Details emerge on Alfa's sub-Stelvio crossover

Alfa aims to sell 400,000 cars annually by 2022.

Alfa Romeo's research and development department is busily working on two new crossovers. Both yet-unnamed models will go on sale around the turn of the next decade.

The firm announced plans to expand its SUV line-up when it detailed its five-year product plan in June. British magazine Auto Express has learned the smaller model, which will compete in the same segment as the Audi Q3 and the Volvo XC40, will ride on a smaller version of the Giorgio platform found under the Stelvio and the Giulia. Rear-wheel drive will come standard and all-wheel drive will be offered at an extra cost.

The magazine adds the model will offer some degree of electrification -- either a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid drivetrain -- and level three autonomy, meaning the driver will be able to read a book or watch a movie when the right conditions are met.

Like we previously reported, the bigger model will compete in the same segment as the Audi Q7. It will offer available hybrid power, too, and buyers will likely be able to order the model with three rows of seats.

Though it's historically been bad at meeting goals, Alfa Romeo still hopes to sell 400,000 cars annually by 2022. Achieving that goal isn't impossible, but it will require a major offensive in key markets like the United States and China. It's nearly impossible to make it in either market without a complete SUV portfolio.

Photo by Ronan Glon.