ALFA ROMEO STELVIO QF

Rewriting the rulebook on what an SUV can do, and how it can make you feel

- CHARLIE CALDERWOOD

In an era when even Kia crossovers post 0-60mph times of sub-4 secs, the prospect of a 513bhp Quadrifoglio version of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio might elicit a shrug from weary enthusiasts. 'Another fast SUV; so what?' Being fast doesn't make a great car, it's how it goes about it that matters. And that's what separates the Stelvio from others in this now-crowded segment of the market.

Launched in 2016, it's essentially a Giulia Quadrifoglio with a BMW X3-sized SUV body on top. It has just been refreshed for the 2024 model year, bringing a new headlight set-up, a mechanical limited-slip diff derived from that of the Giulia GTA, some redesigned aero addenda and a few tweaks to trim details.