Improved Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia Stelvio a mix of art and sense

Although it is certain that British pop phenomenon Ed Sheeran’s 2017 smash-hit, Shape of You, had absolutely nothing to do with the state of affairs at Alfa Romeo, the surprising association is not that difficult.

Here to stay

To modify the title, the Shape of Alfa Romeo, has been a question asked by the Alfisti for years. Even today, despite parent company Stellantis’ ten-year commitment to each of its brands, the question remains, “what is the shape of Alfa Romeo and will it survive?”

Judging by the announcement earlier this year that the multi-billion dollar Giorgio platform, underpinning by the Giulia and Stelvio, would be dropped due to its inability to be electrified, the question rings true once again.

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However, before it goes all-electric in 2027, the house of Milan will aim to renounce the above-mentioned statement when it finally unveils the long-delayed Tonale next year, followed by an even smaller SUV called the Brennero in 2023 or 2024.

For now, though, its line-up remains limited to the Giulia and Stelvio; both updated two years ago and unveiled to South Africans back in August.

Similar and yet not

While it would be easy to incorporate everything said in the launch review into the road test with a few tweaks, or take a hint from a now forgettable British motoring show and furnish it with terms often used to describe Alfas such as “soul” and “passion”, both the Giulia and Stelvio have their own unique character and feel fans will either appreciate or despise.

As mentioned in the launch report, the biggest change, bar the new 8.8-inch Uconnect infotainment system, seven-inch TFT instrument cluster and streamlining of the range to two models each, is the Giulia’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine being upgraded from 147kW/330Nm, to the same 206kW/400Nm as that of the Stelvio.

Now bearing the iconic Veloce moniker with the Stelvio retaining the Super designation, the Giulia makes its intentions known the moment you lay eyes on it.

Looks and feels the same but…

As much as the “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” adage prevails, the Giulia, in this writer’s opinion, has the edge over its still pretty, but bulkier sibling.

Simply put, it represents what Alfa does best; a stunning looking piece of automotive art grafted onto a three-box sedan no SUV could ever match.

While there is no denying the Stelvio’s aesthetic charm and presence as it rates as arguably one of the best looking SUVs on sale today, in this instance, it very much plays a supporting role to its sibling.

The upshot of the Stelvio though, apart from it being an SUV and having the Q4 all-wheel-drive, is its considerable practical advantage.

Able to sallow between 525 and 1 500-litres of luggage compared to the Giulia’s 480-litres, the Stelvio has the same quality feel as the Giulia, albeit with few extra specifications items.

An improvement over the old 8.4-inch Uconnect system, the newer display takes a bit of getting used. However, once figured out, it proved easy. While touchscreen-enabled, the inclusion of the rotary dial controller made for simpler usage and understanding.

With the exception of the disappointingly cheap-feeling imitation aluminium trim around the gear lever, the fit-and-finish in the Stelvio and Giulia is impeccable with the soft plastics and leather making for an expensive and premium feel likely to attract the attention of the Germans and Brits.

Backing the minimalist and modern layout of the cabin up is are superbly comfortable electric seats, a grippy steering wheel and a pair menacing pair of large aluminium gear shift paddles attached to the steering column instead of the wheel itself.   

Follow the leader

Where both came unstuck though is rear passenger accommodation. Compared to the slightly roomier Stelvio, the Giulia fares the worst in terms of legroom by offering comparatively little.

As part of the specification sheet, both came as standard with a panoramic sunroof, which badly impacts on headroom. In the case, of the Giulia, this makes the already small rear quarters even worse as passengers are required to lower their heads when getting out in order to avoid bashing it on the inner horizontal roof pillar.

While seated in the back of the Stelvio, the issue is not as severe but headroom remains pinched, not only due to the dual-pane roof but also the tapering coupe-styled roofline.

The Italian Way

As a means of wanting this issue to go away or glanced over, the Stelvio and Giulia, in typical Italian fashion, seduces when taken for a drive.

But even here, the differences are notable and in favour of the Giulia. Lower than the Stelvio and lighter at 1 504 kg versus 1 660 kg, it feels a lot more dynamically adapt. Whereas its sibling is hobbled by not only its weight and the Q4 system, the Giulia feels tauter and more planted.

Responsive from the get-go, it rewards the most when driven hard. And this without any input from the always grin-inducing DNA system which fastens the gear changes, spools the turbo up quicker, and betters throttle response.

In addition to the razor-sharp steering and brakes, the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox rates as the undoubted mechanical star attraction.

Although seamless, slick and unobtrusive when pottering around in Drive, it shows its real potential when slotted into manual mode and control taken of those gorgeous paddles.

Faster and lag-free, it also holds on the selected gear when going up the ‘box, helping to emit a rorty soundtrack. While unable to match its sibling’s dynamic prowess, there is still a lot to admire about the Stelvio.

Like the Giulia, the transmission is similarly impressive, the brakes sharp, steering direct and the DNA system capable of leaving an equally huge smile.

It does boast a slightly softer ride that absorbs bumpers and imperfections better than the Giulia, but which becomes similarly jiggly and firm over more uneven surfaces.

Unsurprisingly, the Stelvio also proved heavier by recording an indicated best of 11.3 L/100 km over the weeklong stay, compared to the Giulia’s equally thirsty 9.8 L/100 km.

Conclusion

“Has Alfa Romeo finally got it right?” The question might have cropped-up many if not hundreds of times in the past. But to a large extent, both the Giulia and Stelvio remain capable and talented in posing a threat to the Germans and British.

The consensus however also prevails; the Giulia has the slightest of edges over the Stelvio by being a better Alfa Romeo, notwithstanding being cheaper at R989 900 compared to R1 159 900.

Yet, as talented as both are, the unfortunate perceived reputation of Alfa Romeo – plus South Africa’s well document staunch brand loyalty stance – will sadly continue to hamper a brand deserving of more attention.