The Long and Winding Road to the Alfa Romeo Kamal SUV
Back in March 2006, the automotive world was eagerly anticipating the launch of the Alfa Romeo Kamal SUV. However, the project was put on hold by Alfa, citing the need to focus on boosting sales of their hatchbacks and saloons first.
It’s ironic how things have come full circle, with Alfa now stating that they need to expand their SUV range before introducing new superminis or sports cars. The Kamal, however, was never completely off the table, with insiders revealing that it was still under consideration.
Fast forward to August 2007, and the Kamal was back in the spotlight, now known as the CXOver. This SUV was to be a sibling to a Fiat crossover, sharing the platform of the 147’s successor. With turbo petrol and diesel engine options, the CXOver was set to be priced between £19k to £30k, a departure from the original Kamal concept but still retaining its distinctive styling.
The launch date was set for 2010, following the introduction of the Giulietta (formerly known as the Milano). Despite the excitement surrounding the CXOver, Alfa found themselves trailing behind competitors in the premium crossover market. BMW was already testing prototypes of the X1, Audi had showcased the Q3 with the Cross Coupé Quattro concept, and JLR had wowed the crowd with the LRX concept, a precursor to the Range Rover Evoque.
It’s a fascinating journey that the Alfa Romeo Kamal SUV has taken, from its initial concept to its eventual fate in a fiercely competitive market. While the Kamal may not have had its moment in the spotlight, its legacy lives on in the evolution of Alfa’s SUV lineup.
