Alfa Romeo tonal

Alfa Romeo He wants to go back to being what he once was. Those from Turin are living a second youth at the hands of FCA, now belonging to the constellation of the Stellantis Group, one of the largest automobile producers in the world. The Alfa Romeo tonal it is their youngest product, and the one they hope will become the cornerstone of the brand. A compact SUV that arrives to compete in the toughest of European segments.

We have tested this car:

Test Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV, a plug-in hybrid with a sporty essence Test Alfa Romeo Tonale 130 CV mild hybrid (with video)

To put it in some way, the Tonale replaces the old house compact, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Alfa Romeo does not say goodbye to the C segment, but it does change focus. From a more classic model to a more modern and popular approach with an SUV body. There are no precedents for the model, being the first time it has been seen in the range. Its design is based on the prototype launched in 2019, the Tonale Concept, ranking by size, one step below the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Technical characteristics of the Alfa Romeo Tonale

As we have already said, Alfa Romeo is part of the great Stellantis conglomerate. However, the Tonale project was launched long before the signing of the agreement, so the compact SUV only uses part of the resources of the powerful squad. under its body, the Alfa Romeo Tonale hides the FCA S-USW platform, which is the same one used by his twin brother, the Jeep Compass.

The use of medium architecture gives it access to the brand new compact sector, presenting measures that perfectly fit it into the category. Outwardly it reaches 4,53 meters long, 1,83 meters wide and 1,6 meters high. To these levels must be added a wheelbase with 2,66 meters in length, which allows you to homologate an interior space for a maximum of five passengers.

Three of them are installed in a well used second row, although the largest passengers will have certain limitations in height. Regarding load capacity, the Alfa Romeo Tonale announces a trunk volume of 500 liters, a somewhat smaller amount in the plug-in hybrid versions, 385 liters. It is a standard volume within the category, positioning itself in the middle with respect to its closest rivals.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Alfa Romeo Tonale

The fact of not having the most modern platform of the Stellantis Group for its compact range has not been a great impediment for the Tonale. The S-USW architecture allows the incorporation of a wide spectrum of mechanics. Diesel and gasoline versions that in superior electrification formats are complemented by plug-in hybrid solutions. All units come standard with an automatic gearbox.

The range starts with the version 1.6 Multijet diesel with 130 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. It is always associated with a six-speed automatic gearbox that sends all the power to the front axle. From there all units offer some type of electrification. In a light format we find the block 1.5 T4MHEV with automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine is capable of presenting two levels of performance. 130 horsepower and 240 Nm for the less powerful version, and 160 horsepower for the most powerful unit. Above them is positioned, at least for the moment, the plug-in hybrid.

As with the platform, Alfa Romeo has thrown down the gauntlet to a scheme already introduced by the Compass PHEV. It is a 4-liter 1.3-cylinder gasoline engine that is accompanied by an electric motor and a 15,5 kWh capacity battery. The system delivers a maximum power of 280 horsepower with an approved autonomy in the WLTP cycle of up to 69 kilometers. Said 1.3 T4 PHEV unit is the only one to enjoy the usual all-wheel drive scheme of the house, called e-Q4.

Equipment of the Alfa Romeo Tonale

Alfa Romeo wants to compete in the premium segment of the C-SUV category, forcing it to take on the market leaders; Germans. to face them, the Alfa Romeo Tonale presents a very well presented interior, both in materials and finishes. Pleasant touch surfaces raise the feeling of quality, being completed with the most cutting-edge technology of the house. The Tonale is the first to release some systems.

As usual in the Turin house, the equipment is delivered at different levels. At its launch, the offer is made up of the Super and Sprint finishes. You, Veloce and Edizione Speciale that includes a very complete equipment for a very adjusted price. Each of them is marked by a particular equipment and a different aesthetic presentation, being able to choose between models with a more sober appearance or others that are sportier and more attractive.

The technological offer is very well implemented. The Alfa Romeo Tonale does not leave out a single element that is considered essential today. The list of details is long, highlighting technologies such as: Full LED headlights, digital instrumentation, Android multimedia system with a 10,25-inch panel, connectivity for mobile devices, inductive charging, parking cameras, dual-zone climate control, electric seats and a complete equipment safety and driving assistants.

Alfa Romeo Tonale test on video

The Alfa Romeo Tonale according to Euro NCAP

When looking at security, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is certified as a five-star Euro NCAP model, the highest possible score. The results by sections are: 83 out of 100 in adult passenger protection, 85 out of 100 in child passenger protection, 67 out of 100 in pedestrian vulnerability and 85 out of 100 in driving assistants and active safety elements.

Rivals of the Alfa Romeo Tonale

From Turin they want bet on the premium market, where German firms dominate with an iron fist. Such consideration forces the Tonale to face models as popular as the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, Listen Q3, Volvo XC40 or Jaguar E Pace, among others. All of them have the same consideration of premium cut models, both for finishes and for technologies and price. The Italian is the most recent model, and also the most highly regarded in design and handling.

Highlight

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Equipment
mechanical versatility

To improve

reduced range
Customization options
Price

Alfa Romeo Tonale Price

When setting sales prices, Alfa Romeo has opted for a more premium approach, trying to stand up to German brands. Bearing this in mind, the starting price of the Alfa Romeo Tonale is 36.400 euros, without offers or promotions. That price is associated with the version with a Super finish and gasoline mechanics with 130 horsepower. The most expensive is the Tonale PHEV, its technology starts from a minimum price of 51.000 euros for the Edizione Speciale version.