Alfa Romeo is finally ready to tackle the compact crossover segment by introducing the new Tonale positioned below the company’s larger Stelvio SUV. It’s the first plug-in hybrid model from the fabled Italian brand and takes after the namesake concept unveiled about two years ago at the Geneva Motor Show.
While it doesn’t look as attractive as the 2019 showcar, the production-ready Tonale is an appealing sporty crossover with a sharper design compared to the Stelvio. Alfa Romeo is the latest automaker to adopt an LED light bar at the back to keep up with the most recent design trends. Sleek headlights flank the unmistakable shield (Scudetto) grille to respect the heritage in the electrified era.
Shown here is the range-topping Veloce trim level as Alfa Romeo has already ruled out plans for a Quadrifoglio model. If you’re wondering about its size, the Tonale is 178.3 inches (4.53 meters) long, 72.4 inches (1.84 meters) wide, and 63 inches (1.6 meters) tall. Although images depict the European version, the compact luxury crossover will also be sold in the United States.
At the heart of the PHEV variant will be a turbocharged 1.3-liter gasoline engine delivering 180 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The four-pot combustion unit will work with an electric motor sending 90 kilowatts to the rear axle for a combined output of 272 hp and all-wheel drive. It will have enough PHEV punch for a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) run in only 6.2 seconds.
Courtesy of a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 15.5 kWh, the electric range will surpass 30 miles (49 kilometers) on a single charge for the US model. As for the Euro-spec Tonale PHEV, it promises up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) in the city based on the WLTP cycle.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale will be available in the US with the plug-in hybrid as the optional powertrain alongside the standard 2.0-liter gasoline engine rated at 256 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). The non-electrified unit is hooked up to a nine-speed automatic also sending output to both axles. In other words, the high-riding Alfa will be sold in the US exclusively with the proprietary Q4 AWD system.
Elsewhere, the European version will be available with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine benefitting from 48V mild-hybrid tech to deliver 160 hp through a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. A lesser configuration with 130 hp is going to be offered, and it too will have the same gearbox. Alternatively, a 1.6-liter diesel rated at 130 hp and 235 lb-ft (320 Nm) will be offered together with a six-speed, dual-clutch auto.
These non-PHEV models are all front-wheel drive, but you do get an electronic limited-slip differential as standard equipment. In addition, an independent MacPherson suspension comes out of the box along with Brembo brakes with four-piston fixed and ventilated calipers.
Alfa Romeo will combine a fully digital 12.3-inch driver’s display with a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment, which has support for over-the-air updates and Amazon Alexa integration. Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging are standard in the US where a lot of safety features are included even on the base model:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
- Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA)
- Blindspot and Rear Cross Path detection
- Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection
- Driver Attention Assist and rear-seat reminder
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
Alfa Romeo will have the Tonale on sale this April in Europe where it’s going to sell a Special Edition launch version. In the US, the sporty crossover will be available to order from the fourth quarter of the year, with customer deliveries to start in Q1 2023.
Source: Alfa Romeo
