Test drive "after the deed"

Crockers · Jul 4th, 2018, 22:00

Well the Inscription Pro T5 is on order, but I had forgotten that Alfa Romeo had offered me a 48 hour test drive of their Stelvio.

So yesterday evening there sat in my drive is a Stelvio Speciale 280 bhp Petrol version in a striking dark metallic blue with black leather.

So hoping in I looked over the interior. Comfy and a great improvement over other Alfas of the past. This one didn't have the super sport seats of the Milanese version.

Graphics are good compared to Alfas of old but not in the same league as my Golf GTi or the new xc60.

So what is it like to drive. Will I regret my purchase?

Mon Dieu this thing is rapid. I would say it sprints faster than my Golf and hangs onto corners with aplomb. This is a real drivers car - make no mistake- and will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

So today we took off for a days drive up to Becon Beacons to give it a good try out. Cruising on the dual carriage way I was constantly having to hold it back before realising the DNA was in dynamic. 80 felt like 50.

Did we enjoy ragging the Beacons?

Well this now gets to the sad bit. The ride is horrendously bumpy. On 19" wheels it feels like it will bounce off the road. The steering is too sharp. Slightest input causes large movements. So getting towards Gloucester Mrs C says I hate this ride and I had to agree its not the best. So we swing into Gloucester Quays, have lunch and blow too much money on clothes. Well she does

Then home.

Have the car for another 24 hours and I don't want it anymore.

Hats off to Alfa for a great first attempt at a SUV. For me I'd want it with air suspension (not available), better seats, better graphics.

Can't really fault the looks, but rear visibility isn't up there with the Volvo. I love the looks of Alfas, especially the Giulia, but I actually think the new XC60 is a better looker.

Sorry to bore you guys with this but I'm now convinced I've gone For the best all round car.

As an aside. Configure one on the Alfa configurator and look at the cost of adding an extra 2 years on the warranty.

simonjedrake · Jul 4th, 2018, 22:42

Didn't Jeremy Clarkson fall in love with one of these when it was launched and came to much the same conclusion?
Just imagine if he had tried it on the Shropshire potholed roads..........

Crockers · Jul 5th, 2018, 08:37

For those who haven't looked up the Alfa warranty extension.

To increase it to 5years or 75,000 miles would cost ........

..........

£4,100 ... Do you think Alfa has confidence in this product ??

Chief inspector · Jul 5th, 2018, 08:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crockers

For those who haven't looked up the Alfa warranty extension.

To increase it to 5years or 75,000 miles would cost ........

..........

£4,100 ... Do you think Alfa has confidence in this product ??

Ive had a few Alfa’s and the warranty extension was less than 2 grand each time, but only up to 60,000 5 yrs.

Never claimed on them though.

NigelDay · Jul 5th, 2018, 10:59

We know from Arianne's epic thread (and experience) that other marques seem to offer a lot but the real world experience is often disappointing. Personally I would only ever look at the four German brands if I was looking for an alternative to a Volvo. Experience in the sector counts for a lot. The newcomers still have a lot to learn.

Whippy · Jul 5th, 2018, 17:52

To me, the only alternative to a Volvo is an Audi, gorgeous interiors, stylish looks and good motors. What's not to like?

Waggatron · Jul 5th, 2018, 17:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whippy

To me, the only alternative to a Volvo is an Audi, gorgeous interiors, stylish looks and good motors. What's not to like?

When I look out my office window I see dozens of black, grey, silver Audi’s looking like the clone army from “Star Wars”. 🤣

gaby · Jul 5th, 2018, 19:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whippy

To me, the only alternative to a Volvo is an Audi, gorgeous interiors, stylish looks and good motors. What's not to like?

The dashboard, center console and infotainment look very flashy and gimmicky to me,
more so now I am used to the stylish sober look of the Volvo!

isleaiw · Jul 5th, 2018, 21:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waggatron

When I look out my office window I see dozens of black, grey, silver Audi’s looking like the clone army from “Star Wars”. 🤣

That's why mine is red...

Converted · Jul 6th, 2018, 00:01

My brother had an Alfa. It broke down on his way to the airport.

He recommended and forced my parents to buy a Fiat. It broke down within a year on the motorway.

Would I touch an Italian car? Thanks but no thanks no matter what Top Gear or The Grand Tour guys say.

Jul 4th, 2018, 22:00	#1
Crockers Premier Member Last Online: Feb 22nd, 2024 06:49 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: North Wilts	Test drive "after the deed" Well the Inscription Pro T5 is on order, but I had forgotten that Alfa Romeo had offered me a 48 hour test drive of their Stelvio. So yesterday evening there sat in my drive is a Stelvio Speciale 280 bhp Petrol version in a striking dark metallic blue with black leather. So hoping in I looked over the interior. Comfy and a great improvement over other Alfas of the past. This one didn't have the super sport seats of the Milanese version. Graphics are good compared to Alfas of old but not in the same league as my Golf GTi or the new xc60. So what is it like to drive. Will I regret my purchase? Mon Dieu this thing is rapid. I would say it sprints faster than my Golf and hangs onto corners with aplomb. This is a real drivers car - make no mistake- and will leave you grinning from ear to ear. So today we took off for a days drive up to Becon Beacons to give it a good try out. Cruising on the dual carriage way I was constantly having to hold it back before realising the DNA was in dynamic. 80 felt like 50. Did we enjoy ragging the Beacons? Well this now gets to the sad bit. The ride is horrendously bumpy. On 19" wheels it feels like it will bounce off the road. The steering is too sharp. Slightest input causes large movements. So getting towards Gloucester Mrs C says I hate this ride and I had to agree its not the best. So we swing into Gloucester Quays, have lunch and blow too much money on clothes. Well she does Then home. Have the car for another 24 hours and I don't want it anymore. Hats off to Alfa for a great first attempt at a SUV. For me I'd want it with air suspension (not available), better seats, better graphics. Can't really fault the looks, but rear visibility isn't up there with the Volvo. I love the looks of Alfas, especially the Giulia, but I actually think the new XC60 is a better looker. Sorry to bore you guys with this but I'm now convinced I've gone For the best all round car. As an aside. Configure one on the Alfa configurator and look at the cost of adding an extra 2 years on the warranty. __________________ XC60 Inscription Pro T5. Mussel Blue with blonde. Xenium, intellisafe pro, towbar, 4 zone , polestar, body styling pack. Apple car play.Tinted windows NOW SOLD

Jul 4th, 2018, 22:42	#2
simonjedrake Premier Member Last Online: Mar 28th, 2024 19:12 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Shrewsbury	Didn't Jeremy Clarkson fall in love with one of these when it was launched and came to much the same conclusion? Just imagine if he had tried it on the Shropshire potholed roads.......... __________________ XC60 T5 AWD Inscription Pro (MY19). Electric Silver. Xenium & Intellisafe Packs, HUD, HK Sound, Heated Rear Seats, 4 Zone Climate, Towbar, Exterior Styling Kit, Apple CarPlay, Polestar

Jul 5th, 2018, 08:37	#3
Crockers Premier Member Last Online: Feb 22nd, 2024 06:49 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: North Wilts	For those who haven't looked up the Alfa warranty extension. To increase it to 5years or 75,000 miles would cost ........ .......... £4,100 ... Do you think Alfa has confidence in this product ?? __________________ XC60 Inscription Pro T5. Mussel Blue with blonde. Xenium, intellisafe pro, towbar, 4 zone , polestar, body styling pack. Apple car play.Tinted windows NOW SOLD

Jul 5th, 2018, 10:59	#5
NigelDay Premier Member Last Online: Feb 29th, 2024 15:46 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Barnard Castle	We know from Arianne's epic thread (and experience) that other marques seem to offer a lot but the real world experience is often disappointing. Personally I would only ever look at the four German brands if I was looking for an alternative to a Volvo. Experience in the sector counts for a lot. The newcomers still have a lot to learn. __________________ 2015: XC60 D4 FWD SE Lux Nav 190hp manual, Osmium Grey, 17" Segin, Tempa, Winter Illumination, Security, Family, DSP, 4C, HK Sound, Subwoofer, Front Parking, Rear Camera, Dark Tinted, Power Passenger Seat, Speed and Heated Steering.

Jul 5th, 2018, 17:52	#6
Whippy Premier Member Last Online: Today 21:40 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Wessex	To me, the only alternative to a Volvo is an Audi, gorgeous interiors, stylish looks and good motors. What's not to like?

Jul 6th, 2018, 00:01	#10
Converted Junior Member Last Online: Sep 20th, 2018 09:16 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: London	My brother had an Alfa. It broke down on his way to the airport. He recommended and forced my parents to buy a Fiat. It broke down within a year on the motorway. Would I touch an Italian car? Thanks but no thanks no matter what Top Gear or The Grand Tour guys say.

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