Could Alfa’s Stelvio SUV beat Giulia to market?

Now we don’t normally include spy pictures but evidence of a new Alfa Romeo out testing on the roads is a motoring rarity that lifts the spirits of its small but fanatical fanbase. This is the new Alfa Stelvio, named after the famous mountain pass that links Italy to southern Austria, and it will be the brand’s first SUV when it makes a planned debut in 2017.

Lest we not forget that Alfa doesn’t always meet its deadlines, the Alfa Giulia we saw at Frankfurt 2015 is still undergoing some transformation and we can’t see it being that different for the Stelvio’s route to market.

Heavily disguised, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio peels away enough that you can still pick out the signature grille while those with a sharp eye will notice its coupe-shaped C-pillar. Dimensions will work within the Giulia’s framework and can be configured for front or all-wheel drive.

A range of 4-cylinder or V6 engines (in petrol or diesel) will mimic the Giulia range while a new Global Medium engine sized to 2.0-litres with turbo charging with outputs from 150kW to 208kW could be ready in time.

As part of FCA’s plan to reduce its carbon footprint, the firm has spoken openly about its intentions to offer mild hybrid options, plug-ins and pure EVs.