It was a novelty when it came as a 2017 model year. A crossover SUV built on the new Giulia. Not only did it look fantastic – Alfa Romeo had succeeded in embedding the good Alfa genes. The automotive press pounced on the cars and reported on superb driving characteristics. Then there was silence.
For everyone who likes to drive
It has been 6 years since the Stelvio went on sale. 6 years is a long time in the car industry, especially after the car market has been invaded by large electric SUVs that can drive the braid of the Stelvio. When I drove the Stelvio today, it was inevitable not to compare with today's electric cars. In my eyes, the Stelvio came out very well. Alfa Romeo still makes cars for us who like to drive - we who like to take the long way home just for the fun of it.
Diesel
I had the choice between the 2,0 T MultiAir 280 HP or the 2,2 JTD MultiJet 210 HP. I chose the latter - probably the same engine I would have chosen if I were to buy a Stelvio today - although diesel is not the first thing you associate with Alfa Romeo. The JTD engine in the Stelvio is also used in the Giulia, Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler, - and Fiat Ducati. When I cold-started the diesel engine, I felt momentarily transported back to the Stone Age. But on the road, the engine impressed greatly with strong bottom pull and quick response from all revs. Inside the car, the soundscape was fine and the accelerations were not inferior to any electric car. Imagine a short on-ramp to the freeway where you stop to let a train pass and then slip in between other traffic. Full acceleration takes place without jerks and noise. Some of the credit must go to the gearbox. It is taken from the top shelf. The ZF 8HP75 is the same box that is used in large BMWs, among other things.
The trip
Today's trip went to Oslo Fashion Outlet in Vestby. Not the world's longest walk, but around lunchtime on weekdays it is quite quiet there. I'm not a fashionista, but we visit the outlet twice a year to replenish my wardrobe from the good brands. My wife is with me and knows what I need, what fits and what suits me. The trip to Vestby is pleasant, and there are several detours you can take to make the trip longer - provided you drive a good car.
Instruments and DNA
The instrument panel is classic. Some might say old fashioned. Deep analogue clocks have accompanied Alfa Romeo for many years and it is difficult to see how they can create a digital instrument panel. The infotainment system is operated with the same type of wheel on the center console that I had on an Audi 10-12 years ago. Although the system works well (for me), I understand that the time is ripe for computer screens. One of the switches on the center console controls the driving mode between Dynamic, Normal and Advanced Efficiency - "DNA" for short (of course). I'm not normally excited about driving in active/dynamic mode, because it makes the drivetrain disproportionately fussy compared to the power increase. In the Stelvio, I was impressed by how responsive the diesel engine became. Clean powder barrel. I still preferred normal mode. In "my" car, the DNA did not affect the chassis. Dynamic/active undercarriage is optional.
Chosen with the heart…
Did you know that Alfa Romeo owners salute over the steering wheel when they meet other Alfa Romeo owners on the road? I only met one this day - and he said hello while I was admiring his car - without me saying hello back. I don't know if all Stelvio owners are brand loyal, but many probably choose Alfa Romeo more with their heart than with their head. Does this also apply to the Stelvio? For my own part, I wrote about the model when it was launched 6 years ago. The Stelvio is a beautiful Crossover that offers a lot of driving pleasure. It provides a fine combination of comfort and sportiness where the drivetrain, chassis and steering are optimized for driving pleasure - a lovely interaction between car and driver. So yes, - the Stelvio captures the heart of a car enthusiast.
… And with the head?
I have scoured international user forums to see if there are any serious weaknesses with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. It is not. I mentioned at the outset that I would probably choose diesel (JTD 2,2) over petrol (2.0 T). There are three reasons for that. Firstly, it uses far less fuel than the petrol version, secondly, it is more affordable than the petrol version and thirdly, I consider it more reliable than the petrol version. Then I think, among other things, that there have been previous errors with the MultiAir system that controls variable valve openings, but I can't find any hits on this when it comes to the new Giulia and Stelvio. Please note that the Fiat-Chrysler diesel engines should not be chosen if you are only going to drive for short trips and - if I am not mistaken - the change interval for the timing belt and water pump is only 60 km.
Loss of value
"Our" Stelvio is a 2019 model year registered in November 2018. According to the Tax Agency, the list price for this car was NOK 604 in the same month that "our" car was registered with a leasing company. With extra equipment, the purchase price probably ended up just under 900 without winter wheels. Today, 700 cars of the same model year and engine choice are for sale at Finn.no - of which 13 have a price tag of NOK 459 - probably leasing cars. The loss in value is at the same level as one of the Stelvio's competitors, the Audi Q000.
Place
The Stelvio belongs to the mid-range Crossover SUV. From the driver's position, I get the feeling that the seats and fixtures embrace me - a positive feeling of security and well-being. Internal space utilization is average for the class, especially in the back seat. The luggage compartment holds 525 liters with the rear seats folded up and 1600 liters with the seats folded down. Also average for the class.
Conclusion
A diesel engine is not something you associate with Alfa Romeo, but it does not dampen the car's sporty driving characteristics. Few car owners are as loyal and enthusiastic about their cars as Alfa Romeo owners. These are cars that many people choose with their hearts, although there is nothing to suggest that you cannot choose them with your head as well. A 3-year-old Stelvio can be a good and fun camper van for many years.
With good care it can become a future classic.
Facts Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2,2 JTD
Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 469 x 190 x 169 cm
Wheelbase: 282 cm
Net weight: 1659 kg (without driver)
Payload: 596 kg
Number of seats: 5
Max trailer weight w/brakes: 2300 kg
– without brakes: 750 kg
Roof load: –
Drivetrain
Engine: 2,2 JTD MultiJet II Adblue
Power: 210 @ 3500 revs
Torque: 470 @ 1750 rpm
Gearbox: 8-speed ZF 8HP75
All-wheel drive: ALFA Q4
Gasoline consumption
Stated (combined): 0,59 – 0,65 litres/10 km
Monitored during the trip: 0,56 – 0,57 litres/10 km
Luggage compartment
As a five-seater: 525 litres
As a two-seater: 1600 litres
Tires
Dimension: 235/55R19 T XL
Type: Winter tires without studs
Brand: Viking Contact 7
Prices:
New car (2023): 889 (promotion)
New car (2019): 604 (list price)
Used car (2019): 459
About the car
Production site: Alfa Romeo Cassino Plant, Italy
Colour: Stromboli Grey
Additional equipment: Premium interior and sound, ADAS level 2, Panoramic sunroof etc
Leased by Rent
Owner: ALD carmarket
Model: 2019
Mileage: 75886
Km driven: 97
Sources: vegvesen.no, www.alfaromeo.no
See
The new Alfa Giulia/Giulietta is today's answer to the BMW 2002 Tii. When my 170 horses ignite I become almost euphoric. Looking forward to every bend and plain with a wonderful hum behind! Diesel? Hurry up. El Nix. Range unlimited. Heating in the compartment as desired. Fear of mountain passes in winter - No. Petrol stations YES !
Real driving pleasure 🙂