ALFA ROMEO STELVIO
In times gone by, colonial powers all took part in the scramble for Africa. This frenetic activity, it seems, has spilt over into what one may describe as the scramble for SUV market share. BERNARD HELLBERG SR, who still fondly remembers his Alfa Romeo Giulietta Ti from varsity days, takes an in-depth look at Alfa’s latest offering.
Under the guiding hand of newly appointed CEO Robin van Rensburg, Alfa Romeo SA has entered the medium-sized premium SUV market segment with two variants, Super and First Edition, both making use of a tried and tested two-litre turbo petrol engine.
With a history of making class-leading sports and racing cars, it will come as a surprise to many that Alfa Romeo had a brief foray into the world of AWD in the 1950s with a quaint, boxy creation dubbed the Matta, which was specifically designed for military applications. With its boxy looks (the term SUV had not been invented yet), and with some models featuring canvas roofs and windows, the Matta was light years removed from the Stelvio, a light (1,660 kg) SUV with – among other features unheard of at the time – a carbon fibre driveshaft.
WILL THE STELVIO FAKE IT
OR MAKE IT?
In a cramped space where Germans, Koreans, Brits, and even the Indians have thrown their figurative hats into the ring, the Stelvio has veered slightly off-course by emphasising its performance heritage and capabilities.
Starting with the engines, which have achieved the magic output numbers of more than 100 kW/litre of engine capacity, the results are pleasing and excellent.
THE DRIVE
Combining the car’s light weight with, arguably, the most direct steering in this segment, we knew that we were in for a treat with the Alfa PR team confidently having selected the Franschhoek Pass between that town and Grabouw as the Stelvio’s playground for the day. The results were outstanding; acceleration was brisk, and the handling was confidenceinspiring – thanks to fully-independent double wishbone front suspension with sophisticated links for the rear. Patented