Alfa Romeo Stelvio upgraded

The upgraded 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio has been revealed to help improve its fortunes in the premium mid-size SUV class, where the Italian model sits well behind rivals such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Confirmed for release in Australia in the first half of next year, the refresh for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio includes both updates to the exterior and interior.

Externally, few will spot the changes, but look closer and you might notice the headlights now sport three individual LED light graphics that mimic the newer, smaller Alfa Romeo Tonale.

As well as the triple LEDs, the lamps now feature adaptive Matrix light technology that carve holes in the main beam to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic.

In Europe, the Stelvio’s line-up has been rationalised into just three trim levels – the Sprint, Veloce and flagship Competizione.

The white-hot Quadrifoglio also continues, but won’t be upgraded until later in 2023.

The high-grade Competizione gets new twin exhaust pipes and a revised rear diffuser to ram home its sportiness. It also picks up a standard panoramic roof and gloss black wheel-arches.

Inside, there’s a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customised to three pre-set styles – Evolved, Relax and Heritage.

In Evolved mode the speedo and rev counter sit opposite a central trip computer readout. Relax reduces the level of information on offer for less distraction, while the Heritage dash is said to mimic Alfa instrument panels of the past.

There are no changes under the bonnet, with the core Stelvio range now only offered with the 206kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder – still with 206kW/400Nm – and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel that’s not sold in Australia.

Both continue with the same eight-speed auto and the car-maker’s Q4 all-wheel drive system.

Among other revisions, the Competizione – which is still to be confirmed for Australia – now gets adaptive dampers, larger 21-inch wheels, red brake callipers and a new matte grey finish.

In Australia, the Stelvio is currently offered only in the mid-spec Veloce trim, as well as the fast 375kW Quadrifoglio.

Pricing is expected to increase from the current opening market of $82,950 plus on-road costs for the Stelvio Veloce.

The Italian car-maker also revealed the 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia overnight, which picks up similar upgrades and will also go on sale here in the first half of next year.

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