ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS A NEW COMPACT SUV FROM ALFA ROMEO

On a personal level I have been a fan of Alfa Romeo for many years and news of a new model from the Italian carmaker will be greeted by many; on this occasion a compact SUV the Milano.

The newcomer, which will see orders open this summer, will be available with a full electric powertrain. Two power variants offering 156bhp and a range of up to 402 km (250 m), as well as a sportier 240bhp Veloce, the epitome of the Alfa Romeo sporting DNA. The design of the new Milano evolves in the distinctive features that create an immediate emotional connection. Alfa Romeo models have always been aimed at those looking for a car not only to be used for every day transport, rather for a symbiosis, a bond that can stir emotions. This is an important segment to have a player in; yes it is highly competitive, but the style and sporty nature of this new model will surely appeal and could even gather new owners to the brand. Alfa Romeo is claiming to offer the sportiest and most exciting compact car to drive in its class. The mission is certainly to win over a new generation through a new Alfa Romeo design language, which remains steadfast is its innate aptitude for sportiness, a trait that has animated the company since its foundation in 1910, with sportiness intended as an engaging driving experience in everyday life. In fact it is currently one of the largest segments in Europe; important to any manufacturer and the Milano at just over four metres in length seems well up to the challenge.

For those who have motor sport at the heart of their interests, Alfa Romeo has always gone for sporty positioning; the brand has over a century of sporting history, forged on race circuits and on everyday roads. The new Milano will be accompanied by passion; something that I have experienced with every single Alfa Romeo I have driven to date. A sporty drive and looks have been key highlights of this brand and the newcomer carries on that tradition; such as the limited overhangs, the muscular wheel arches and the iconic kamm tail, a reference to the legendary Giulia TZ and the bold look of the front, with 3+3, adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights.

The sports theme can be found inside the car, where the standout features are the Italian attention to every detail, the use of the finest materials and the placement of all the controls within the driver’s reach. The instrument panel and its distinctive design creates that direct visual connection and persuades you to wrap your hands around the steering wheel, start the engine, and make the best of the driving experience. In the middle of the cluster, the standout feature is a fully digital 10.25 inch TFT screen, to access the car’s data and the settings for the driving technologies and in the middle of the dashboard and oriented towards the driver, a 10.2 inch touchscreen system developed to work with widgets, graphic components designed for intuitive interaction with all the features, which can be customised via quick and easy drag and drop. You can create an own homepage, where each of the car’s features is an app in itself. To further embellish the interior, the air conditioning vents are in the shape of a four-leaf clover, the symbol of Alfa Romeo sportiness. An eye catcher to welcome you, optional Sabelt sports seats which are available featuring an enveloping backrest that combines high mechanical resistance, perfect ergonomics and structural lightness. Three option packs will be available; Technology, Exclusivity and Sportiness, the Technology pack offer the best specifications in terms of safety, technology and functionality, such as level 2 autonomous driving, hands free electric tailgate, LED Matrix lights and connected navigation with virtual assistant. The Exclusivity pack adds comfort technology, courtesy of the vinyl-fabric blend interior, electrically operated driver’s seat with massage function, interior ambient lighting, and aluminium pedals and kick plate. The Sportiness pack offers the best in sportiness with Sabelt seats, Alcantara upholstery and sporty exterior features.

Ian Lynas