Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition order books open

Alfa Romeo has opened order books on the 'First Edition' version of its first ever production SUV, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

While, like the Giulia saloon before it the Stelvio was first revealed in range-topping Quadrifoglio specification, it's the volume models which will prove make or break for the company. To that end, the Stelvio First Edition is based not on the V6 Quadrifoglio, but uses a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Even in this form the Stelvio develops a healthy 276bhp (at 5250rpm) - putting it about half way between an entry-level Porsche Macan and a Macan S - and Alfa Romeo claims best-in-class acceleration for this version, hitting 62mph in 5.7 seconds from rest.

> Read: Alfa Romeo Stelvio - Alfa's first SUV debuts with 503bhp Quadrifoglio

The all-aluminium, direct-injected turbocharged four-pot sends power through a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, to both the front wheels, and through a carbonfibre prop shaft to those at the rear, under the banner of a 'Q4' all-wheel drive system. An active transfer case directs torque to the rear wheels in regular driving conditions, directing up to 50 per cent of the engine's torque forward when required.

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According to Alfa's figures, the 2-litre Stelvio is also surprisingly light, at 1660kg. Okay, that's no flyweight, but for an SUV as bulky as that we saw being unveiled in Los Angeles, it's not a bad figure. Much of the car's underpinnings are shared with the Giulia saloon.

First Edition equipment levels should be suitably plush, with electrically adjustable and heated full-grain leather seats, wooden trim on the dashboard, and an 8.8-inch central display screen. Outside there's a set of 20-inch alloy wheels (which, in pictures at least, seem to fill the arches to a reasonably satisfying degree), and bi-xenon headlights.

Full UK pricing and specification details are yet to be confirmed. For more on the Stelvio, head to our full preview page for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio.