The analog instrument panel is perfect and features dual dash humps above both the tachometer and speedometer. The view out the windshield is particularly good, and the curves of the hoodline and high-arching fender flares remind me of much sportier, pricier options. Alfa has done a beautiful job of incorporating technology without creating an airplane-like instrument panel. There can be elegance in simplicity, and many manufacturers have lost sight of that as technology increasingly invades center consoles and dashboards.
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The best example is the simple driver interface knob and the climate controls. The interior is well-appointed, yet restrained. It’s clear from the interior styling - and sticker price - that Alfa is attempting to reach a middle ground between popular nonluxury crossovers and those built by German luxury competitors. The design is good but may have contributed to Alfa’s decision not to use the standard UConnect driver interface found in other Fiat Chrysler products. Unlike other Fiat Chrysler products, the touch screen is less obvious and blends into the dash with a dark, tinted cover. The textured dash looks good and the metal and plastic trim pieces are very good quality overall.
The dash and door panels use similar soft-touch materials to those found in Jeep and Dodge products. The materials are excellent overall, some even familiar to current Fiat Chrysler owners. I even found one behind the rear seat armrest while looking for cup holders. There are Alfa Romeo logos on the steering wheel, the tachometer and the front seat headrests. On the inside, the Stelvio is impressive but a bit subdued compared to the exterior styling.
I doubt I’ve driven a vehicle that resulted in as many stares, compliments and questions as the Stelvio. The Stelvio’s appearance is unique and a standout compared to the many crossovers on the road today. The wheels are striking, coupled with Alfa brake calipers. The five circle wheels on this model are similar to those found on German sports cars in the 1970s and '80s. Large, round, chrome dual exhaust outlets complete the look.įrom the side, the lines are cleaner and less aggressive, but the lower door sill is off-set and prominent. The aggressive lower air intakes add to the design.įrom the rear, the Stelvio sits low and wide and an upper spoiler helps carve out a protruding deck that adds to the aggressive flair of the vehicle. The trademark triangular grill and deeply recessed headlights create a truly unique and striking shape. The Giulia and Stelvio share a beautiful front-end design and a reminder of Alfa’s glory days. “Alfa is watching closely how well the Stelvio and Giulia do in the U.S., and the hope is that more models will follow based on their success”, said Dave Erickson, general manager at Ken Garff Alfa Romeo in Salt Lake City.įrom where I sit, things look good for Alfa in this country.
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The two models represent what Alfa hopes is just the beginning for a full return to the U.S. The Giulia sedan debuted this past year, and the 2018 Stelvio crossover is built on the same platform. It would be another 20 years before an Alfa would reach the U.S.
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It wasn't until the mid-1950s, however, that an independent dealer in New York brought Alfas to the United States. The first Alfa Romeo debuted in 1920 after Italian investors and a French automotive company took the reins at the turn of the century.
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