2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio review: named after Stelvio pass

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is primarily Alfa Romeo and then a crossover. That’s what Italians say. Even though it is their first representative in the SUV class. But Stelvio is also a mountain pass.

Stelvio pass is magical and complex, like Alfa Romeo Stelvio?

And if the Italians joined the Alfa and crossover DNA, which among other things is not afraid to overcome the high mountain roads, it is clear where the name originates from. The first Alfa Romeo crossover is named after Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio in Italian, Stilfser Joch in German). Stelvio mountain pass is at 2,757 meters the second highest European pass, only 13 meters behind the highest European pass – French Col de L’lseran.

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio named after Stelvio mountain pass

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is named after Stelvio mountain pass, 2nd highest in Europe.

Despite the fact not being the highest, the Stelvio pass offers one of the most beautiful, most attractive and most difficult roads. Even Jeremy Clarkson said it is one of the most beautiful roads in Europe. And we all know he does not often praise the non-English things.

Anyway, the Stelvio Pass in simply magical and complex and with this in mind the Italians named their first SUV 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio after it. Perhaps the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is not so magical for everybody, but certainly are its design, image, and performance sufficiently complex that the car deserves this name. Above all, the Alfa stress that the Stelvio provide excellent driving experience, worth the chosen name.

Stelvio shares chassis and engines with Giulia

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is closely connected with Giulia.

As we already wrote, first and foremost, Stelvio is Alfa Romeo, then a crossover. Since it is closely connected with Giulia, this could be true. After all, they share the same chassis and engines. In the interests of better traction and road position, Alfa Romeo Stelvio boasts with an ideal 50:50 weight distribution.

Another thing worth mentioning in the weight. Alfa Romeo Stelvio weights only around 1,600 kilograms which simply means that the Stelvio is one of the lighter representatives in its SUV class.

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio can be driven effortless or sport sharp

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has two characters. It can be effortless or sport sharp.

On the other hand, Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the proud owner of one of the longer wheelbase, short overhangs and previously mentioned ideal weight distribution. Besides all the aforementioned, it is clear that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio does not disappoint. Driving can be effortless on one hand, and sport sharp on the other.

In tight turns, the nose of the car does not push forward but closely follows the driver’s chosen path. Of course, we must not forget that the drive is routed to all four wheels, which means that Alfa Romeo Stelvio is not afraid nor wet or even snow-covered surfaces.

Fast acceleration, even faster deceleration

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio acceleration brakes

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio acceleration is thanks to Q4 system very quick, as well as braking.

The Q4 system, therefore, offers all the advantages of all-wheel drive, but most of the time guarantees driving satisfaction by giving the power to the rear wheels. It constantly examines all drive parameters and notes how much grip each wheel has. And when necessary, instantly adds the front-wheel drive, which can receive up to 50 percent of power and torque.

At the same time, it should be noted that Alfa Romeo Stelvio has excellent brakes. In normal circumstances, it needs just 37.5 meters from a speed of 100 kilometers per hour to a complete stop (100-0 km/h).

Alfa Romeo Stelvio interior: minimalistic and simple

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio interior dashboard

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio interior and dashboard is modern, simple and minimalistic.

The interior is a different story. Passenger space is minimalist and simple. By no means modest, but perhaps in such a large and expensive car we would wish and expect more quality and luxury materials.

The similarity with a smaller Giulia is inevitable. And nothing wrong about that. Driver’s workspace is impeccable, ergonomics satisfactory, as well as the seats. With Stelvio, Alfa Romeo also took an important decision: the farewell of a manual gearbox. Only eight-speed automatic transmission is responsible for changing gears, and we must say it is doing its job perfectly. That well that it could be characterized as one of the most important elements of the car.

Conclusion

First Alfa Romeo SUV ever, Stelvio, is designed to enjoy the ride.

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is definitely a welcome refreshment in the SUV class. Perhaps not as prestigious as some competitors, but is primarily designed to enjoy the ride. Not only the usual ride but also more dynamic one. The ride that many competitors could not handle. Stelvio does not have those fears, as well as the driver who sits in it.

For the conclusion, Alfa Romeo Stelvio is very likable SUV, with powerful engines, quick acceleration, four-wheel drive and excellent 8-speed automatic gearbox. The interior might lack some prestige, but Stelvio can compensate all together with good driving performance.