WHEN ALFA WENT TOP OF THE SPORTY SUV CLASS

The accessible Stelvio balances practicality with real driver appeal

- SAM PHILLIPS

Launched in 2017, the Stelvio was a radical departure for Alfa Romeo, although the firm waited longer than many rivals before launching an SUV. But as then CEO Reid Bigland said at the unveiling: "The Stelvio is an Alfa Romeo first and an SUV second." True to his word, Alfa gave us a head-turning high-rider that was as desirable as its talented German contemporaries and delivered no small dynamic edge.

Today, just £11,000 will get you into an early high-miler, but playing it safer at £15,000 will net a cleaner example with a more reasonable mileage. The Stelvio is (just about) still on sale and has only been minimally updated during its eight-year history, so whatever your choice, it won't look outdated.