Alfa Romeo Stelvio: trying out the SUV's engine options

Will adding a Giulia-derived diesel make the Stelvio a pass or a fail?
Graham Scott|Autocar10 August 2017

We’ve tried the Alfa Romeo Stelivo with a petrol engine and really liked it. We’ve tried the Alfa Romeo Giulia saloon with the 2.2-litre diesel engine, and now we’re trying the Stelvio with that four-cylinder diesel producing 207bhp.

Not that long ago it was virtually a given that when it came to selecting a new SUV, you’d choose a diesel engine under the bonnet. But those days are passing, in part because it’s obvious that the whole diesel crisis is not yet over as the battle between manufacturers, governments and law makers rumble on.

Alfa reckons more drivers will choose petrol than before for its new and svelte SUV, but the all-new diesel is certainly a valid part of the mix. In part that’s not down to the 207bhp, it’s more the 346lb ft of torque which whops in from 1750rpm. That’s a substantial low-speed shove right there.

With drive going to all four wheels through the eight-speed auto transmission, there’s a lot of grunt getting to the road, even if it’s wet. There’s no weight penalty for the diesel, so with a 0-62mph time of just 6.6sec it looks like this is a great choice. But if you give it some stick it becomes a bit rougher and noisier.

And then you notice how narrow the powerband is, with little at the top to keep you hanging on. With the rest of the package feeling so premium and refined, this all comes as a bit of a disappointment.

As with other models, handling is extremely good indeed, particularly so for an SUV, with great body control and a firm but comfy ride quality.

Inside it’s very chic and with that comes lots of room. You could fit quite a bit of the Stelvio Pass in the boot. Our top Milano trim added power-operated leather front seats as well as a whole raft of standard equipment including that Mafioso safety glass and a ten-speaker sound system of some quality. This is a sleek and chic cabin.

But it’s also one troubled by the presence of that diesel engine under some circumstances. It’s a shame there’s no diesel V6 version, but as it stands we might well look at the petrol options since they provide plenty of punch, decent economy and a smooth and quiet performance. This is an Alfa, after all.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.2D Milano Edizione

On sale September
Price £43,990
Engine 4 cyls, 2143cc, diesel
Power 207bhp at 3750rpm
Torque 346lb ft at 1750rpm
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
Kerb weight 1659kg
0-62mph 6.6-sec
Top speed 133mph
Economy 58.9mpg (combined)
CO2, tax band 127g/km, 27%;
Rivals Jaguar F-Pace 2.0D i4 240PS, Porsche Macan S Diesel

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