It’s roomy, too; there’s enough head- and legroom in the second row to ensure two adults will be able to sit in comfort over a longer journey, while it’s 525-litre boot is larger than a Porsche Macan’s (500 litres) and only marginally smaller than an Audi Q5’s (550 litres).
So as a premium offering, the Stelvio Speciale is a bit hit and miss. The likes of BMW, Porsche and Audi all have it licked as far as perceived and realised quality and finish are concerned.
Out on the road, though, it remains a very compelling thing indeed. Knock the DNA drive mode selector into ‘Dynamic’, and and the Stelvio’s already prevalent sense of urgency will be amplified.
Doing so will add a bit more heft to the steering rack, which, at 2.25 turns lock-to-lock, lends the Stelvio a front end that’s incredibly keen on the idea of changing directions quickly, throttle response will become more immediate, and gear changes much snappier. As adaptive dampers aren’t a standard feature here, the ride won’t be affected; which is a good thing, as there’s a noticeable fidgetiness at town speeds. But get the Stelvio out on a faster, stretch of B-road, where more energy can through the suspension as the car interacts with the topography of the road, and the Stelvio will start to shine.
With a fair lick on, the inherent stiffness of the Stelvio’s set-up makes for closely-controlled vertical movements over undulating surfaces, but equally doesn’t give way to any uncouth crashing over cats-eyes or pock-marks. The restrained fashion in which lateral roll is doled out makes for impressive composure through quick-fire directional changes, too.
The 2.0-litre petrol engine, meanwhile, is impressively enthusiastic, if a little lacking on an outright sense of theatre. But for a degree of lag, it’ll pull tenaciously from about 2000rpm, and will continue to do so right until the point it hits its limiter at 6000rpm. And you’ll tease that limiter time and time again, too; this engine certainly isn’t averse to being thrashed.
Left to its own devices, the eight-speed ZF transmission will swap cogs out with an impressive sense of fluency, but opting to change ratios yourself via the beautifully tactile paddleshifters is far more preferable. The Stelvio isn’t afraid to show off the rear-drive bias of its Q4 all-wheel-drive system either; with little in the way of coaxing required to see the back end step out of line.
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Agree the cheaper ones
Are much better value. And the the perceived stuff is just fine at 35k.
Laughable
Why does Autocar find those stated KIT items as being special and worthy of the ticket price.,The simple Otavia we recently purchased (assembled in Russia where we live which negates 35% duty) but STANDARD so called kit included
heated from AND rear seats (front also heated lumber support)
Floor lighting in all footwells
Ice scraper fitted inside fuel filler cap
Umbrella fitted into underside passenger front seat
9inch screen
alloys all round 17 inch (will be upgraded to 18)
heated steering wheel
rain sensative windscreen wipers
Auto lighting for day and night
Auto dipping rear view mirror
grab handles which cruise smoothly back into position
just to mention some..and of course built on the MQB platform same as the Audi A6 and Passat its so damned quiet inside (6 speed auto) and whilst no racing car, I am happy to only consume 7.2 litres every 100kl which includes 80% town work)
The seats are comfortable the stearing is ajustable for reach and height, it has sport and standard drive modes, and the price...lol wxactly 15,000 pounds, oh and we pay 0.45 pence per litre for 95 octane
5wheels wrote:
Your Skoda does not share a platform with the Audi A6. That is based on Audi’s MLB - similar sounding but entirely different.
Stelvio
I agree with the comments above... Autocar seem to be to bothered by what they perceive as material quality. I have sat in and test driven several Stelvios and only saw a classy interior (though I was coming froma Giulietta) and a fantastic car to drive.
As for the comment about it being too expensive. Given the standard equipment and safety features that come standard there is no way this is the case comapred to its rivals.
However, I may be biased... I have ordered a Stelvio... albeit a more "basic" Super version with a 200PS Petrol engine. Can't wait!