Alfa Romeo is renowned for sexy design and dynamic handling and in the SUV world that's highlighted by the brands Stelvio model. There's a refreshed one launched in Mzansi and at its launch in Cape Town, we witnessed firsthand how the Stelvio is truly an evolving masterpiece in terms of both style and technology.
The Stelvio's exterior design has undergone notable upgrades, featuring full-LED Adaptive Matrix headlights and a brand-new interpretation of the iconic "Trilobo" grille. The front grille, where the Alfa Romeo logo is proudly positioned, along with the lower grilles of the two main air ducts, boast a unique finish that gives the Stelvio a contemporary and distinctive look. The new headlights, known as "3+3" lights, taken from the Tonale, provide excellent visibility, dynamic turn signals, and a special "Welcome and Goodbye" feature. These headlights incorporate advanced technologies such as Adaptive Driving Beam and Glare-Free High Beam Segmented Technology, ensuring optimal lighting conditions and enhanced safety.
Moving to the rear of the vehicle, the Stelvio showcases a group of rear LED taillights that perfectly blend style and sophisticated technologies. The new taillights, featuring a transparent glass finish, further accentuate the Stelvio's sporty character and give it a distinct presence on the road.
Moving inside, the Stelvio offers a completely digital instrument panel with a historic "telescopic" design. The 12.3-inch TFT screen provides access to all essential vehicle information and can be customised with three different layouts: Evolved, Relax, and Heritage. Each layout caters to different preferences, with Evolved representing the future of Alfa Romeo design, Relax focusing on comfort, and Heritage paying homage to the brand's iconic models from the past.
When it comes to driving dynamics we got to entirely immerse ourselves in the experience through the beautiful passes of Cape Town, the Stelvio continues Alfa Romeo's legacy of delivering an exceptional driving experience. The vehicle's weight distribution, agility, and steering precision set it apart in the SUV class. Its performance is further enhanced by the use of ultra-light materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber, derived from the world of racing. The Stelvio's all-wheel-drive system, known as Q4 technology, ensures optimal traction and responsiveness, while still providing the pleasure of driving a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. The Alfa Link suspension system, with its double wishbones on the front and a patented multilink solution on the rear, offers a perfect balance between handling and comfort.
Safety and technology go hand in hand in the Stelvio, as it is equipped with an Integrated Braking System (IBS) that combines stability control with the braking system for instantaneous response and reduced stopping distances. The vehicle also offers a comprehensive set of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as an option, providing additional support and comfort during long journeys.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce model is currently available, and it comes with a five-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty and maintenance plan for peace of mind motoring. The Stelvio Q model is expected to join the lineup later this year, offering even more performance options. The Veloce model is priced at R1,205,500, with the option of adding a sunroof for an additional R20,000 Which is a must in my opinion as it finishes the look of the. Stelvio Veloce.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio represents a significant milestone for the brand as it combines timeless beauty, state-of-the-art technology, and exceptional driving dynamics in the SUV