Alfa Romeo Stelvio line-up confirmed for Australia

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio will on sale in Australia from Q1, 2018 with a three-model lineup.

Heralding a new era for the Italian car maker, Alfa Romeo’s first-ever SUV promises advanced technology, outstanding safety and an exhilarating driving experience.

Further expanding Alfa Romeo’s lineup beyond the stylish 4C Coupe, 4C Spider, Giulietta and Giulia, the Stelvio is the latest in a new generation of vehicles embodying Alfa Romeo’s “la meccanica delle emozioni” spirit, Italian for “the mechanics of emotion”.

Featuring perfect 50/50 weight distribution and Alfa Romeo’s Q4 AWD architecture, the Stelvio utilises a lightweight body structure and carbon fibre driveshaft. It’s said to be the lightest, most dynamic mid-size SUV in the segment.

“The all-new Alfa Romeo Stelvio, named after one of the world’s great driving roads – Italy’s Stelvio Pass – will set a new benchmark for the segment in Australia,” said Steve Zanlunghi, CEO – Alfa Romeo Australia.

“Alfa Romeo’s blend of expert engineering and emotion creates a premium mid-size SUV for true driving enthusiasts, and one that will stand out in one of the largest and fastest-growing segments in Australia.

“Having already wowed the automotive world with the unveiling of the stunning Quadrifoglio at the Los Angeles Auto Show, we’re thrilled to now confirm new additions the Stelvio range.”

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Powertrains

At launch, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio will be offered with a choice of turbocharged petrol or diesel engines, paired with Alfa Romeo’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system.

The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine is built entirely in aluminium with a carbon drive shaft. It generates 149kW and 330Nm, producing a 0 to 100km/h time of 7.2 seconds and a 215km/h top speed.

The 2.2-litre diesel engine is the first all-aluminium diesel among the new-generation engines from Alfa Romeo. Developing 154kW and 470Nm, the diesel-powered Stelvio dashes from 0 to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds and onto a top speed of 215km/h.

The range-topping Stelvio Quadrifoglio will join the line-up in late 2018, bringing a 2.9-litre biturbo V6 with 371kW and 600Nm of torque, the same engine fitted to the Giulia Quadrifoglio. Alfa Romeo says the Stelvio Quadrifoglio will blast from 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in just 3.9 seconds and features cylinder deactivation technology to save fuel.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio will come equipped with a full-suite of safety features including autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear-view camera, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection.

The Stelvio will also offer two highly specified option packages to help streamline the purchase process for customers. Customers will have the opportunity to upgrade their vehicle to reflect either Alfa Romeo’s storied racing history, or to add further exclusivity and luxury to the vehicle.

Super “Lusso” Package

Infused with Italian passion, craftsmanship and innovation, the Super “Lusso” package offers Pieno Fiore luxury leather upholstered front seats, luxury steering wheel (heated), and walnut wax accents throughout the front cabin.

Veloce Package

To further honour Alfa Romeo’s racing heritage, the Veloce package pulls at the heartstrings of enthusiasts and includes sports leather seats, sport steering wheel, an aluminium interior trim including aluminium sports pedals and red brake calipers.

Automatic eight-speed transmission

All Stelvio engines are teamed with an automatic eight-speed transmission specifically calibrated for fast, smooth gear shifts. The transmission has a lock-up clutch to give the driver “a powerful feeling of in-gear acceleration” once the gear is engaged. Depending on the mode chosen with the Alfa DNA selector, the automatic transmission optimises fluidity, comfort and ease of driving in all environments, including around town, and further improves fuel economy.

Crafting control: introducing Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel-drive

Alfa Romeo’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system – standard on all Stelvio models – combines all the advantages of all-wheel drive (stability, traction, safety) with the responsiveness and the driving pleasure of a rear wheel drive. The Q4 system was designed to deliver all-season traction and performance capability, thanks to the system’s ability to transfer up to 60-per-cent of the engine’s torque to the front axle.

The first ever Alfa Romeo Stelvio will arrive in Australian showrooms from Q1, 2018.