by "DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
Published 08/20/2017 at 00:19
by "DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
Published 08/20/2017 at 00:19
Tags: alfa romeo
; stelvio
; alfa stelvio
; oppo review
STARS: 8
So, here we are again.
Back in February, I brought you all a review of the Alfa Romeo Giulia , a car which heavily made me re-think the cars I’d already driven. Safe to say, the Alfa bug bit me hard. All I cared about for a long time was that car, and I kind of still do. But then, the negative press started to hit. Press cars started breaking down, early models had minor issues, even the top dog Quadrifoglio was suffering. So, the normal Alfa effect pretty much kicked in. I can already smell the, “break down,” jokes while writing it.
But still, I love them, and I want one badly. A customer at work has one, and every time it shows up, I whinny and need a 10 minute bathroom break. The mere thought of it still makes my heart flutter. And now the Stelvio, Alfa’s CUV and third model in their U.S. market return has found its way to the dealers. My local dealership was holding a “launch event” so to speak, and I took the opportunity, and luckily for me, they handed me the keys. So, does the Stelvio continue the track record, or does it fall short?
Styling: 8.3/10
So, if you remember my original review, I praised the work done on the Giulia full-stop, and how wonderfully well-done it was. At first, I thought the Stelvio would carry the same type of detail when it comes to design, and it does, to an extent.
This is a damn good looking crossover, no doubt, probably tied for the best-looking one in this segment along with the F-Pace. It’s got nice sensual curves and well-rounded details, and a perfect coupe-like aesthetic without going too overboard like an X4 or GLC Coupe. However, it is largely a case of copy and paste, as it’s basically a lifted Giulia hatch that was stretched a little. Not that that’s really a bad thing, but I would have liked to see what Alfa could have done with this car on a clean sheet.
Quality and Ergonomics: 7.5/10
The quality of the Stelvio is much like the Giulia. It’s not the best but it’s certainly not bad, definitely up to par with its rivals in the segment. Everything fits every well and feels solid, and materials aren’t of the highest quality but they’re passable.
In the back there’s a good deal of space to work with 20 feet of cargo capacity in the rear cargo bay. Seats fold down at a push of the button and you do get a power liftgate, all proper things that are typical in the segment now.
Comfort and Technology: 9/10
Once again, it’s very similar to the Giulia in this department. The inside is a very nicely styled cockpit with a very fluid design upon the dash, with that now famous infotainment screen that seemingly blends into the dashboard in such an effortless manner. You do get all the standard guffins like navigation, back-up camera, Bluetooth and so-on, which is all very nice, as well as the fancy AlfaLink suspension setting system.
The good news is that with the Stelvio’s bigger size, comfort is much better, especially for a guy of my size. On the Giulia, there were a few things inside the car that made it a tad uncomfortable at times, but in the Stelvio, those issues seem to be gotten rid of. And for those of you who are worried about safety, the Stelvio received top marks in most areas from Euro NCAP, including an, “Exceptionally well,” rating, close to that of the Volvo XC90.
Performance: 7.8/10
So, once again, I feel like this might be the most important part of this review, especially considering it wears that hallowed Alfa Romeo badge. Well, the Stelvio rides on the Giulia platform (Giorgio), but with some added ride height. However that does mean you get double-wishbone front, multi-link rear suspension, with stiffer springs to counter the height difference. Pair this to the turbocharged MultiAir I4 with 276 horsepower, and what you’re given is a pretty nice package overall.
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Driving-wise, to say it’s exactly like the Giulia is a bit of an overstatement. You can tell you’re higher up and the springs do feel a tad softer. However, it still feels very confident with what it does, steering is very fluid and everything feels like it works well in tandem with each other. I’ve got to say, it’s the best handling CUV I’ve ever driven, but then again I’ve only driven two others in my lifetime (my Outback and a Murano).
And as we all know, there will be a Quadrifoglio version, due at the first of the year so my dealer contact says, with the same 505 horsepower V6 as the Giulia.
Value: 7.3/10
I said in my Giulia review that I wasn’t so sure if I’d call the car a good deal, but the opposite can be said about the Stelvio. It’s amazing how well-equipped even a more cheaper standard model is, like the Q4 here is. It comes with standard AWD as well as the others I mentioned here, plus room for all sorts of extras. And for $44k, this type of performance and luxury is a bargain that I feel is kind of hard to beat. So, I’d have to say, it’s not cheap, but it’s really well-optioned for the price, so I’d give it some decent marks.
Verdict: 8/10
The Stelvio is definitely befitting of the phrase, “just a lifted Giulia hatch.” It’s really sort of all there, the good looks, the sporty feeling, all of it. And while it’s not a complete copy, it gets damned close, and I’ve got to say...it’s probably my favorite in the segment. If I would buy an Alfa Romeo tomorrow, the Stelvio would be a serious contender for the one I’d pull the trigger on...it’s the perfect Alfa for an everyday lifestyle, the perfect Italian daily driver. However, time will tell if the reliability stands up to the first impression, but I’d say things are looking good if everything goes right.
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
08/20/2017 at 00:37, STARS: 1
My distaste for it exists because they won’t give us the Guilia wagon.
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
08/20/2017 at 00:42, STARS: 0
I’ve heard this complaint before, and it’s valid. But you know how the market is.
If these sell, however, there might be room for some crazy new models, so don’t give up hope...
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
08/20/2017 at 00:43, STARS: 0
Well until I get the money to buy a brand new wagon of any make, I can’t throw too many stones. My only hope is that the Civic and Focus keep the hatch demand alive in the meantime.
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
08/20/2017 at 00:46, STARS: 0
Wagon demand is slowly coming back, but not fast enough. I think we might have a chance yet.
"415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)" (415s30)
08/20/2017 at 00:50, STARS: 5
Oh it’s gonna break
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
08/20/2017 at 00:59, STARS: 0
Tell me more from the future please
"415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)" (415s30)
08/20/2017 at 01:00, STARS: 2
The Lexus won’t break
"not for canada - australian in disguise" (for-canada)
08/20/2017 at 01:00, STARS: 1
I like the Stelvio and Giulia, but Alfa’s Canadian dealer network is absolute dogshit. Live outside of the 5 biggest cities/Victoria (for some reason)? You’re fucked.
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
08/20/2017 at 01:03, STARS: 3
Mind fucking blown sir/ma’am/nonbinary.
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
08/20/2017 at 01:04, STARS: 1
That sucks, but I know how it feels.
"415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)" (415s30)
08/20/2017 at 01:05, STARS: 0
I’m just saying no way I spend that kind of money on a vehicle that will likely have expensive problems once the warranty is up.
"Nick Has an Exocet" (nickallain)
08/20/2017 at 01:09, STARS: 0
But Lexus won’t be as fun. Even the F-Sport / true F models don’t really feel fun.
Lexus Engineer: “Ugh, the marketing department keeps making us do this performance thing... fine. Have more power but I draw the line at oversteer and steering feel.”
"415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)" (415s30)
08/20/2017 at 01:11, STARS: 2
I have a 240Z for fun, I buy an SUV to get to work in and do family stuff, and not leave me stranded.
"Nick Has an Exocet" (nickallain)
08/20/2017 at 01:43, STARS: 0
A lot of people only have room for 1 vehicle.
"415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)" (415s30)
08/20/2017 at 02:12, STARS: 0
Then it should be a fun wagon from a reliable company
"KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs" (kusabisensei)
08/20/2017 at 15:09, STARS: 0
The Giulia was one of the cars I was looking at, but in my case, no manual means no sale.
Also, if it has a tendency to come over all Italian, that’s even less desirable.
But my GOD, are they pretty.
"KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs" (kusabisensei)
08/20/2017 at 15:10, STARS: 0
Wasn’t that the same thing that The Clarkson said about a Maserati SUV that he claimed was called the Kubang?
Kubang being the noise it will make the second the warranty runs out...
"415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)" (415s30)
08/20/2017 at 15:27, STARS: 0
Just look at the reliability records of companies and then consider it’s a new model. Just common sense. I mean there are vehicles we love despite being disasters, but they are generally classics.
"KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs" (kusabisensei)
08/20/2017 at 16:25, STARS: 1
Yep, like never buy the first year of a new Chrysler transmission.
Now with added Italian flavor!
"Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever" (superchan7)
08/20/2017 at 20:05, STARS: 0
Tell that to the X3/X5 owners whose cars are nearing warranty end...same stuff, different language.
"MM54" (mm54mk2)
08/20/2017 at 21:43, STARS: 0
My hope is that the trend continues where SUVs are turning back into wagons. I think crossovers are the midpoint.
"Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever" (superchan7)
08/20/2017 at 22:25, STARS: 1
Thanks for doing this!
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
08/21/2017 at 11:17, STARS: 0
I like the concept of a hot rod CUV if and only if it is not huge and also not a wannabe coupe like the X6.
This picture bothers me for 2 reasons.
Fake big exhaust tips in the bumper, with little bitty real exhaust tips inside them.
The alarmingly small amount of space between the rear headrests and the top of the headliner around the hatch opening.
This second point is a problem with all relatively upright 2-box vehicles that try to integrate some kind of swoopy rear end styling. Cars like the X6 are the worst offenders but plenty that aren’t specifically going for the chopped-roof look still have terrible rear visibility. The top of the seats is very high, and the top of the rear glass is much lower than the highest point of the roof.
I couldn’t find a picture looking straight through the rear window from the inside, but these 2 give a half decent idea. The view appears to be compromised but not entirely useless.
"Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction" (rustholes-are-weight-reduction)
10/26/2017 at 09:10, STARS: 0
I don’t want stuff breaking in the warranty period either. If I buy a new car, I expect it to last for a while without major issues