Alfa Romeo Stelvio previewed in Malaysia – Veloce 2.0T has 280 hp, 400 Nm, This fall; 0-100 5.7s; RM400k est

Alfa Romeo is again in Malaysia! It has been awhile for the reason that storied Milanese model had an official presence in our market – over a decade actually, as Sime Darby was the official distributor till 2013. So, welcome again and Glad BirthdayAlfa Romeo Malaysia.

Whereas Alfa Romeo is beneath Stellantis, which has its ASEAN headquarters in Malaysia, the enormous automobile group isn’t straight chargeable for this low quantity ’boutique ops’as described by Stellantis ASEAN MD Isaac Yeo in a current interview with paultan.org. Stellantis is supporting DLSB Companions, an unbiased personal distributor and member of the Atlantis Motor Group. DLSB is headed by govt director Datuk Douglas Cheng and a few trade veterans.

Alfa Romeo Malaysia’s two launch fashions are the Giulia sedan and the Stelvio SUV, and we’ll give attention to the latter right here. Alfa Romeo’s first-ever manufacturing SUV made its debut on the LA Auto Present in November 2016and the non-Quadrifoglio normal automobile surfaced in early-2017.

It’s clear to see that the Stelvio is the SUV sister of the Giulia, and it sits on the identical FCA Giorgio platform because the sedan, which was unveiled in June 2015. The Giorgio (the Italians, even their platforms sound nicer!) is an FR platform that additionally underpins Maseratis just like the GranTurismo grand tourer and the Grecale SUVby the best way.

Dimension clever, the Stelvio – named after the well-known mountain go in northern Italy bordering Switzerland – measures 4,687 mm lengthy and 1,903 mm vast, which is concerning the dimension of a Honda CR-V. The newest G45 BMW X3 is 68 mm longer and 17 mm wider than the Stelvio, and its 2,865 mm wheelbase is 47 mm longer than the Alfa’s. Cargo quantity is 525 litres, expandable to 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded.

We’re getting each the Giulia and Stelvio in Veloce type, which is only a rung decrease than the 4-leaf clover. Meaning a shared 2.0-litre four-cylinder MultiAir turbo engine with 280 hp and 400 Nm of torque from 2,250 to 4,500 rpm. Paired to an eight-speed ZF torque converter computerized transmission and Alfa’s This fall all-wheel drive, the 0-100 km/h dash is dispatched in simply 5.7 seconds and prime pace is 230 km/h.

Sounds not unhealthy? Certainly. This stage of efficiency exceeds that of the ’20’ (0-100 km/h 7.8s) and even ’30’ (6.2s) powertrains of the G45 X3; ditto the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Maticwhich does the century dash in 6.2 seconds. So, the Alfa not solely seems to be extra sporting than the acquainted German suspects, however has the efficiency to again it up too.

AR’s all-paw This fall system incorporates a compact and light-weight Alfa-specific lively switch case and entrance differential, which is claimed to allow fast high-torque administration, repeatedly monitoring parameters comparable to grip to optimise torque distribution. It defaults to a rear-drive setup, however can ship as much as 50% of torque to the entrance wheels if wanted. 50:50 weight distribution, by the best way. Genting? In case your automobile is known as after the Stelvio Move…

The Giulia and Stelvio obtained a facelift for 2023, and the most recent automobile is definitely marked out by its ‘3+3’ Matrix LED adaptive headlamps, underlined by LED DRLs, versus the only projector of the unique design. Jogs my memory of the three uncovered eyes of the 159 – very good.

The midlife refresh additionally introduced a restyled grille, sequential flip indicators and up to date tail lights with clear covers. Inside, the facelift launched a brand new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (nonetheless sitting beneath two heavy cowls, accurately with Alfas) with three layouts – Advanced, Calm down and Heritage.

Equipment clever, our Veloce spec automobiles are absolutely kitted out with the whole lot you’d anticipate from a European SUV at this value vary – take a look at the spec sheet under. Teledial rims, test.

Now open for reserving at an estimated value of RM400k (closing RRP will probably be revealed in January 2026), the Stelvio received’t be the most affordable automobile in its class, definitely not as a CBU import from Italy, and with a efficiency benefit over the domestically assembled German SUVs talked about above (the GLC 300 is RM379k, as an example). With context, RM400k seems like first rate worth. In fact, it received’t be for everybody (Alfas had been by no means), however there’s loads to love if you happen to’re a automobile man with a tender spot for Italian magnificence and fervour, as cliched as that may sound.

So, what do you consider the Stelvio and Alfa Romeo’s return to Malaysia? Restricted version specials apart, the model now not has coupes and hatchbacks in its line-up, however there are smaller SUVs just like the Tonal and Juniorwhich will probably be coming quickly. The Giulia sedan remains to be standing although, and you may test it out right here.

Additionally, there will probably be a brand new residence for Malaysia’s Alfisti, actually. The model’s new handlers is organising ‘Casa Alfa Romeo’, a flagship 3S centre at Rhapsody Sq., TREC Kuala Lumpur (the leisure district is beneath DLSB boss Cheng) that may open its doorways subsequent month. Retailers in Penang and Johor Bahru are within the works.

GALLERY: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce Malaysia brochure

GALLERY: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce previewed in Malaysia

GALLERY: Alfa Romeo Stelvio facelift official photographs

GALLERY: Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce and Stelvio Veloce official Malaysian photographs

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