Alfa Romeo is in a moment that many would consider to be in decline. Its range has been reduced to be limited to three models and the sportiness and character that they used to show off has been lost. Nevertheless, they want to return the splendor to the Italian firm and the first step is to make a model that is successful in sales. And what better than creating a compact SUV that goes to the segment that is most in demand. The Alfa Romeo Tonale It is the copy with which the “metamorphosis” of Alfa begins and is already on sale from 36,400 euros.
After a first approach to SUVs with the Stelvio, the Italian brand was clear about the path to follow. To reach a larger audience they had to do a little brother that was more affordablebut to maintain its character and personality.
Also that it was up to date in terms of design and that it offered electrified mechanics for adapt to current needs. With this formula the Alfa Romeo Tonale was born, which is manufactured in the Italian plant Giambattista Vico in Pomigliano d’Arco (Naples), one of the most technologically advanced facilities of Stellantis.
Exterior
Design is one of Alfa Romeo’s hallmarks. It is an aspect that makes their cars special, because conveys above-average passion. In the Tonale they manage to transmit a lot, so at first I would say that it is one of the most beautiful compact SUVs that we currently have on the market. It follows the same lines that the prototype proposed and leaves us with a very fluid front, with the “Tri-lobed” well present. That lower part of the bumper with two air intakes included next to the shield is one of the highlights along with headlights with the 3+3 concept that comes from reinterpreting the optics of other legendary models such as the SZ Zagato.
On the side of the Alfa Romeo Tonale you can see the so-called “GT Line”, which is what defines the silhouette of the car and is present below the belt line, from the rear to the headlights. Another detail that falls in love are the tires. You can go from 17 to 20 inches and optionally you can opt for the five-hole, “teledial”, in the style of the ones that the 8C Competizione had and that began in the 70s with the 33 Stradale. Unlike other SUVs, in this copy the robust image is not sought that provide black plastics in the underbody. Here elegance prevails and everything goes from the color of the bodywork, with some striking tones such as Miron.
behind does not go unnoticed either on the Italian model. Some shapes, such as the window seal or the upper part of the rear window, are reminiscent of those of the 8C Competizione. It also has a small roof spoiler and launches light signature, also with LED technology, with headlights full of personality. In the lower area, the bumper widens and inevitably reminds us of the Stelvio.
As we had already anticipated at the beginning, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is a compact SUV that comes to rival models of the size of the Volkswagen Tiguan or the Mazda CX-5. Has a length of 4.53 meters, a width of 1.84 meters and a height of 1.60 meters. The wheelbase goes up to 2.63 meters, so we see that it is slightly above average.
Inside
One of the premises of the Tonale was that of become a technology benchmark for Alpha. It achieves this with a new multimedia system that stands out in terms of software and connectivity. It is controlled from a 10.25-inch touch screen which offers a quick response and quite clarity in its menus. Although, as we said, the highlight comes with its complete connectivity thanks to Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and the incorporation of Amazon-Alexa as a personal assistant. This would allow the user to launch a command from home or to know the status of the vehicle anywhere.
The Tonale’s infotainment system features over-the-air (OTA) updates and also a second screen to complete the digital experience. It is a 12.3-inch instrumentation from which you can see all the necessary information.
It is controlled via a very sporty multifunction steering wheel, with fixed aluminum cams on the column, and can be configured in three different designs (Evolved, Relax and Heritage) depending on the user’s taste. In this case, not everything was going to be digital, since the Tonale also maintains the analog controls for climate control and some buttons related to driving.
The quality It is another point to highlight in this model. Alfa Romeo has always sought to position itself closer to premium manufacturers than to generalists and in the Tonale it has some winks. The construction of the finishes is more than correct and the quality of the materials used quite good in general. Details such as the upholstery that covers the seats or the upper plastics are convincing. Although there are also some shadows in the center console area.
The available space is one of the weak points of the Tonale. The truth is that there are more habitable models, especially in the rear seats. Here in the second row you can see more than enough space for the legs, although the head space is somewhat fair for users who exceed 1.85 meters. We also have the typical width problemwhich is insufficient to accommodate five adults with some comfort.
Trunk
However, when we get to the trunk of this model, there is nothing to object to. It is somewhat above average thanks to its 500 liter capacity well distributed thanks to straight and usable shapes. On this surface we see benefits such as lighting or hooks to fix bags and other cargo. There is also the possibility of accessing it from the second row of seats through a hatch.
Secondly, under the floor there is a hole to leave small objects, but we do not have the handy spare wheel. Yes, there is the possibility of folding the rear seats in two parts to leave a flat surface with a capacity that reaches no less than 1,550 liters.
Engine
The mechanical range of the Alfa Romeo Tonale is completely new and does not share much with that of other models of the brand such as the Stelvio or the Giulia. It is available with a motor diesel for those who need this fuel, which is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 131 hp. For the part of the gasoline, there are two options, both with the same configuration and with the DGT ECO label thanks to Mild Hybrid technology. The one with the greatest power is precisely the ones we are learning about.
With a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine linked to the 48V microhybrid system we have an access version with 130 hp. Although more interesting is this VGT 160, which has the 1.5 engine with variable geometry turbo to raise power to 160 hp and achieve better performance while maintaining the label and efficiency.
The top of the range is the Tonale Q4 hybrid plugthe only one with all-wheel drive, which combines the 1.3 MultiAir engine with another electric block and a 15.5 kWh battery to achieve an electric range of up to 60 kilometres.
Behaviour
It must be said that this 160 hp micro-hybrid engine is a alpha exclusive. The approach is the same as that seen in Jeep, but it introduces a variable geometry turbocharger to increase the level of power. It should also be added that it is only available with the TCT dual-clutch automatic transmission and seven brand relationships.
The first sensation that this mechanic leaves us is a refinement high, because it is hardly heard from within and few vibrations reach us. Its performance is quite good. without braggingof course, and its electrified solution is worth telling.
In this so-called hybrid model, the 48V P2 electric motor, which is a Mild Hybrid system that can add 15 kW and 55 Nm of torque in some cases. In practice, you may be able to move the wheels by itself in some specific situations such as starting or parking maneuvers below 30 km/h, in addition to maintaining cruises.
It achieves this with the energy stored in the 48 V battery, which powers that 0.8 kWh electric traction motor, which is double what these BSG systems usually have. We already said that the battery there was no space left insidebecause it barely has a volume of 11 liters and is placed in the central tunnel, between the front seats.
Talking at a technical level can be somewhat boring, so we are going to explain in real life what the electrical operation of this Tonale VGT 160 CV would be like. When we start it does it in electric mode, getting a very useful “Silent Start”. We also see that during the mark energy is recovered with braking and cruises, with “energy Recovering”. On the other hand, the “e-Boosting” increases the torque that reaches the wheels by combining the gasoline engine with an electric support. In “Electric Drive” there are some situations in which you shoot only with the electric, as would be the example of the first meters after the startwhen you are in a traffic jam or parking.
That would be done automatically without the user having to touch anything. Although if you want to influence driving you can always resort to the Alpha DNA driving modes. There is a new mode selector that allows you to switch between Advance Efficiency, Natural and Dynamic. There are not too many modifications between them, being the address what changes the most.
You can also modify the response of the suspension in two modes, Normal and Sport, in the case of mounting the optional “Dual Stage Valve”. The benefits are not bad at all in this micro-hybrid version, which accelerates 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds and has a top speed of 210 km/h.
In general, it is easy to see that the Alfa Romeo Tonale has a lot of character at a dynamic level. I would dare to say that it is one of the most fun compact SUVs to drive and that is because it transmits much more than most. A differential element is the address, which presumes to be the most direct of the segment with a ratio of 13.6:1 and has a satisfactory touch.
The suspension is also very well resolved and has a McPherson type scheme on both axes. As standard, it has “Frequency Selective Damping” technology, although optionally some electronics can be mounted that are adaptive and that improve its behavior.
It is also worth remembering that the braking system is remarkable, much better than its direct rivals. He achieves it with four-piston Brembo brake calipers and with the “Integrated Brake System” technology, which would be something mixed between the conventional mechanical brake and an electrically actuated one. It is related to the Dynamic Torque Vectoring system What it does is optimize traction by spreading torque like a mechanical differential, greatly reducing subtraction by transferring torque to the outside wheel to improve road holding.
Opinion cars.com
Alfa Romeo continues to demonstrate that, although things have changed, keep making cars with soul. The Tonale is an SUV, yes, but one of the best in its segment for drivers who enjoy driving. What would stand out most in this vehicle would be its striking and sweeping aestheticin addition to a very satisfactory driving dynamics.
The chassis has a outstanding set-up and this Mild Hybrid version would be at the intermediate point between usability and performance. Although we must also mention what will be a downside for many users: its price.
Though part of 36,400 euros In its access version, the Alfa Romeo Tonale can be quite expensive. If a high configuration is chosen, as is the case with the Veloce or directly with the Edizione Speciale, we have already talked about rates that will be close to 50,000 euros. And when the plug-in hybrid arrives, it will be even higher. Luckily, you can always visit pages like cars.com to benefit from the best offers for new vehicles, renting or financing.