Alfa Rome has shown the new Tonale SUV model which will slot in below the Stelvio, taking the fight to the GLA, X1 and Q3 German rivals.
On the design side, it certainly has the Germans in trouble with the sexy lines seen on Alfas retained for this model. Taking into account the targeted buyer i.e. dynamic, young metro buyer, this is a positive move for the Tonale. Up front you find the dominant Alfa grille placed in between what Alfa calls “3+3” headlights with new Full-LED Adaptive Matrix. These lights simultaneously provide daylight, dynamic turn signals and a “Welcome and Goodbye” feature. Below the lights there are sporty air intakes whilst the bonnet has design lines that add character to the raised ride height SUV.
On the side, there are 5-hole wheel rims in varying sizes whilst the “GT Line” runs from the rear to the headlights in a way only the Italians can design such a sensual look. The Tonale promises ample space inside courtesy of its long wheelbase. The taillights take on the same design cues as the headlights and form a sine curve that fully wraps around the rear of the car, making it a truly unique and distinctive light signature. There is an LED strip that links both taillights. The car’s sensuality and dynamism are also clear in the rear window, a tribute to the 8C Competizione. Lower down, there is the faux diffuser whilst exhaust outlets are seen on either side of the lower bumper.
The interior is also typical Alfa with a design centred around the driver. As standard, Tonale comes with a built-in, all-new infotainment system with a customizable Android operating system and 4G connectivity with Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, it also offers content, functionality and services that are always kept up to date. This system includes a fully digital 12.3” screen, the main 10.25” touchscreen unit, and a smooth, sophisticated multitasking interface, keeping everything at a glance without distracting your attention from the road. Totaling 22.5”, the two large Full TFT screens are best-in-class in the segment. As for tech, the Tonale debuts non-fungible token (NFT) technology, a system that links a car with an NFT digital certificate. The technology is based on the “blockchain card” concept, a confidential and non-modifiable record of the main stages in the life of an individual vehicle designed to keep all vehicle info for better resale values of a car as the maintenance record cannot be manipulated. There is also the built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant features, Service Delivery Service, a feature that allows the owner to receive constant updates on vehicle status from the comfort of their home, find out the level of charge and/or fuel, search for points of interest, find your car’s latest location, send remote locking and unlocking commands, and much more.
Speaking of charge, the Tonale comes in two levels of electrification, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. The Tonale debuts the 120kW Hybrid Variable-Geometry Turbo engine, where the 1.5-liter petrol engine is paired with a 7-speed TCT dual-clutch transmission and the 48-volt 15-kW, 55-Nm “P2” electric motor makes it possible to propel the wheels even when the internal combustion engine is turned off. The transmission enables startup and travel in electric mode at low speeds and when parking and cruising. At launch, the 96kW Hybrid version is also available, again paired with 7-speed Alfa Romeo TCT and 48-volt “P2” electric motor.
Performance buyers will be served by the 205kW Plug-in Hybrid Q4, which clocks up 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 6.2 seconds and a range in pure electric mode of up to 80 km in the city cycle (over 60 km in the combined cycle), in what Alfa claims to be best-in-class values. As standard in the Plug-in Hybrid powertrain, the Q4 traction ensures an unparalleled level of safety and driving pleasure. To complete the engine range, the new 1.6-liter, 96kW diesel engine with 320 Nm of torque, paired with 6-speed Alfa Romeo TCT dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive with electronic locking differential.
Speaking of drive, the Tonale is after all an Alfa and the driving experience should be dynamic and exciting. Alfa claims sports car-like impeccable dynamic behavior, proven by the best weight distribution and the most direct steering in its segment. The adoption of fixed calipers by Brembo, with 4 pistons and self-ventilated discs at the front and full discs at the rear, contributes to the improved braking performance. The Tonale opts for the fully independent MacPherson suspension system, with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) shock absorbers and “Dual Stage Valve” active suspension with electronically controlled damping.
Two trim levels are available – Super and Ti, both with clearly defined specifications that meet the needs of the most discerning customers. Relentless efforts to improve the quality of the end product have resulted in the availability of an innovative Alfa Romeo extended warranty, lengthening the protection of the vehicle’s main components to 5 years. The warranty for the batteries in the hybrid Tonale versions has also been extended to 8 years or 150,000 km traveled, becoming the best offer in the segment.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is coming to Mzansi with deliveries likely before the end of the year.