It's always stuck in my head that Jeremy Clarkson once said on an episode of Top Gear that "you can't be a true petrolhead until you've owned an Alfa Romeo.". When it comes to combining style, performance, and a touch of Italian flair, Alfa Romeo is a brand that rarely fails to impress.
So I jumped at the chance when I was offered the opportunity to drive the Stelvio to a festival for the weekend; I couldn’t resist seeing if it could live up to its premium SUV billing. First things first: the Stelvio is a head-turner. Whether parked up in the festival car park or cruising down the motorway, its sleek, aggressive lines scream sophistication and power.
This is a car that doesn’t simply blend into the crowd. With its signature triangular grille, narrow headlights, and aerodynamic curves, it stands out in a way that few other SUVs can manage. It’s stylish in a way that suggests you know your cars and appreciate design, but also with the promise of performance beneath.
On the road, the Stelvio does not disappoint. This isn’t just a pretty face; it’s built to drive. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in the version we tested roars to life with the twist of the key, offering a potent 280 horsepower. That’s enough to rocket from 0 to 60mph in just under 6 seconds.
That might sound more like the performance of a sports car than an SUV, but the Stelvio makes it feel completely natural. Whether darting in and out of traffic or hitting the open road, there’s a sense of joy that comes with driving it. The steering is precise, the chassis is responsive, and the road noise is kept to a minimum—ideal for long journeys.
