Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce SUV doesn’t just look lovely, it packs a punch too

WHEN someone says “Italian car” you could be forgiven for conjuring up either one of two images.

There’s the low-riding Lambo gliding through the streets of Rome – and then there’s the impossibly small Fiat Cinquecento pootling through the twists and turns of a Tuscan town.

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You almost certainly don’t think SUV.

But the Italians are fast becoming a significant player in this ferocious battleground.

Alfa Romeo has been muscling in since 2017 with the Stelvio, which is now its best-selling model.

Its appeal is obvious the second you clap your eyes on it – it looks bloody good.

Like someone from Gucci saw the Jaguar F-Pace and went: “Hold my Peroni . . . ”

Of course, this is perhaps not a surprise in a nation where bella figura – a fine appearance – is not a dress code but a way of life.

The Stelvio’s figura is very bella indeed.

It’s all inviting curves, trim belly, 20in alloys and, of course, that Alfa signature grille, or scudetto, reminding you that this is a thing of quality as well as beauty.

Inside, it screams Italian fashion house – all leather and sportscar styling.

Which might explain why it feels much smaller inside, like a reverse Tardis.

But it doesn’t just look lovely – it packs a punch too.

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I tested the 2-litre petrol turbo with eight-speed auto, in Veloce trim, which at £54k is further up the price scale than the basic £47k model.

Here you get a muscular 280hp and 400Nm.

It will take you to 60mph in just under six seconds, with a top speed of 143mph.

And as this is a mid-size SUV, you can really feel that power.

Not in a hold-on-to-your-breakfast Lamborghini Urus rocket-propulsion way, but a more quietly confident, beat-them-off-the-lights, overtake-when-you-like way.

It handles well, too, helped by its dynamic suspension, and there are three driving modes – DNA, they call it: Dynamic, Normal and Advanced Efficiency – to suit wherever you may be driving.

The tech’s pretty tidy with all the Apple CarPlay business – although the narrow touchscreen could be a little bigger – and a clever wireless charging docking bay.

It’s a solid SUV but not cheap.

Much like that Armani jacket you’ve had your eyes on, though, it’s a bit on the dear side but, boy, will you look good in it.