotainment system controlled by an intuitive Rotary Pad, voice recognition compatible with iOS or Android, 3D Navigation, 14 Harman Kardon speakers (yes! 14) inclusive of subwoofer, your drive is gonna be awesome.
These are just the gist of what can be expected of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, fingers crossed, when it arrives. We don’t have any authorized dealer as of yet here in Malaysia but who knows, one day...
FUN FACT
Alfa Romeos were the first ever Formula 1 winners in year 1950 and 1951, driven by Giuseppe Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio respectively.
Reading the name itself gives you that sexy feeling. Alfa Romeo cars are as known for their beauty as their engineering ingenuity. We are in the time and age when everything is possible. Years ago, the words ‘crossover’ and ‘SUV’ weren’t on anyone’s mind. But today, you find a whole plethora of brands clamouring to build one after another. Such is the market demand for SUV vehicles.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the new kid on the block. Named after the mountain pass linking Italy to Switzerland, it is Alfa’s first ever SUV and it absolutely stirs one’s soul with its looks. And having its performance to supplement that image is a match made in heaven à la Ferrari. No wonder its chief technical officer, Roberto Fedeli who was with Ferrari, is the one at helm of this marvel.
The Stelvio offers SUV-like versatility and at the same time providing comfort and drive-appeal matching sports saloons. It uses ultra-light materials such as a driveshaft made of carbon-fibre and the bonnet, rear wings, engine and suspension made of aluminium! Take that, you haters! The governing bodies of environmental sustainability are grinning from ear to ear because it lowers fuel consumption and emissions, whilst offering higher efficiency and spirited driving.
You can opt for a petrol or diesel engine: there is the 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol with either 200hp or 280hp and Q4 All-Wheel Drive System; for greater efficiency, go for the 2.2-litre Turbo Diesel with either 180hp or 210hp and Q4 All-Wheel Drive System. The 180hp version is also available as a rear-wheel-drive. All engines comes with ZF 8 Speed automatic.
With Integrated Brake System (IBS) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian recognition, this SUV surely raises the bar in terms of safety for drivers and jaywalkers alike.
It has the proper ride height and it truly does connect driver to the road. Interior is simple and elegant but very importantly, functional. The seats are plush for all passengers, even for the rear occupants. You see, Alfa wants anyone and everyone who gets into their car to enjoy the ride. Period.
When you’re on a trip away from the city or just taking a drive with friends, the boot space is adequate enough as it provides 525 litres of capacity. Of course, you can adjust the rear seats to extend that volume. With an 8.8” colour display infotainment system controlled by an intuitive Rotary Pad, voice recognition compatible with iOS or Android, 3D Navigation, 14 Harman Kardon speakers (yes! 14) inclusive of subwoofer, your drive is gonna be awesome.
These are just the gist of what can be expected of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, fingers crossed, when it arrives. We don’t have any authorized dealer as of yet here in Malaysia but who knows, one day...
FUN FACT
Alfa Romeos were the first ever Formula 1 winners in year 1950 and 1951, driven by Giuseppe Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio respectively.
Images credit : www.alfaromeousa.com
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