Alfa Romeo Stelvio Tributo Italiano review: It has looks

No, we refuse. We will no longer say about a car that it ‘could be the last of its kind’. We’ve written about twenty times in the last fifteen years about Ferrari V12 models and who knows, the Stelvio might last forever. Furthermore, an emotional eulogy would be better served on a Quadrifoglio with a V6 – this Stelvio Tributo Italiano only has a four-cylinder engine.

Let’s be a little disappointed by saying that we are very glad that the Stelvio is still around at all, and that this beautiful SUV looks a little better in this version. The Tributo Italiano is only available in one of the three colors of the Italian flag (Verde Montreal, Bianco Alfa or Rosso Alfa) and has a black roof and black grille.

It’s a great addition three colorsthe flag on the glass cover, and plastic parts such as the side skirts and the wheel arch frame are now painted the same color. Inside you get comfortable sports seats with the TI logo on the headrest and a few kilometers of red stitching. Alfa also offers beautiful Tributo Italiano versions of the Tonale and Giulia, if you prefer one of those models.

The price of Alfa Romeo Stelvio Tributo Italiano is surprising. CO company₂the emissions of this version are 8 g/km higher than other versions with the same 280 hp engine. Now 8 grams is not much for an average Amsterdam night (or so we think, we really don’t know the Recommended Daily Allowance), but this means that the BPM in the Netherlands is about 4,500 euros higher than, for example, a Stelvio Veloce with the same engine. And while Alfa itself only wants 2,500 euros more for the Tributo Italiano.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Tributo Italiano costs almost a ton

21-inch rims will be the biggest offender; in other versions this is 1 inch smaller, which reduces consumption and therefore production. All in all (because there is also VAT), the TI is no less than 7,500 euros more expensive in our country than the Veloce, which is good for a total Dutch price of 97,500 euros.

In Belgium it costs 71,350 euros and you can also order it as a diesel for 63,850 euros. Therefore, this offer is a gift to the Dutch tax authorities. And we’re not saying it’s the best choice, but we think that for the same money, some would rather buy a VW Touareg R with almost 200 extra hp, to name a few. Unfortunately.

Alfa Romeo could learn a thing or two from the 14 percent tax surcharge of a decade ago, when some car brands quickly installed sets of eco tires to save the last few grams. You can’t tell, but the Stelvio can almost remember that period.

The Stelvio has been around for almost ten years

It has been eight years since we first met the first Alfa SUV. Thanks in part to last year’s facelift, you wouldn’t know it from the outside (really, look for a better-looking SUV), but inside the small navigation screen reveals that this is an older model. Interestingly, the screen behind the steering wheel is larger than the central one. The small display looks quite good, because the screens of modern cars have become very large recently. Although the navigation on the broken CarPlay app is sometimes hard to read.

You also see its age when driving, and that’s just great. It is a great relief not to go crazy after the first 200 meters from all kinds of beeps and warnings. The Stelvio has a slightly more analog design than most new cars, and that’s perfectly matched by the sporty chassis and direct steering.

Is it bad that Alpha is not perfect?

This is truly an SUV that is fun to drive. However, despite 280 hp, the turbo engine is a little on the lazy side, and the sound is so inconspicuous that sometimes you might think you’re driving a diesel. Not a perfect car, this Stelvio. But perfection is not what you want with Alfa Romeo. You buy it for its looks and character, and this SUV has that. You’ll miss it (even as a four-cylinder) when everything goes electric – that’s one thing for sure.