2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Review

[MoSSaN69]

Alfa Romeo entering the luxury SUV fray is akin to a battle between David and Goliath. With the 2018 Stelvio—the first SUV for the Italian automaker whose roots date to 1910—Alfa Romeo will compete with a roster of established players, not to mention a crop of new rivals also clamoring attention. Among the Goliaths are the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Porsche Macan andLexus NX.

With the Stelvio, Alfa Romeo not only seeks awareness as it aims to re-establish itself in the American market after exiting in the mid-1990s, but to also prove it has what it takes to compete against compact luxury SUVs that are now household names.

It looks like an uphill battle for sure. But here's the thing about the Davids of this world: They have passion and verve. After our first test drive of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, we found those two traits in abundance. Just as important, we found them at a surprising value.

 

Alfa Romeo execs acknowledge the Stelvio isn't likely to sell in the kind of numbers its rivals enjoy, nor is that the point at this junction for the automaker. Alfa Romeo, part of the massive FiatChrysler Automobiles conglomerate, only recently again began selling cars in America, starting a couple of years ago with the 4C coupe and then Giulia premium sedan last year.

"We are playing the long game here," Alfa Romeo head Reid Bigland said at the Stelvio media launch in Nashville, Tennessee. Bigland affirmed the company isn't trying to grab the sales crowns of the Lexus NX and Audi Q5, but rather become a contender that stands out from the pack with its emotional appeal.

[St Koppen]

Topic Closed

Edited August 25, 2017 by KoppenRPV