What's the difference?
This week I’ve taken the recently updated Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce on a massive road trip and after the first few hours of driving it, I thought this is the sort of car you get when you need some extra boot space but still want that sports car vibe.
It helps that our test model is finished in the classic 'Alfa Red' but while its on-road performance can't be ignored, it has some tough medium SUV competition from the likes of the BMW X3, Genesis GV70 and Lexus NX.
So, is it just a fun car to drive or will it suit the family, too? I've been cruising around in it for the last week with my family of three to find out for you!
Jaguar raised more than a few eyebrows in 2016 when it entered the rapidly expanding world of premium SUVs with the mid-size F-Pace. And the product development boffins at Coventry HQ liked it so much they cooked up another one.
The compact E-Pace (and subsequent electric I-Pace) has re-positioned the brand from luxury sedans, wagons, and performance sports cars, to all that with SUVs now leading the brand and product charge.
The F-Pace is a beautifully composed five-seater. Does this smaller E-Pace package deliver even more good things?
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce is the car you get when you want a sports car but happen to have a kid or two. Its ride comfort is on the lower end but it has heaps of power and enough features that it manages to slide into its price tag without feeling too cheeky. The back seat’s size will limit this to smaller families, though. And I would prefer to see better tech at this grade level, so this gets a 7.1/10 from me.
My son didn’t spend much time in this one but he liked the red paintwork. My mum, however, loved the power and sexy packaging. She gives it an 8/10.
The Jaguar E-Pace Chequered Flag P250 is a compact, polished premium SUV package. Good value, super safe and spacious, it combines brilliant practicality with comfort and healthy performance. It’s a little thirsty, there are some relatively minor dynamic niggles, and Jaguar’s ownership package needs to lift its game. But for those who don’t have a lot of room to spare, yet don’t want to skimp on the luxury experience, it’s a compelling option in a highly competitive category.