Compact SUV marks the metamorphosis of the Italian brand
Alfa Romeo presents the new Tonale, the model that marks the brand’s transformation under the new owner Stellantis. While staying true to its DNA of Italian sportiness since 1910, a radical evolution is taking place at Alfa Romeo in order to survive, which is looking ahead to a new era of connectivity and electrification starting with the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 rival.
The final design of the Tonale is stays loyal to the concept car from which it draws its origins, courtesy of the remarkable work done at the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo.
The notable extended curve along the waist line, so called the ‘GT Line’, which runs from the rear to the headlights, giving definition to the car’s body and its profile. In the lower part of the sides, special modelling of the surfaces conveys sensuality and athleticism in the car’s body. All these characteristic elements are deeply rooted in the brand’s DNA. In terms of the modelling, its full volumes and sensuality are reminiscent of models such as the 8C Competizione.
At the front, the new floating ‘Scudetto’ shield stands out, no longer at one with the front bumper but a distinguishing section. The lower part includes two main side air intakes which together with the shield create what is known as the Trilobo. Most notable though are the beautiful 3+3 headlights inspired by the SZ Zagato and the Proteo concept car, the new full-LED adaptive matrix were developed in conjunction with Marelli, the three modules make up a unique frontline for the car and simultaneously provide daylight, dynamic turn signals and a ‘welcome and goodbye’ feature (activated when the driver turns the car on or off). The Tonale sees the introduction of new lighting technology including; Adaptive Driving Beam which constantly adjusts the dipped headlights according to speed and specific driving conditions; Glare-Free High Beam Segmented Technology which automatically detects traffic in front and traveling in the opposite direction to avoid glare from other cars; a third module which is automatically activated when turning corners to ensure the best lateral lighting. These technologies offer greater efficiency – in terms of durability and energy saving, with twice the light intensity of conventional halogen lamps and lower emissions – and improved safety, with less eye strain and better driving comfort.
The lights are once again the most notable at the rear, It reworks the scheme from the concept, in a slight curve that passes from either side of the rear only divided by the badge and becomes the unmistakable light signature of the Tonale.
The new alloy wheels, much cherished on the concept car, now feature on the production model. This is the modern take of the perforated telephone dial theme, the result of an evolution that began in the 1960s with the 33 Stradale. The Tonale is available with a choice of 17, 18, 19 and 20-inch alloy wheels to enhance the model’s silhouette.
The interior design of the Tonale draws inspiration from the racing heritage of Alfa Romeo, everything is driver-centric, even though the interior is also designed for the comfort of passengers. The driver’s seat has been tailored like fabric, with the diagonal tunnel, slightly undulating dashboards and instruments facing the driver. All the controls are at the driver’s fingertips and easily accessible, both the physical ones and the digital controls, accessed from the central display. As such, customers can enjoy an engaging driving experience free of distractions.
The distinctive elements of the new model include the telescopic 12.3 inch instrument panel, with clear Alfa Romeo stylistic theme, a compact steering wheel which ensures a precise and direct steering feel with exclusive aluminium shift paddles, plus a 10.25in touchscreen with a customisable home screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, over-the-air updates and a host of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assistance.
Amazon Alexa voice assistant also features with the ability for Amazon to deliver parcels directly to the car by the owner unlocking the car remotely.
The Tonale is equipped with new Alfa Romeo Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for Level 2 autonomous driving, for automatic handling of acceleration, braking and remaining within lane while maintaining maximum driving safety and leaving the pleasure of sitting at the wheel intact.
The Tonale has all the technology you can expect from a premium SUV in which software is at the forefront the Italian brands reinvention.
The new D.N.A. driving mode selector, slim central air conditioning vents and external turbine shaped vents, the central tunnel and handles are embellished with a diamond texture inspired by precision mechanical processing with laser engraving. The dashboard also includes an insert with a backlight effect, so when the panel is off a graphic appears and when on the graphic vanishes and a new background is shown, using the multicoloured backlight. The same 3D features can be seen in the seat fabrics, from the basic versions all the way to the gradient effect with contrasting background colour in Alcantara and vegan leather, on the highest-spec versions. The ergonomic seats are perfect for everyday use, upholstered in a neoprene fabric commonly seen in sportswear.
Alfa Romeo Tonale introduces a new line-up strategy, two trim levels are available – Super and Ti, both with clearly defined specifications that meet the needs of the most discerning customers. The Super trim, can be customised with the Sprint pack, which includes numerous options with a strong sporty undertone. Alternatively, the Ti trim, which enhances the elegant and distinctive character of the Tonale, can be enhanced with the Veloce pack, to reach the peak in terms of performance and sportiness.
For the time being the Alfa Romeo Tonale is fitted with a range of efficient hybrid engines. The entry level to the Tonale is the 130hp hybrid version, the new four-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with 130hp and 240Nm of torque, paired with the exclusive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and built-in 48-volt 15kW and 55Nm ‘P2’ electric motor.
The 160hp hybrid Variable-Geometry Turbo (VGT) engine makes its exclusive debut in the Tonale. This version is equipped with front-wheel drive and a new hybrid technology. Its variable-geometry turbocharger, paired with a seven-speed Alfa Romeo TCT dual-clutch transmission and the 48-volt 15kW 55Nm P2 electric motor, makes it possible for the 1.5-litre petrol engine to propel the wheels even when the internal combustion engine is turned off. Alfa Romeo has opted for this technical solution to offer an authentic electrified experience. The transmission enables start-up and travel in electric mode at low speeds and when parking and cruising, ensuring the typical performance of a petrol engine but with consumption (petrol and electric combined) comparable to a diesel engine, with an extremely linear power delivery and consistent acceleration.
The top performance model in the line-up is the exclusive 275hp plug-in hybrid Q4,. The advanced hybrid system combines a 1.3-litre MultiAir turbo petrol engine, to provide drive to the front wheels while a 15.5kWh electric motor is connected to the rear wheels. This arrangement achieves 0-62mph in just 6.2 seconds. The Tonale Q4 is also the most efficient plug-in hybrid C-SUV, with an electric range of up to 50 miles on the city cycle and over 37 miles on the combined cycle. In the name of maximum efficiency, a full battery charge takes 2.5 hours when using the 7.4kW fast charger.
One of the primary objectives of the Tonale was to achieve maximum driving pleasure. With the goal of perfect weight distribution between the two axles, which was done by working on the car’s layout and by placing all the heavier components as centrally as possible.
The steering feeling, as precise and direct as can be expected from an Alfa Romeo, is emphasised by the adoption of the geometry in the independent MacPherson suspension with frequency-selective damping.
The new Alfa Romeo Tonale adopts the Integrated Brake System (IBS), an innovative electromechanical system that combines stability control with conventional servo brakes. The integration between electronics and mechanics, significant weight optimisation, optimal feeling and the total absence of pedal vibrations guarantee the system an instantaneous brake response. The adoption of fixed callipers by Brembo, with four pistons and self-ventilated discs at the front and full discs at the rear, contributes to the improved braking performance.
The Dual Stage Valve electronic suspension provides a selection between performance and comfort. Developed in conjunction with Marelli, the electronic shock absorbers feature a special electro actuated valve within the shock absorber that provides independent damping curves. Two modes are available, Comfort and Sport. The former is the pre-set calibration in the D.N.A.
The compact SUV is Alfa Romeo’s first venture into electrification, and intentions for the brand from 2027, to launch only electric cars. Following the Tonale’s introduction this year, the brand will launch a new car every year until 2030, Alfa’s first fully electric model, a small SUV understood to be called the Brennero, will arrive in 2025, while a GTV-badged model, rumoured to be an electric four-door coupé, is also expected in the line-up. In addition, there will be replacements for the current Giulia saloon and Stelvio SUV.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is built on a revamped production line dedicated to the new Alfa Romeo model at the refurbished Giambattista Vico Stellantis plant, one of the group’s most advanced production sites in Pomigliano d’Arco, Naples.
UK pricing and specification are subject to a further announcement.