Alfa Romeo entered the world of SUVs for the first time in 2016, with the introduction of the Stelvio.
A rival to the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the Stelvio shares its underpinnings with the Giulia and is one of the best vehicles in the segment.
The Stelvio should soon be joined by a smaller sibling, which will have to deal with the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, among others. There’s been no shortage of rumors about the as ye -unnamed compact SUV, but the latest one is probably the strangest.
Also Read: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0T Q4 Review: Does It Pass Or Fail?
According to AutomobileMagazine, FCA’s new boss Mike Manley confirmed during a meeting with Italian unions in Turin that such a vehicle is still in their agenda. But weird part is coming: instead of a shrunken version of the Giorgio platform, which is the one used by the Giulia and Stelvio, Alfa’s new baby-SUV might use the same architecture as the subcompact Jeep Renegade.
Jeep’s smallest product on sale today sits on FCA’s Small US platform, shared with the Fiat 500X, 500L and Toro pickup. Base models are offered with front-wheel drive, while higher specs come with all-wheel drive.
If Alfa Romeo’s upcoming compact SUV will indeed use this platform, something we’re skeptic about, then it will probably share most of the engine lineup with the Renegade. However, a plug-in hybrid version of the car is said to be in the works as well.
Production of the vehicle will reportedly take place in the Pomigliano plant, near Naples, Italy, which is owned by Fiat and used to assemble the predecessor of the Giulia, the 159.
