Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV Milano Edizione 2.0 Turbo Petrol 280hp Q4 AWD auto 5d Owner Review

'Rapid, Thirsty and Impossible Not To Love' Having only ever owned Mercedes, I wanted something different. My 2017 '66' Mercedes C250d Convertible was a beautifully executed car but lacked any drama and sustained damage over potholes. My partner and I constantly fight over who is to drive this beast - it really is that good. The Stelvio is more low slung than a lot of its competitors meaning it weighs just 1500kg. This results in unholy acceleration (for a car of this size) and the most responsive steering on any car I have ever driven. In dynamic mode, this car is truly frightening. Unless you push it the engine is muted and I would describe ordinary driving as 'relaxed but involving.' In summary: Good: - Steering/Handling is surely class leading. It feels like a hot hatch. - There's lots of room in the back and the boot is a good size too. - The seats on the Milano spec are excellent with lots of adjustment. - A rare site on the roads; I am always let through in traffic as people are curious at what it is. - Performance; this is a light car with an adaptive 4wd system and 280hp. Astonishingly quick. Bad: - The technology is about 5 years behind anything German (I do not think you are buying the car for that though). - The fuel economy is terrible. Alfa claim over 35mpg combined. Nonsense. Even in eco mode on the motorway I struggle to top 28/29mpg. Around town, if pushed, you will get single figures. The fuel tank is incredibly dishonest too. - The memory seats can be a bit sporadic. They went through a few days of not working but are fine now. - The reversing camera looks like it is being filmed by a potato.