Alfa Romeo’s Q3-Rivaling SUV To Be Based On Shrunken Giorgio Platform

Alfa Romeo’s expansion plan includes a new compact SUV to sit under the Stelvio, rivaling models like the BMW X2 and Audi Q3, set to go on sale in the next three years.

The Italian car maker wants to have the SUV market covered as much as possible, that’s why the plan is to add not only the smaller model but also a larger flagship SUV. The brand’s sales target is set at 400,000 units per year by 2022.

Auto Express reports that Alfa Romeo’s baby SUV will most likely be based on a shrunken version of the existing Giorgio platform, which means that the new model will be rear-driven as standard, with all-wheel drive offered in the options. The smaller version of the Giorgio platform is also expected to be used in the next 2020 Giulietta hatchback.

The yet-unnamed Audi Q3-rivaling Alfa Romeo SUV is expected to launch with electrified powertrains and Level 3 autonomous technology. Alfa Romeo has stopped the development of new diesel engines, so the new hybrid powertrains will act as a replacement.

As for the flagship SUV, Alfa Romeo will reportedly debut a high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain with around 400hp. The brand’s engineers promise that the final production version of the big Alfa SUV will offer 32 miles (50km) of pure electric range and a 0-62mph (100km/h) in less than five seconds.

The new SUV models will not make their appearance up until 2020, with the baby Alfa SUV debuting alongside the new Giulietta. As for the new flagship SUV, Alfa Romeo will launch it a year after, in 2021.

Note: Alfa Romeo Stelvio pictured