ALFA Romeo Stelvio TI, 2020
Synonymous with Luxury and Quality
By Lupita Colmenero
Meant to be a luxury car, the ALFA Romeo was born in 1906,
through a limited company (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica
Automobili), in Italy. The initial reasons were to build
successful, well-functioning race cars. Later, in 1915, a talented engineer
and businessman named Nicola Romeo (hence its current acronym),
joined the company as its director and adapted the factory's capabilities
for the manufacture of war products and machinery, to be able to offer
aid to the Italians and the allies in the warlike conflict of that time.
Production of ammunition, aircraft engines, generators, compressors,
and other devices were produced, thanks to the capacity of the factory,
which then supplied the prevailing needs of the armies. Circumstances
at the time, of course, brought car production to a halt, but since there
were still parts for the construction of 105 cars in stock, in 1919 car
assembly and manufacturing was resumed, and the rest is history. In
1920, the name was changed to Alfa Romeo, starting the fame of this car
brand.
With more than a century of existence, the ALFA Romeo has
maintained a great reputation. In models like the Stelvio TI, the attempt
to preserve a little bit of everything that this brand has represented since
its inception is visible. The 2020 Stelvio TI is sporty, with a
280-horsepower 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine, and great
towing capacity, it also has family car features and the amenities
expected of it. The Stelvio TI satisfies the whims of those
looking for dynamism, performance, load capacity, and utility.
The Stelvio TI has a bit of the “look” of its model
brothers, the Giulia and Spider, which is why it makes it a complete car.
Personally, although I consider myself an athlete, my style in cars is not
sporty, but that does not mean that I fail to appreciate the qualities of a
car that I can trust. It was in the late ‘90s when I realized how important
it is to have a 4-wheel drive car. I took a school trip with my daughter, to
ski to the Colorado Alps (Pagosa Springs), where when we got to the
cabins we had rented, my truck could not climb the steep chasm of the
terrain covered in ice, and we had to park away from the entrance. It was
then that the rule was established. No more! And the truth is that,
although for many having front and rear-wheel drive in a car does not
matter much, I noticed the difference in the handling and the protection
that it offers.
Otherwise, the Stelvio TI offers as much as any modern car. Heated
front seats, Active Driver Assistance System (I am totally dependent on
this amenity). And, the fact that the entry-level model has front and side
airbags, backup camera and warning sensors, rain-sensitive windshield
wipers, remote start and lock, universal garage opener, and many other
amenities. It is a respectable car. Of course, you have to handle all the
models, but this one, in particular, passed the test.
Request a test drive at one of their dealerships, and experience the
benefits of this car for yourself. And don't be scared by its fame, as its
prices, depending on the model and package you choose, can be quite
reasonable. LS
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34 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle V ol. 26, No. 4, 2020
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