New Alfa Romeo SUV spotted testing

Smaller of Alfa Romeo's planned new SUV models spotted testing; will be twinned with new SUVs from sister brands Jeep and Fiat

Work is under way on the smaller of Alfa Romeo’s two new SUV models, with early mules already on the streets of Italy.

At last month’s unveiling of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia, Fiat Chrysler Auto boss Sergio Marchionne revealed the ambitious seven-model plan for the brand's revival, which includes two ‘Utility Vehicles’.

Arriving ‘between 2016 and 2018’, the two models are expected to be the equivalent of BMW’s X3 and X5 in size and market positioning.

The larger SUV is expected to be twinned with the upcoming Maserati Levante, although the Alfa will get its own exterior and interior design.

The smaller Alfa SUV will be twinned with upcoming Fiat and Jeep medium-sized SUVs and use the same basic structure. However, the Alfa Romeo version is expected to get its own distinct range of engines and transmissions. 

Although this engineering car is a heavily chopped-about Fiat 500L, it’s thought to be a testbed for those Alfa Romeo engines and transmission.

The mule’s extended rear overhang is necessary to accommodate the production Alfa’s exhaust system. It also gives a good clue to the size of the final car, which is not expected until 2017.

Little news has emerged about Alfa’s new engine line-up aside from the availability of a new ‘Ferrari-derived’ V6. However, the Quadrifoglio performance version of the small Alfa SUV is expected to get the latest version of the highly regarded 1750 TBi engine used in the 4C sports car.

This engine currently develops 235bhp and 250lb ft from just 2000rpm. The updated unit could get Multiair cylinder heads and is expected to improve on these figures as well as cutting fuel consumption.