WHEN Alfa Romeo announced it was entering the SUV market, you could have bet your shirt the Italian car maker would deliver something stylish and the Stelvio certainly is that.

It is the Stelvio’s defining feature and, given SUVs can often be quite boxy and basic, being able to come up with something that is genuinely desirable is quite a feat.

The result is the Stelvio is up there with some of the most attractive SUVs out there right now. It forms a key part of an Alfa Romeo revival that is seriously aiming to match the Germans.

The sultry Italian style extends to the interior, too. It has a modern ambience combined with a simple elegance and crucially does not feel lacking when it comes to quality.

The cabin is open and roomy, with the coupe-inspired exterior styling doing little to impinge on its practicality – and it boasts a decent 525-litre boot. In terms of the Stelvio range, it is quite simple in many respects, although prices range from £37,505 for an entry-level diesel to almost £90,000.

There are five main trim levels – Super, Nero Edizione, Speciale, Milano Edizione and Quadrifoglio. There’s also a limited-edition Quadrifoglio NRing, which brings carbon fibre and more to the mix.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Both Quadrifoglio models are pretty much out on their own – powered by a 2.9-litre petrol engine tuned by Ferrari’s engineers. They will set you back £69,510 and £89,500 respectively.

The majority of the model line-up is powered by two engines, each of which have two different power variants. There’s a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel, with the petrol delivering 200 or 280hp, while the diesel is available with either 190 or 210hp.

An eight-speed automatic gearbox comes as standard and most are all-wheel drive, with just the lower powered diesel having a rear-wheel drive option.

It could be argued that the SUV acronym is one of the most inaccurate in the automotive world as there’s generally not that much that’s sporty about them.

However, Alfa has made a determined effort to deliver a genuinely dynamic vehicle with the Stelvio, irrespective of whether it’s a bog standard model or one of those thoroughbred range-topping Quadrifoglio versions.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio

This was an all-wheel-drive model with the lower powered diesel variant and the driving experience was impressive to say the least. The turbo diesel unit performed enthusiastically and the DNA of the fun to be had driving the Giulia saloon has been well carried over.

You might sit high and though there’s the inevitable element of pitch and roll when cornering at speed, the Stelvio feels remarkably stable and composed and surprisingly agile.

Talking of DNA, Alfa’s on-board optional driving modes emphasise the Stelvio’s versatility. Via the DNA drive mode selector, it’s possible to adjust the way the car feels and performs. You can choose from natural, dynamic and all-weather modes. The differences really are marked and fun to play with.

Given its overtly sporty handling, one might expect ride quality in the Stelvio to be compromised. This certainly isn’t the case, even if it does err towards being firm rather than soft. Again, the DNA dial offers variations on a theme in this regard.

Ultimately, the Stelvio is a really great offering from Alfa Romeo. It looks great, drives wonderfully and is as practical as any SUV really needs to be.

Factfile:

  • Model: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Super 2.2 TD 190hp AWD
  • Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
  • Power: 190hp
  • Top speed: 130mph
  • 0-62mph: 7.6 seconds
  • Average mpg: 44.1
  • CO2 emissions: 147g/km
  • Warranty: Three years/unlimited mileage
  • Price: £39,705