Alfa Romeo has refreshed its SUV Tonale and with the model also available in Mzansi in its current guise, one would hope the facelift will make its way. As a stylish SUV, the Tonale is one of the emotional choices in the SUV segment.
The design changes are evident up front with the legendary Trilobe grille has been reinterpreted, with the lower air intakes mimicking those of the Alfa Romeo Junior. The side openings have been reworked in the racing language of the iconic Giulia GTA and GTAm. LED Daytime lights in 3 curve design remain with LED headlights standard.
The balance of proportions has been improved by a reduced front overhang and a wider front and rear wheel track. Eight colors are now available, with the new metallic Rosso Brera, Verde Monza, and Giallo Ocra, plus an optional black roof to make the car even more distinctive and customizable.
There are new 19inch Stile wheels and 20inch Fori wheels, with a technical and modern design, lighter than the previous wheels. Finally, the black and white front and rear Alfa Romeo emblems, consistent with the strategy launched by the Junior, and the black Tonale rear lettering on the Veloce and Sport Speciale trims complete the aesthetic update.
The interior features contrasting stitching on the dashboard, door panels, and armrest, varying according to the type of seats selected. The new rotary gear selector, positioned on the redesigned center console, combines modernity and functionality, and also make it possible to change gears using the iconic billet aluminum paddles on the steering wheel. The Sport Speciale launch edition has a new multicolored gradient-effect ambient light is available on the dashboard.
The 12.3-inch Telescope digital instrument panel and 10.25-inch Alfa Connect infotainment system with customizable multitasking interfaces make it easy to manage all in-car functions, in a smartphone-like experience. Connectivity is total, thanks to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alfa Connect digital services and over-the-air (OTA) updates that keep the software up to date at all times.
Premium seats with eight-way electrical adjustment are offered in the front, along with four-way electrical lumbar support, heating and ventilation; the steering wheel and washer nozzles are also heated for complete comfort in all seasons.
The new “cannelloni” (ribbed weave) seats upholstered in red leather with coordinated stitching or in two-tone black/white Alcantara, the latter paired with the feature-rich dashboard upholstered in Alcantara with contrasting stitching.
The engine line up has a total output of 130kW for the Ibrida and 201kW for the Ibrida Plug-In. The Tonale Ibrida has a four-cylinder 1.5 Turbo engine with variable-geometry turbo (VGT), made solely for the Tonale, combined with 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and front-wheel drive, representing the latest evolution of the brand's 48V hybrid technology. The top of the range is the Q4 Ibrida Plug-In variants, with electrified all-wheel drive and 6-speed automatic transmission.
No word yet on when the new Tonale will be launched in Mzansi but current prices start at R739k.