[Fiver]

That's a different descriptor that I haven't seen before and it doesn't really have to do with how the Stelvio performs. The guys at Consumer Reports just aren't a fan of the interior layout and they weren't a fan of the Giulia's cabin either. Other than that, the test driver seems to enjoy the Stelvio's ride comfort; "The Stevio’s ride has a firm edge to it but still absorbs bumps fairly well. By comparison, the F-Pace and Macan are stiffer. "

https://www.consumerreports.org/luxury-sport-utility-vehicles/2018-alfa-romeo-stelvio-first-drive-review/

 

[ilhatch]

their one gripe with the Stelvio is just because the center console layout is not what they're used to or what they prefer. That's really down to personal opinion and something you can become accustomed to. So overall it's a shinning review to me.

 

[poormansferrari]

Starting to sound like its just a Giulia that rides higher up, which if true with experience that real owners will have then that will put a lot of confidence in the Stelvio for me. Although i'm on this forum a lot, sitting on the sidelines has always been in my plan till enough information comes out.

 

[Rags747]

Typical CR, How the **** is it Quircky because the start button is on the wheel? I think maybe the rest of the industry has it wrong, but CR would never admit to that.

 

[Fiver]

Perhaps that's just their writing style, but yea it's not really a quirk, just something different and maybe even more efficient. Though it does make starting the car simpler instead of reaching to the dash for the start button.

 

[poormansferrari]

Typical CR, How the **** is it Quircky because the start button is on the wheel? I think maybe the rest of the industry has it wrong, but CR would never admit to that.

Sometimes these publications just put in points for the sake of completing an article or at least that's what I like to think about questionable points they bring up. Hence why I just look at what every publication says and not just one, CR has gone downhill over the years.

 

[Fiver]

I just take most publications with a grain of salt and prefer to sit and test drive one instead. The Stelvio's interior layout is ergonomically sound IMO, with everything very well laid out and clear on the steering wheel. Maybe the start button would look better in black, but other than that it's not a problem.

 

[poormansferrari]

i guess that being part of FCA with the help of some ferrari DNA they had an easy time getting it right here along with the fact most of the industry copies each other but slightly changes things, adding their own unique touch, can't blame them.

 

[karlfevans]

The last car I owned that got "dinged" for being quirky was one of my all time favorites. My 1994 VW Passat had so much soul, uniqueness and driving pleasure that it could not be mistaken for the Camry/Lexus/Honda blandness that is so common in just about every vehicle on the road.


Consumer Reports also knocked my 2001 BMW X5 (with 5 speed manual) for "poor" reliability, which I drove with delight for 14 years.


You want an appliance for a car, then buy a super-reliable boring car. I'll take the Stelvio.

 

[kartman]

Starting to sound like its just a Giulia that rides higher up, which if true with experience that real owners will have then that will put a lot of confidence in the Stelvio for me. Although i'm on this forum a lot, sitting on the sidelines has always been in my plan till enough information comes out.

Its correct. The Stelvio is not an SUV, its a tall hatchbatch.

 

[Scalewoodman]

The joy of ownership to me is more than contrived and emotionless design- this vehicle is truly art in motion and a beautifully and elegantly designed machine! (from 'Misleading US reviews thread). CR has always been annoying to me-- favoring Toyota and Honda-- and confusing objectivity with subjectivity in editorializing. To wit: >Subjective information or writing is based on personal opinions, interpretations, points of view, emotions and judgment. It is often considered ill-suited for scenarios like news reporting or decision making in business or politics. Objective information or analysis is fact-based, measurable and observable.<

 

[tipo949]

maybe Consumer Reports was referring to the quirks of the interior(controls) that I do find annoying:

* parking sensors that stay on at start up if you pulled to close to an object
* mushy directional turn signal levers (many times I think they were turned off but they are still on)
* annoying shifter control (at least your chances of getting carjacked are reduced)
* Infotainment (in general, but esp Nav)
* obnoxious and the loudest seat belt warning buzzer I've heard in a car (yes, I wear seat belts but lag getting them on right from the start)
* driver's shoulder seat belt that never seems to retract properly
* etc

BUT, other than that, the car itself is super sweet to drive. (handling, power, torque,)

The fit and finish is 5 STARS.

Exotic looks/styling. Even standing still, this car looks like a sexy stripper - pole dancing.

It never ceases to amaze me what a delight it is.

That's what Alfa's all about-

 

[TrevStelvio]

Totally agree what an impressive car

 

[ViscontiVerde 164L*]

CR is ONLY good at reviwing appliances. They treat cars like appliances too. To me, they have been useless for autos for past 20 years.

 

[Scalewoodman]

CR is ONLY good at reviwing appliances. They treat cars like appliances too. To me, they have been useless for autos for past 20 years.

Amen. They annoy ME. I only enjoy reading it when it's free like in Barnes and Noble just to see what they are saying. And it usually isn't anything good about what I'm driving... As a consumer/rebel I take pride in that.

 

[JustAlfa]

I actually love the layout. Coming from a Volvo to Alfa, I love the clean simple layout. Not too many buttons and easy to clean. The Porsche Macan on the other hand has at least two dozen buttons surrounding the gear shifter. The Volvo I had (2012) had a lot of buttons as well. I feel less is more when it comes to car interiors. I would give the Alfa an A for interior.

 

[stelviofan]

"But the experience isn’t always gelato smooth, especially in low-speed situations; there, the transmission occasionally stumbles after a cold start."

What are they talking about? It's the same ZF gearbox also used in other premium cars.

 

[Scalewoodman]

Typical for them however the sensation may be because of the reduced momentum of the carbon fiber driveshaft which has less rotational torque and for that reason doesn't counteract the gear transitions at low speeds. Stelvio is probably the only one to have this combination.

If Elon Musk had done it they'd be drooling over it. And it is one of the problems with CR is that they are the same as all of the fake news press (forgive me), desperately seeking an angle to attract readers (for commercial purposes) without any serious regard or concern for truth or even any depth of inquiry that doesn't suit their agenda.

 

[ViscontiVerde 164L*]

By the time 90% of the cars are 5yrs old,according to CR, THEY ALL HAVE RED CIRCLES EVERYWHERE. They seem to use the same testers for dishwashers and cars.

 

[JimW]

Consumer Reports calls Stelvio annoying

Consumer Reports is just one reviewer. I bought a washing machine once based on CR and it was the worst purchase I ever made - piece of junk, waste of money, didn't last 2 years. They don't get it right every time - nobody does. Best to read multiple reviews from many sources to get an all around broad viewpoint. I've owned plenty of cars and none have ever been perfect. All had quirks. I think their review is annoying. Stelvio is most fun car I've ever owned. Also love the console and armrest. Found the consoles in the Lexus, Jag and Volvo too high, confining and in the way. Stelvio console is lower, more car like with a great arm rest.