Is this the car to reverse Alfa Romeo's fortunes?
While the BMW M3-rivalling Giulia Quadrifoglio has won plenty of headlines, the standard version of Alfa Romeo's upcoming Stelvio SUV will have a much greater role in transforming the brand's Australian presence.
Revealed online overnight, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition follows on from the debut of the red-hot Quadrifoglio in Los Angeles in 2016.
While the twin-turbocharged, 375kW Stelvio will go-after high-performance models such as the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLC 63, the four-cylinder-powered First Edition has humbler models in its sights.
Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 206kW, the Stelvio First Edition uses all-wheel-drive to rip to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds, and to a top speed well beyond 200km/h.
The new machine offers sporty interior presentation with a flat-bottomed steering wheel that features a Ferrari-esque starter button and metal-look shift paddles. Cabin tech includes an 8.8-inch navigation screen and 7-inch driver's display, as well as a new take on Alfa Romeo's deeply shrouded instrument binnacle, "DNA" driving mode selector, and dual-zone climate control.
On the outside, 20-inch wheels join painted brake calipers, bi-xenon headlamps and chrome-finished exhaust outlets to lend the car a sporty look.
The new Stelvio SUV is expected to make its public debut at the Geneva motor show in March, before reaching Australian customers in 2018.
10 Comments
DJM61 | 2017-01-19 02:54:06
Is this the car to reverse Alfa Romeo's fortunes? No. It should be prettier than an X3 (and a lot cheaper).
MiniSean | 2017-01-19 04:40:18
Just imagine the servicing costs! It would probably be cheaper to buy a new one every year.
Selector 2 | 2017-01-19 05:29:02
OMG that's one ugly MoFo!
Simiam Sam | 2017-01-19 08:16:15
Is there an undercover competition for the ugliest front amongst car manufacturers? Hideous.
Simiam Sam | 2017-01-19 08:18:14
Actually, looking again, the whole thing is hideous. Blobby with strange random creases in the penelwork...
captain_picard | 2017-01-19 12:57:32
Yes indeed expect to be seriously abused by the dealers - you might as well pay for a chauffer for the price of servicing
Dooli | 2017-01-19 23:11:42
Take an Alfa off road without a following tow truck, I dont think so!
Pharl | 2017-01-20 02:48:18
Wow...some incredibly ignorant comments here. Made by people who have never owned (or probably even driven) an Alfa, im sure. Never ceases to amaze me...
Paapokoel | 2017-01-20 03:18:40
I'm not amazed at all Pharli, it's typical BS commentary from ignorant people in this country...in a country I might add where the best sellling car is the gorgeous Toyota Hilux :)
Selector 2 | 2017-01-20 04:18:15
You guys are free to go whenever you choose.