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We've long raged against the fact that, basically, Irish people don't buy Alfa Romeos, but that could all be about to change with the Italian brand's first-ever SUV, the Stelvio.
Already racking up some impressive sales figures in Europe, the Stelvio will arrive in Ireland in late September with prices starting from €47,295 for the most affordable version. That's considerably cheaper than what you'll have to pay to get a Mercedes GLC on your driveway, for instance.
Alfa Ireland will be introducing the car with a limited-time zero per cent interest HP deal, or a 2.9 per cent PCP deal as well (although only for the bottom two trim levels - more expensive models come with either 1.9 per cent HP or 3.9 per cent PCP).
Based on the same chassis as the Giulia saloon (fast becoming one of our favourite cars) the Stelvio boasts 50:50 weight distribution, and and can be had with Q4 all-wheel drive, or on the base 180hp diesel, rear-wheel drive.
The first models to arrive here will be 210hp 2.2-litre diesel, and the 280hp 2.0-litre petrol, and these will be joined by the 180hp diesel and 200hp petrol in October.
Alfa Romeo claims that, thanks to some impressive weight savings and such items as a carbon-fibre propshaft, the 180hp diesel rear-drive Stelvio is the lightest car in its class, with a kerb weight of 1,604kg.
All models come as standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The 2.2-litre 210hp diesel Q4 AWD emits gives 127g/km of Co2 and returns 4.8 litres/100km (58.9mpg) on the combined cycle, while still registering a top speed of 215km/h and accelerating from 0 - 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.
It's also the safest car in its category, claims Alfa, with a 97 per cent adult occupant safety rating from Euro NCAP.
It'll come in four trim levels; Stelvio, Super, Speciale and an exclusive 2017 Milano Edizione trim.
The basic Stelvio model includes 17-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, LED rear lights, dual-zone climate control, a 3.5-inch TFT colour cluster instrument panel, 8.8-inch display infotainment system with DAB plus Bluetooth and multimedia connectivity, an eight-speaker audio system and two front and two rear USB ports, Keyless Go, electric tailgate, cruise control, rear park distance control and automatic rain/light sensors.
Super trim adds 3D navigation system and a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster, as well as a two-tone leather dashboard and leather and cloth upholstery.
The exterior of the Super adds 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels and front parking sensors.
Speciale models get 19-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers, 35W Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive frontlight system and power folding exterior mirrors, leather upholstery, heated front seats with six-way power adjustment and a heated sports steering wheel, and aluminium shift paddles on the steering column.
The range-topping Milano Edizione includes sporty leather seats, a ten speaker Sound Theatre, 20-inch V-Spoke alloy wheels, keyless entry, a rear-view camera and privacy glass with black gloss window surround.