A new Alfa Romeo doesn’t tend to come around very often, so there’s been a lot of build up and excitement around the Tonale.
First shown in concept form back in March 2019, Alfa Romeo has been working hard to turn into production, with the road-ready model just arriving in UK showrooms now. Here are five things you need to know about it…
It’s Alfa Romeo’s first compact SUV
Any manufacturer would struggle to survive without an SUV in its range these days, and Alfa Romeo first got in on the action in 2017 with the Stelvio. It was an impressive effort and has proven successful for Alfa Romeo.
The Italian marque is now introducing the Tonale as its first compact SUV – slotting underneath the Stelvio in the line-up, and competing in a hugely popular and lucrative segment. The Tonale faces key rivals such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
Available exclusively with electrified powertrains
Not only is the Tonale Alfa Romeo’s first electrified model, but it also paves the way by being solely offered with electrified powertrains.
Launching with a new mild-hybrid setup, the Tonale combines a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine with 48-volt assistance, allowing for ‘engine off’ driving ability in certain situations.
Alfa Romeo will build on this in early 2023 with a new plug-in hybrid Q4 all-wheel-drive model. Promising to deliver 272bhp, it is also said to be able to travel on electricity for up to 50 miles.
Packed with technology
Alfa Romeo has really elevated the level of technology fitted to its cars with the Tonale, and it gains a brand-new infotainment system that aims to enhance the experience.
Combining a 12.3-inch digital dial display with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, it offers an upgraded media experience with Alfa Connected Services and in-built Amazon Alexa voice recognition. The Tonale also comes equipped with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability, including adaptive cruise control and lane centring.
It still looks like an Alfa Romeo
Design has always been key to Alfa Romeo, with this Italian brand making some of the best-looking cars ever.
And though an SUV might not traditionally be the most stylish choice of car, the Tonale still looks unmistakably like an Alfa Romeo. The brand’s trademark triangular grille is present and correct, while it gets a striking modern look thanks to its ‘3+3’ headlight design, which is repeated at the rear.
Focus on the driving experience
Alfa Romeos have also historically offered a very enjoyable driving experience behind the wheel, and the firm is promising that this is the case on the new Tonale as well.
Alfa claims ‘best in class driving dynamics’ with this SUV, with the model said to have a perfect weight distribution and advanced brake-by-wire system that delivers an instantaneous response. Our first drive UK review of the Alfa Romeo Tonale will be published here next week.
The Alfa Romeo is on sale now, with prices starting from £38,595.
Enquire on a new Alfa Romeo
