Alfa Romeo has unveiled the eagerly-anticipated as the brand’s new compact SUV, introducing a range of technology and electrified powertrains to its range.
First shown in concept form almost three years ago, the model enters production with a slim number of changes, and is designed to slot beneath Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio while rivalling other premium compact SUVs on the market such as the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA.
Retaining a range of trademark styling cues from the Italian brand, such as a triangular grille and five-hole alloy wheels, the Tonale also comes with matrix LED headlights featuring a ‘3+3’ design that harks back to models like the SZ Zagato.
Inside, the Tonale is said to be entirely ‘driver-centric’, with all controls and screens slightly angled in this way, while sees the introduction of a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, along with a 10.25-inch touchscreen that’s said to offer a ‘smartphone-like experience’. Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant is also built-in, while its advanced connectivity functions mean you can even have Amazon parcels delivered to your car’s boot securely.
Also hugely important on the Tonale are its electrified powertrains, with this something entirely new for Alfa Romeo. A new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine kicks off the range, and is available with outputs of 128bhp or 158bhp. Both are front-wheel-drive and use a seven-speed automatic gearbox but also feature a 48-volt electric motor, which is able to propel the wheels even with the engine off – a rarity for mild-hybrids.
At the top of the range is a four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid model that pairs a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine for a combined output of 272bhp – enabling a 0-60mph time of six seconds. Said to be the sportiest and most efficient car in its class, it also uses a 15.5kWh battery, which Alfa Romeo claims allows for ‘over 60km’ (37 miles) of electric range. Plugged in with a 7.4kW home charger, it will take around 2.5 hours.
Alfa Romeo is also claiming the Tonale offers ‘best-in-class driving dynamics;, as it’s said to offer the most direct steering and ‘perfect’ eight distribution. It also features a brake-by-wire system, which helps to improve braking responsiveness, while also aiding the regenerative braking element. All Tonale models will be equipped with the brand’s renowned ‘DNA’ selectable driving modes, too.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is set to reach showrooms later in 2022, with pricing likely to start from around north of £30,000.
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