We do love it when Alfa Romeo introduces a new car, even if by 'new' we really mean 'mild titivation of existing model.' As much as anything else, it's just nice to be reminded that Alfa Romeo still exists...
Quadrifogli-style bodykit
So, here is the new (mildly titivated) Alfa Romeo Stelvio TI. Basically, you can think of this as the Alfa Stelvio doing a 'Turbo Look 911' routine - it's taking a bodykit that apes the look of the 510hp Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and applies it to a relatively more affordable, less frenetic Stelvio Veloce.
Oh, and there's an updated range of engines for the general Stelvio range too, all of which now conform to the latest Euro6D emissions regulations, including the 280hp four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo petrol that's fitted to the Veloce TI version. It gets an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive as standard.
'Turismo Internazionale'
What's TI? Well, like so much about Alfa Romeo, it's a blast from the past, standing for 'Turismo Internazionale', has always been applied to models, says Alfa Romeo, "With typically Italian elegance, while 'Veloce' expresses the speed of the best-performing versions. When put together, they combine the sportiness of Stelvio Veloce with an even more captivating style."
So, there's a body-colour bodykit, a new rear bumper with a deep diffuser and integrated exhaust pipe slots, and a set of 21-inch dark-finish 'teledial' wheels about which we can only say 'BEHOLD THE MAJESTY OF THE TELEDIALS!' Ahem.
Inside, you get aluminium gearshift paddles, sporty seats in leather and Alcantara, black headlining and real carbon fibre accents. Outside, there's dark finishing for the window surrounds and badging.
Technology updates
Alongside that Stelvio TI, there's a general update for the Stelvio range, with those new Euro6D engines, plus a raft of new technology options. Those include an emergency SOS call function, a My Remote system in a smartphone app that also includes connection Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, a My Navigation function that allows you to send a planned route from your phone to the car, a wi-fi hot spot and an alert system that calls your phone if someone tries to break into your precious Stelvio.
Prices and specs for the updated Stelvio range will be announced in January.