As unusual as it is interesting, Alfa Romeo announced plans to offer a RWD version of it's burgeoning SUV, the Stelvio, as soon as 2019. While the main reason why Canadians choose an SUV is for the advantages offered by all-wheel drive, it will now be possible to go against the tide with a vehicle that only sends power to the rear wheels.
It needs to be said that the AWD Q4 already powering the Stelvio already leans towards the new drivetrain. At best, 50% of torque can be transferred to the front wheels, so we are not entirely in uncharted territory.
What may be attractive to customers who do not have a need for a four-wheel drive SUV, is that the price of this RWD version will be at least $2,000 less than the base price of the four-wheel drive version.
As for the driving experience, it promises to be interesting. The base-model Stelvio's only engine is a 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbo delivering 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. This block is anything but anemic. Lightened by as many as one hundred pounds, the gains in performance and agility are convincing.
The RWD model will be considered as an entry-level product, but a sport package can be added to it. This will add 19-inch wheels and performance-oriented accessories; including aluminum pedals, painted brake calipers and paddle shifters, as well as others. This package will be available at a price of US $1,800.
Since the news is very recent, we do not yet know for the moment if this variant will be available in Canada. We guess that things will be closely studied by Alfa Romeo and if they believe that there is a market for it here at home, we will certainly get it.