Feature: Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.2 Diesel 16v 210 AT8 Q4 Super

When this word is applied to the Italian brand Alfa Romeo, it becomes clear that we are talking about cars that excite the heart and soul. Without a doubt, these are cars that have been striking in their shape and driving performance for many decades.

But many years ago there was a period of decline or a kind of hibernation. There were no new models, and even those were just updates to the previous ones. Alfa's last larger car had a very long beard, the 159 (which actually only replaced the predecessor 156) was discontinued in 2011. The even larger Alfa 164 ended in the last millennium (1998). Thus, buyers could choose among new cars only Giulietta or Mito.

However, after turbulent times, when even the existence of the brand was in question, a positive turn has finally taken place. First, Alfa Romeo introduced the Giulia to the world public, and shortly thereafter, the Stelvio.

If the Giulia is some kind of continuation of the history of the sedan created by the 156 and 159 models, then the Stelvio is a completely new car.

Hybrid, but still alpha

Of course not, when Stelvio is the first crossover of this Italian brand. Even the neighbors, of course, could not resist the temptation brought by the class of hybrids. This class of car has been the top seller for several years now, which of course means you have to be there.

The Italians call the Stelvio first the Alpha and then the crossover. This is one of the reasons why they chose a meaningful name, which they borrowed right from the highest mountain pass in Italy. But it was not the height that decided, but the road leading to the pass. In the final stages, it is a distinctly mountainous road with over 75 sharp bends. Which, of course, means that with a good car, driving is above average. This is the path that the Italians had in mind when they created the Stelvio. Create a car that can entertain on these roads. And yet be a crossbreed.

The test car was powered by a more powerful turbo diesel engine, which means the all-wheel drive Q4 is carried on the road. 210 'horses'... This is enough to accelerate the car from standstill to 100 kilometers per hour in just 6,6 seconds and reach a top speed of 215 kilometers per hour. This is the merit of the aforementioned all-wheel drive. Q4, which primarily drives the rear wheelset but instantly engages the front (up to a 50:50 ratio) and eight-speed automatic transmission when needed. Commendably, Alpha decided that the latter was also the only option. After all, it does its job flawlessly, whether shifting gears on its own or shifting gears with large and comfortable (otherwise optional) ears behind the wheel.

In terms of handling Stelvio stands on two banks. When driving slowly and calmly, it will be difficult to convince everyone, but when we take it to the extreme, everything will be different. It is then that his origin and character are revealed, and above all his name. Since Stelvio is not afraid of turns, he handles them confidently and without problems. Obviously, within the framework of a large and heavy hybrid. Well, with the latter, it should still be noted that the Stelvio is the lightest in its class. Maybe this is the secret of his dexterity?

Of course, the weight contributes to economical fuel consumption. Even when driving fast it is quite moderate, but also average when driving quietly. In the latter case, we would like a quieter operation of the turbodiesel engine or better soundproofing of the passenger compartment.

There is still a lot of room for improvement

If we talk about a salon or a salon, then it is more than not the same as Julia's. This is not bad at all, but many people want more variety and modernity in the interior. Overall, the interior seems a bit too dark, nothing has changed in the test car. Even tech candy won't hurt anymore. For example, connecting to a smartphone is possible only via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlayвAndroid Auto however, they are still on the way. Even the basic screen, which is otherwise nicely placed on the dashboard, is not up to date, quite complex to work with, and the graphics aren't exactly the best.

You also need to touch a little security systems. Unfortunately, there are few of them in the basic configuration, most of them are in the list of accessories. Even otherwise, the Stelvio is mostly equipped on average, but for him, assuming that under the hood is the same engine as in the test car, 46.490 EUR required... All the equipment offered on the test machine had to pay almost € 20.000, which is by no means a cat's cough. However, the result is really good, already quite impressive for a fan of this brand.

Below the line, it should be noted that the Stelvio is definitely a welcome addition to the automotive world. Despite the different wishes of the manufacturer, it is difficult to immediately put it in the top of the prestigious hybrids, but on the other hand, it is true that this is a purebred Alfa Romeo. For many, this is enough.

text: Sebastian Plevnyak

photo: Sasha Kapetanovich

Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.2 Diesel 16v 210 AT8 Q4 Super

Basic data

Sales:	Avto Triglav doo
Base model price:	46.490 €
Test model cost:	63.480 €
Power:	154kW (210 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	7,6 with
Maximum speed:	215 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	6,3l / 100km
Guarantee:	2 years general warranty, 8 years anti-rust warranty, 3 years anti-rust warranty, 3 years warranty the original part is installed in an authorized service center.
Systematic review	20.000 km or once a year. km

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials:	1.596 €
Fuel:	7.592 €
Tires (1)	1.268 €
Loss of value (within 5 years):	29.977 €
Compulsory insurance:	5.495 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +	9.775 (
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up	€ 55.703 0,56 (km cost: XNUMX €)

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - longitudinally mounted at the front - bore and stroke 83 × 99 mm - displacement 2.134 cm 3 - compression 15,5:1 - maximum power 154 kW (210 hp) at 3.750 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 12,4 m / s - specific power 72,2 kW / l (98,1 hp / l) - maximum torque 470 Nm at 1.750 rpm - 2 camshaft in the head (belt) - 4 valves per cylinder - direct fuel injection.
Energy transfer:	engine drives all four wheels - 8-speed automatic transmission - gear ratio I. 5,000 3,200; II. 2,143 hours; III. 1,720 hours; IV. 1,314 hours; v. 1,000; VI. 0,822; VII. 0,640; VIII. - Differential 3,270 - Wheels 8,0 J × 19 - Tires 235/55 R 19 V, rolling circumference 2,24 m.
Capacity:	top speed 215 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration 6,6 s - average fuel consumption (ECE) 4,8 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 127 g/km
Transportation and suspension:	SUV - 5 doors, 4 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, coil springs, three-spoke cross rails, stabilizer - rear multi-link axle, coil springs, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, electric parking brake rear wheels (switch between seats) - steering wheel with rack and pinion, electric power steering, 2,1 turns between extreme points.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.734 kg - permissible total weight 2.330 kg - permissible trailer weight with brakes: 2.300, without brake: 750. – Permissible roof load: e.g.
External dimensions:	length 4.687 mm - width 1.903 mm, with mirrors 2.150 mm - height 1.671 mm - wheelbase 2.818 mm - front track 1.613 mm - rear 1.653 mm - ground clearance 11,7 m.
Inner dimensions:	longitudinal front 880-1.120 620 mm, rear 870-1.530 mm - front width 1.530 mm, rear 890 mm - head height front 1.000-930 mm, rear 500 mm - front seat length 460 mm, rear seat 525 mm - luggage compartment 365 l – handlebar diameter 58 mm – fuel tank XNUMX l.

Our measurements

T = 27 ° C / p = 1.028 mbar / rel. vl. = 57% / Tires: Bridgestone Ecopia 235/65 R 17 H / Odometer status: 5.997 km
Acceleration 0-100km:	7,6s
402m from the city:	16,4 years ( 144 km / h)
test consumption:	7,8 l / 100km
Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme:	6,3 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h:	59,1m
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	36,2m
AM table:	40m
Test errors:	unmistakable

Overall rating (344/420)

• Given the success of the class, it's clear that brands can no longer afford not to be present. Stelvio is a newcomer, which means he will have to prove himself, but for fans of the brand, he certainly already occupies a high position. The rest will have to find out first.

• Exterior (12/15)

  For the first crossover Alfa Stelvio is a good product.

• Interior (102/140)

  Unfortunately, the interior is too similar to that of Julia, which means, on the one hand, it is not fascinating enough, and on the other, of course, it is not modern enough.

• Engine, transmission (60
  
  
  / 40)

  The faster you go, the better the Stelvio cuts. The transmission, however, is the best component of a car anyway.

• Driving performance (61
  
  
  / 95)

  Stelvio is not afraid of sharp turns, and the fact that he is one of the lightest in the class also helps him.

• Performance (61/35)

  The engine meets the needs of driving, but can be quieter.

• Security (41/45)

  Most of the ancillary safety equipment is available at an additional cost. Very sorry.

• Economy (37/50)

  It will take a while to show how happy modern alphas are, even after a few years.

We praise and reproach

form

engine

position on the road (for dynamic driving)

loud engine running or (too) poor soundproofing

dark and barren interior