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Coming soon: Alfa Romeo Tonale
Alfa Romeo’s long-awaited mid-size SUV finally revealed in production form with choice of hybrid engines and Android-powered tech
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 8 February 2022 | 0 min read
We last wrote about the Alfa Romeo Tonale mid-size SUV as a concept back in 2019 but now – finally – the production version has been confirmed. The good news is it doesn’t look that much different from the distinctively Alfa Romeo looking teaser, Italian style always a selling point for this most emotive of carmakers.
Admittedly the brand hasn’t always delivered the substance to match that style, though more recent models like the Giulia saloon and related Stelvio SUV have gone down well and impressed with sporty driving manners to match the looks, while onboard tech got a welcome update not that long ago. The Tonale is all-new, though, and represents Alfa Romeo’s first steps into electrification with the choice of two hybrids. The first combines an all-new turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, driving the front wheels through an automatic gearbox. Available in 130 horsepower and 160 horsepower forms, the electric motor means low speed manoeuvres like parking and a ‘Silent Start’ function can be carried out without waking the petrol engine. In normal driving both work together, the electric motor helping fill gaps in the power delivery while changing gear and maximising efficiency across the board.
Admittedly the brand hasn’t always delivered the substance to match that style, though more recent models like the Giulia saloon and related Stelvio SUV have gone down well and impressed with sporty driving manners to match the looks, while onboard tech got a welcome update not that long ago. The Tonale is all-new, though, and represents Alfa Romeo’s first steps into electrification with the choice of two hybrids. The first combines an all-new turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, driving the front wheels through an automatic gearbox. Available in 130 horsepower and 160 horsepower forms, the electric motor means low speed manoeuvres like parking and a ‘Silent Start’ function can be carried out without waking the petrol engine. In normal driving both work together, the electric motor helping fill gaps in the power delivery while changing gear and maximising efficiency across the board.
A faster and more sophisticated plug-in hybrid will follow, this pairing ICE (internal combustion engine) propulsion up front with a more powerful electric motor at the rear for effective all-wheel drive. Combined power is 275 horsepower and this Tonale Q4 version hits 0-62mph in just 6.2 seconds, with the option of nearly 50 miles of pure electric range around town.
While figures are yet to be confirmed expect Benefit In Kind friendly CO2 emissions to keep company car drivers happy. Enthusiasts attracted by Alfa Romeo’s proud sporting traditions should, meanwhile, be catered for with sharp handling through the fast steering and suspension geared to stability in the corners. All well and good on an interesting road but for the daily grind the Tonale can take over to a degree thanks to active cruise control, lane centring, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed limiter. Inside the Tonale reinterprets Alfa Romeo’s classic double-cowled instrument cluster for the digital age, comprising a configurable 12.3-inch display for the driver and central 10.25-inch touch-screen you can control by touch or a physical knob as you prefer. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard while built-in Amazon Alexa means you can shop, interact with internet-enabled appliances back home or even arrange for packages to be securely delivered direct to your car. Expect more information on pricing and trim levels in due course and look out for a full Expert Review soon.
While figures are yet to be confirmed expect Benefit In Kind friendly CO2 emissions to keep company car drivers happy. Enthusiasts attracted by Alfa Romeo’s proud sporting traditions should, meanwhile, be catered for with sharp handling through the fast steering and suspension geared to stability in the corners. All well and good on an interesting road but for the daily grind the Tonale can take over to a degree thanks to active cruise control, lane centring, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed limiter. Inside the Tonale reinterprets Alfa Romeo’s classic double-cowled instrument cluster for the digital age, comprising a configurable 12.3-inch display for the driver and central 10.25-inch touch-screen you can control by touch or a physical knob as you prefer. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard while built-in Amazon Alexa means you can shop, interact with internet-enabled appliances back home or even arrange for packages to be securely delivered direct to your car. Expect more information on pricing and trim levels in due course and look out for a full Expert Review soon.
