Introducing the New Alfa Romeo Tonale
As Alfa Romeo's first-ever production plug-in hybrid, the Tonale takes its name from the Passo del Tonale, a mountain pass cutting through the Alps between Lombardy and Trentino.
Positioned above the Junior and below the larger Stelvio in Alfa Romeo's line-up, the Tonale PHEV combines a 1.3 litre turbocharged petrol engine with a rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 276bhp and all-wheel drive as standard. With up to 40 miles of pure electric range on the WLTP cycle, it's a car that can handle the daily commute on battery power alone, while the combined drivetrain takes over seamlessly on longer trips.
On paper, this is a practical family SUV. On the road, it's a reminder that Alfa Romeo has never settled for ordinary.
Design and Practicality
At 4.53 metres long, the Tonale looks confident on the road. Alfa's three-beam LED headlights and sculpted bonnet turn heads, while the tapered roofline and integrated rear spoiler add a sporty edge.
Available premium leather upholstery and ambient lighting create an air of sophistication in the cabin. The higher seating position provides a great view of the road, which makes busy traffic feel a lot less stressful. The central 10.25-inch touchscreen is flanked by clear physical controls, and the interior feels bigger than the exterior dimensions might suggest.
At 385 litres, boot space is slightly reduced by the battery pack, though it's plenty big enough for family life. Fold the rear seats and the load space increases to an impressive 1,430 litres. Plenty of clever storage dotted throughout the cabin adds to the everyday practicality.
Technology and Safety
The level of standard specification will have you nodding in approval. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system on higher trims, all come as part of the package. Better still, the Alfa Romeo Connect app lets you check battery status, schedule charging during off-peak hours and control cabin temperature from home or the office.
Driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, lane-centring assist, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera on upper trims. Alfa's DNA Pro drive mode system on the Tonale adds a dedicated ESC Off mode for more dynamic driving, along with the standard Dynamic, Natural and Advance Efficiency settings.
Tech geeks might also be interested to know that the Tonale was the world's first production car to come with a blockchain-based NFT digital certificate as standard, logging its service history in a tamper-proof record designed to protect that all-important residual value.
Engines and Performance
The engine line-up is pretty straightforward with the Tonale, as Alfa Romeo has decided to limit the range to just a handful of options.
Standard variants come with an efficient 1.5-litre mild hybrid that produces 214bhp, which is more than enough punch to deliver an engaging driving experience. Economy is equally as impressive, with just short of 50mpg being achievable on a combined cycle, ensuring your trips to the pumps are less frequent.
For the first time ever in an Alfa Romeo, plug-in hybrid technology is also available with the Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4. These variants pair a 1.3-litre four-cylinder unit with a 90kW electric motor to deliver 280bhp. They also offer the added benefit of Alfa Romeo's intelligent Q4 all-wheel drive system for enhanced driving dynamics.
Whichever powertrain you opt for, you can rest assured knowing this is a family car that prioritises both family practicalities, as well as everyday performance. Both powertrains come equipped with an automatic transmission for added comfort, too.
Tonale Models
Sprint
Key features:
- 18" Two-tone Alloys
- Glossy black body kit with dark Matte inserts
- Matrix full LED headlamps
- Black fabric and Scuba Leatherette seats with "biscione" logo
- Sports leather steering wheel
- Beige accent stitching
- 10.2" radio touch screen
- 12.3" "Cannocchiale" customisable digital cluster
- Adaptive Cruise control
Veloce
Key features:
- 19" Two-tone alloy wheels
- Tinted rear windows
- Red Brembo brake calipers
- Perforated black leather seats
- Ambient lighting
- Aluminium trim accents
- Active Dual Stafe Valve Suspension
Intensa
Key features:
- 20" alloy wheels
- Black Brembo brake calipers
- Tan stitching on dashboard, armrests, and door panels
- 2 tone steering wheel
- Alfa Romeo embroided logo on alcantara seats
- Wireless charging pad
- Electrochromic exterior mirros
- Heated washer nozzles
- Level 2 assisted driving
- Harmon Kardon Premium sound system with 14 speakers
Discover the Alfa Romeo Tonale at Evans Halshaw
The Alfa Romeo Tonale represents over 100 years of racing heritage including five world motorsport titles, eleven Mille Miglia, ten Targa Florio and four Le Mans 24-hour races. This has helped make the Alfa Romeo line up as exciting as possible. The Tonale is the culmination of this combining everyday practicality, efficient power trains and heritage styling.
To find out more about the Alfa Romeo Tonale get in touch with your local Evans Halshaw Alfa Romeo retailer today.
