Named after the famous Stelvio Pass (the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps), the 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio lives up to its moniker. It is essentially a Giulia on stilts, which is the highest compliment you can give an SUV. Origin: Italy (Cassino). It brings Italian passion to a segment dominated by the clinical German efficiency of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

Alfa simplified the range for maximum enjoyment:

• 2.0L Turbo Petrol (Q4) RECOMMENDED
  280 HP / 400 Nm. This engine is a masterpiece. It hits 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The Q4 system sends 100% of torque to the rear wheels in normal driving, engaging the front axle only when you lose grip. It drives like a RWD sports car.

• Italian Style: The flat-bottomed steering wheel and deeply cowled gauges scream performance. However, some plastics lower down on the console feel cheaper than what you find in an Audi Q5.
• Utility: Boot space is 525 Litres—decent, but the sloping roofline eats into vertical space. It features rails and hooks to secure your shopping during "spirited" driving.

Like the Giulia, it uses the 8.8-inch screen controlled by a rotary dial. It is simple and keeps your eyes on the road. The "DNA" drive mode selector (Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficiency) dramatically changes the throttle map and transmission aggression.

• Consumption: 8–10 km/l. It is taller and heavier than the Giulia, so efficiency drops slightly.
• Maintenance: Identical issues to the Giulia. Parts scarcity is a real challenge in Kenya. Ensure you have a guaranteed supply line for spares before buying.

• Clearance: 200mm is surprisingly good. It handles Kenyan speed bumps better than the sedan.
• Handling: It defies physics. It turns in sharply with zero body roll. It is arguably the best-handling SUV in its class, perfect for the winding roads of Limuru.

Standard Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) detects pedestrians. Reliability has improved significantly over the years, but check for software updates on the infotainment system which can freeze.

Who is this for? The family driver who refuses to give up on life just because they needed an SUV. Who is it NOT for? Those who get anxious when the "Check Engine" light flickers.