Hard to beat

to the fore.

The steering needs a bit getting used to as it’s very direct and a bit twitchy. Weight distribution is perfect, acceleration – although not tear-theskin-off-your-face quick – is smooth and quick and thanks to a remarkable suspension and a total weight of 1 660kg, in part due to the aluminium engine and carbon driveshaft, it’s everything and more you could ask for.

Sharp corners and long curves are its dinner and it’s then that you appreciate the work that has gone into making this probably the best-handling SUV in its segment.

With a boot of 525 litres we easily managed to fit two large young adults’ gear and they still had space at the back.

It’s safe, too, with an integrated brake system, forward-collision warning and autonomous emergency brake with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection and active cruise control.

It’s my wish for the new year that South Africans take off their blinkers and at least take a stroll through an Alfa Romeo showroom before making a decision on what to purchase.

The Stelvio comes with a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 6-year/100 000km maintenance plan.