THE sports utility vehicle (SUV) has become the default choice for many buyers today, but few in this segment manage to inject some genuine character into the driving experience – unless it’s the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce.
Within a market that’s practically saturated with safe, predictable options, this Italian marque’s contender brings a distinct personality to the table, one that blends Italian design flair with engaging driving dynamics, and costs about RM480,000 (on-the-road without insurance).
The fully-imported Stelvio Veloce (Fast Stelvio in Italian), rolls out of the Stellantis plant in Cassino, Italy, delivers a strong emotional connection between driver and machine.
At first glance, the Stelvio Veloce carries that unmistakable Alfa Romeo DNA that showcases the brand’s signature triangular grille to dominate the front fascia, while containing its slim headlights and fluidly sculpted body panels to give this C-segment SUV a very purposeful and sporty stance.
Along its flanks, the large 20-inch Teledial wheels dominate the view as the roofline slowly recedes towards a sporty shooting-brake of a tail end.
Dimensionally, its footprint feels lower and sleeker than most, contributing to a silhouette that appears closer to a sporty crossover than a traditional SUV.
While its countless rivals proclaim its size for the sake of practicality, or perhaps dial in a more aggressive aesthetic to attract a more masculine audience, the Stelvio Veloce goes about it with a different approach.
Instead, it lures its audience with a seductive presence that suggests that there’s more beneath the surface, akin to a subtle shroud of mystique.
Helming the Stelvio Veloce would be the only way to unravel its mysteries.
Inside, the cabin reveals an approach that prioritises elegance over excessive cold digitalisation, which many newly launched SUVs currently have to portray a “technologically advanced” image of their brand.
Here, there aren’t any touch-sensitive buttons to aim for, especially while bouncing about when at speed, but actual physical ones that give a definite confirmation of engagement.
No need to search through menus or call upon a drop-down menu.
Call it “old school”, but there’s little to no annoyance when there’s a dedicated section for the climate controls.
Also, anything to do with the behaviour of this SUV is centred around the svelte shifter that has a small indent on its console’s left side to fit the keyfob, while the right side houses the electronic parking brake.
Meanwhile, the colours of the il Tricolore (green, white and red) are featured just below the shifter, acting as a reminder that this SUV’s deep roots are found in both motorsports and pasta.
Further back from the gear selector is a small dial for the audio system, while the right side dial controls how this SUV behaves through the brand’s Dynamic, Natural and Advanced (D N A) drive mode selector.
This is where drivers get to adjust the engine mapping, steering, handling and electronic stability controls that have been optimised via the three presets.
The interior seems to carry an evergreen appeal, finished predominantly in black Nappa leather that lends a sense of luxury, while satin-finished metal accents add a touch of sophistication without being ostentatious.
These run down the centre tunnel as well as across the dashboard, while featuring a subtle wave-like diagonal pattern for texture.
In terms of ergonomics, the controls are well-positioned for ease of reach and location – minimalistic and necessary for daily operation.
The infotainment system, while providing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, has wired rather than wireless integration.
The system works reliably, but the screen might seem a tad underwhelming in terms of size, definition and sharpness, given this SUV’s price point, when compared to higher-resolution interfaces found in the Stelvio Veloce’s plethora of competitors.
Still, usability remains straightforward, where menus provide easy navigation, and the system performs its primary functions without complication.
The digital instrument cluster is another highlight – one that’s crisp and highly legible, offering three selectable viewing modes.
One of the more appealing layouts mimics a digitised analogue style on the left side, giving the driver a familiar visual reference while still benefiting from modern graphics.
The right side of the screen is where useful information, such as navigation prompts and vehicle data, can be displayed clearly as per the driver’s wishes.
While the overall cabin experience is positive, there are a few ergonomic quirks.
The buttons on the multifunction steering wheel require a firm press to engage, which can feel slightly awkward during quick adjustments while driving.
The steering wheel itself also feels somewhat slender, lacking the girth many drivers prefer for a sport-oriented vehicle.
Those with smaller hands may find it comfortable, but others might wish for something thicker to enhance grip and feedback.
The adjustment range for the steering wheel appears somewhat limited as well.
Both tilt and telescopic movement do not extend as far as some drivers might like, potentially making it harder to find the ideal driving position.
Nevertheless, the seats themselves are supportive, offering generous bolstering and adjustable thigh support that helps maintain comfort during spirited driving.
The driver’s footwell presents a minor drawback too, with the transmission tunnel intruding slightly into the space, making the area feel a little cramped.
Despite these minor ergonomic niggles, the Stelvio Veloce remains a pleasant place to spend time with materials feeling well chosen, coupled with an overall design that retains a timeless quality that should age gracefully over the years.
Out on the road, the Stelvio Veloce quickly demonstrates why Alfa Romeo has long been associated with driver-focused performance.
With the 2.0-litre (1,995cc) turbocharged four-potter dishing out 280hp and 400Nm of torque, while being managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission from German transmission specialists ZF Friedrichshafen AG.
All that twist is sent to the Q4 all-wheel drive system, allowing it to achieve a 0 to 100kph sprint time of 5.7 seconds.
While all that seems great on paper, in real-world application, throttle response felt impressively smooth and delivered power in a progressive yet predictable manner.
The Stelvio Veloce’s acceleration builds steadily rather than arriving in sudden bursts, allowing this driver to modulate speed with a good amount of precision.
The engine’s responsiveness is complemented by a transmission that shifts cleanly and efficiently (as expected from ZF), allowing drivers to enjoy a more active role with the large aluminium paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.
Although the paddles are tall and extend almost to the edges of the steering wheel, giving them a prominent presence that comes with a solid feel (being made entirely of metal) that reinforces the performance-oriented nature of this SUV, their size can occasionally become intrusive, particularly when reaching for the indicator or wiper stalks residing behind them.
Steering feel remains one of the Stelvio Veloce’s strongest attributes, allowing it to respond quickly to driver input and providing a level of engagement that many SUVs struggle to replicate.
While the steering wheel could benefit from being thicker, as previously mentioned, the chassis tuning ensures that this SUV feels agile and composed along winding roads while at speed.
Braking is also intuitive, with a decent initial bite that intensifies with an intuitive progression the deeper the pedal gets.
Body control is well managed for an SUV of this size, allowing for changes in direction to be confidently taken without excessive lean, contributing to a driving experience that feels closer to that of a sporty sedan than a regular SUV.
At cruising speeds, refinement is respectable, though the emphasis remains clearly on driver engagement rather than isolating occupants from every sensation of the road, and for enthusiasts, this is likely to be part of the vehicle’s charm.
Practicality is also quite adequate for everyday needs, with the cabin offering reasonable passenger space in terms of legs, shoulder and headroom (even with a slightly sloping roof).
For a vehicle in this class, the 525-litre boot provides enough room for luggage and daily errands, and if needed, it can be expanded to 1,600 litres.
Families looking for absolute maximum interior volume may find larger SUVs more accommodating, but the Stelvio Veloce looks to exist between the realms of practicality and sportiness.
Ultimately, the Stelvio Veloce is not an SUV that aims to be all things to all people, but instead, it appeals to drivers who value individuality and a sense of connection behind the wheel above all else.
In an era where many vehicles feel increasingly similar, the Stelvio Veloce stands apart with its distinctive design, engaging dynamics and characterful personality.
For those willing to embrace its Italian charm, the Stelvio Veloce will deliver something many SUVs struggle to offer – a driving experience that feels genuinely memorable.
SPECIFICATIONS
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce
Engine: 1,995cc, turbocharged, 16-valve, direct-injection inline four-cylinder
Maximum power: 280PS at 5,250rpm
Maximum torque: 400Nm from 2,250 to 4,500rpm
Suspension: Front double wishbone; rear aluminium multi-link
Transmission: Eight-speed ZF automatic with Q4 intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD)
Acceleration (0 - 100kph): 5.7 seconds
Top speed: 230kph
Brakes: Front 330mm with aluminium four-piston callipers; rear 320mm discs with single-piston callipers
Features: Six airbags, Level 2 driver assistance systems with Adaptive Cruise Control, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charger, 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, sport leather seats, aluminium interior trim, LED matrix headlights, 20-inch alloys with 255/45 series tyres, Q2 mechanical limited-slip differential
Price: RM478,800 (OTR without insurance)
Warranty: Five years or 150,000km with three years free scheduled maintenance.
