Pros • Cabin, load space • Fuel economy • Dash presentation
Cons • Noisy suspension • Flat seats • CVT characteristics The Koleos did what it was intended to do. It gave Renault a foothold in a hitherto unrepresented segment and, more importantly in Australia, it quickly became Renault’s biggest-selling model.If there was a major shortcoming with the second generation Koleos it was the lack of a diesel engine. The newcomer was exclusively powered by a hard-working 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing a reasonable 126kW/226Nm and returning, in AWD form, a combined fuel consumption average of 8.3L/100km.But that’s all changed now. The long-awaited turbo-diesel option arrived in August 2017 to immediately bring more power and (a lot more) torque. At 130kW/380Nm it’s a true grunter which, at 6.1L/100km, also offers better fuel consumption, plus lower exhaust emissions (150g/km against the petrol version’s 192g/km).
Pros Noticeably more torque and better fuel economy from the diesel engine Big size equals excellent second-row space inside Competitively priced Good ownership credentials
Cons Powertrain not as seamless and effortless as the numbers suggest No quicker than cheaper front-drive petrol Koleos variants Wieldy SUV to manoeuvre and park Ho-hum infotainment system Lower braked towing rating than petrol versions The diesel clatter is also quite noticeable, though nothing like a deal-breaker, but it does harness the on-demand all-wheel-drive system's tractive talents better and more noticeably than the petrol engine does. And by maintaining fuel economy within a ballpark of its maker’s 6.1 combined cycle claim, it’s markedly more efficient by a couple of litres per hundred, particularly around town.
Pros Great exterior looks Nice enough to drive Good level of equipment
Cons Doesn't come with a seven-seat option Prices are a bit high Manual gearbox isn't the smoothest
The Stelvio is now available with rear-wheel drive, but it's only standard on the bottom two models. Every version now can be had with heated rear seats, a premium alarm system, and Imola Titanium metallic paint. Its two new option packages are the Nero Edizione bundle, which includes numerous black exterior accents such as 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-season rubber and backed by red, black, or yellow brake calipers. The Ti Sport Carbon package also adds a set of 20-inch rims along with copious carbon-fiber and dark-colored bits inside and out.
Pros Stunning Italian design, incredible ride and handling, enthralling powertrain.
Cons Nonluxury interior, questionable reliability, only one engine-transmission combination.
The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, however, prioritizes the driving experience over such plebeian concerns. It strives to be the driver's pick among premium compact crossover SUVs — vehicles that generally aren't known for their dynamic attributes.Rear-wheel-drive base model added.Android Auto/Apple CarPlay is standard on all Stelvios.
Pros Sharp steering and precise handling Powerful and exciting engines Distinctive styling helps it stand out from the crowd
Cons Overly sensitive brake pedal Snug back seat and cargo volume Lower towing capacity than competitors
The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio ranked #12 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has a score of 8.0 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 16 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Engaging handling Powerful engine choices Plenty of standard features
Cons Unimpressive cabin quality Some confusing infotainment features Below-average cargo space High base price
