Italian premium car maker Alfa Romeo have unveiled their newest, revised compact sport utility vehicle (SUV); the Tonale. The original version was popular and now this latest model marks a new chapter for the brand's global aspirations, also offering a broader range of colours and trims too.
This latest evolution is a significant milestone in the journey of the Tonale, with clearly targeted enhancements to amplify its sporty character and unmistakable Italian design, just how enthusiastic drivers like it. This car has in fact achieved some international acclaim and has been embraced by customers, thanks to refining the brand’s core strengths; that is to say perfect weight balance, typically Alfa Romeo driving dynamics, segment-leading technology and power-train solutions plus the added appeal of the distinctive design.
Typically Italian Exterior
For Alfa Romeo, beauty has never been an abstract concept; they have always strived for the perfect balance between harmonious proportions, sculpted surfaces, muscular lines and technical functionality, the form defining the function, so to speak.
At the front, a new three-dimensional concave ‘Scudetto’ grille is introduced, at once giving the Tonale an even more grounded and confident stance. The lower air intakes reinforce the family connection with the sibling Alfa Romeo Junior, while the added side openings draw inspiration from the racing-inspired language of the iconic Giulia GTA.
The balance of proportions has been enhanced thanks to a reduced front overhang and a wider front and rear wheel track. The profile immediately draws attention too with the introduction of new and gorgeous 19 inch ‘Stile’ wheels, which remain true to the design tradition of Alfa Romeo or, alternatively, 20 inch ‘Fori’ wheels, with a lighter, more technical and contemporary look. Completing the aesthetic updates are the black and white Alfa Romeo emblems at the front and rear and black Tonale rear lettering on the Veloce and Sport Speciale (more on this later) trim variants.
A Prestige Interior
The passenger compartment of the new Tonale has also evolved with premium materials and refined details, introducing new colour and finish combinations, such as the new ‘cannelloni’ (ribbed weave) seats upholstered in red leather with coordinated stitching or in two-tone black/white ‘Alcantara’ suede.
This attention to detail continues throughout the cabin with contrasting stitching on the dashboard, door panels and armrest, varying according to the type of seats selected. Both leather and ‘Alcantara’ interiors feature premium seats with eight-way electrical adjustment in the front, four-way electrical lumbar support, heating and ventilation, while the steering wheel is also heated for complete comfort in all seasons. The new rotary gear selector, positioned on the redesigned centre console, combines modern functionality and operation, while allowing drivers to shift gears using the iconic billet aluminium paddles on the steering wheel.
Driving Dynamics
As ever, this is the essence of Alfa Romeo DNA. Driving aficionados know, at the heart of every Alfa Romeo is the ability to transform technology into driving emotion. As the famous automotive journalist and former Top Gear presenter James May once said; “Alfa Romeo’s have soul”.
That’s why the unmistakable handling of the Tonale is achieved through a perfectly balanced chassis with optimum weight distribution, independent McPherson suspension with sporty calibration at both the front and rear, four-piston Brembo brakes and the most direct steering in the segment, ensuring the ideal balance of stability, safety and driving dynamism.
Aluminium paddle shifters on the steering column allow for maximum engagement when changing gears while the Alfa DNA selector lets drivers tailor the car’s character to their preference. The result is a driving experience that embodies the essence of Alfa Romeo: agility, precision, reliability and unique ability to excite every driver.
A refined ‘Hybrid Control Processor’ delivers more prompt, linear and seamless power, making transitions between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor virtual imperceptible for comfort and smoothness. This delightful compact SUV is offered with a line-up of engines designed to meet differing market and customer demands.
The ‘Ibrida’ has a four-cylinder 175BHP (177PS) 1.5 turbo engine with a variable-geometry turbo (VGT), designed exclusively for the Tonale, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and front-wheel drive, representing the latest evolution of the brand's 48V hybrid technology. The top of the range is the ‘Q4 Ibrida’ Plug-In variant, with an electrified all-wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission, delivering 270BHP (274PS).
Fully Loaded
The new Alfa Romeo Tonale offers a comprehensive technology package, designed to deliver segment-leading safety, connectivity and comfort, in line with the brand's approach of using technology for the service of the driver.
The 12.3 inch ‘Telescope’ digital instrument panel and 10.25 inch ‘Alfa Connect’ infotainment system have customisable multi-tasking interfaces for a smartphone-like experience to manage in-car functions. Connectivity is seamless, with wireless ‘Apple CarPlay’ and ‘Android Auto’, plus over the air software updates.
The car is safe too: It has scored a 5-star ‘Euro NCAP’ safety rating, coming as it does with a suite of advanced Level 2 driving assistance systems including ‘Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control’ with ‘Lane Centring’, ‘Traffic Jam Assist’, ‘Blind Spot Detection’, ‘Rear Cross Path Detection’, ‘Driver Attention Monitoring’, as well as the traffic sign recognition system with ‘Intelligent Speed Assist’ and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Cameras provide the all-round view.
In-cabin comfort and enjoyment are elevated with a range of premium features including a 470W Harman Kardon audio system with 14 speakers and subwoofer (for playing the soundtrack of the original Italian Job movie), ventilated wireless smartphone charging, hands-free electric tailgate, dual-zone climate control with air quality sensor, electro chromatic rear-view and wing mirrors and heated and ventilated front seats.
There are various versions of this car each with alternative features and of course there’s an options list. There’s a newly added entry-level version, followed by the ‘Ti’ and ‘Veloce’ versions. The entry level Tonale version is the access point to the Alfa Romeo world offering comprehensive specifications without compromise. Its design features Full LED headlights and tail-lights with the characteristic 3+3 light signature and 17inch diamond-cut ‘Aerodinamico’ wheels.
The exterior of the ‘Ti’ version is distinguished by gloss black window frames and a dedicated badge on the front wing while, at top of the range, the ‘Veloce’ accentuates the sporty character of the Tonale. Driving dynamics benefit from ‘DSV’ dual-valve electronic suspension, designed to combine stability, comfort, and precision.
Plus The Tonale ‘Sport Speciale’
Completing the line-up is the Launch Edition, the Tonale Sport Speciale, designed to celebrate Italian sportiness at its pinnacle. It is the most exclusive expression of the line-up, with top-of-the-range specification and equipment. On the exterior, standout features include the silver accents on the side skirts and rear bumper, gloss-black Brembo brake calipers, and white Alfa Romeo lettering. Inside, the cabin has exclusive seats in black and white Alcantara, contrasting white stitching and ambient lights with specific visuals on the dashboard.
If an Alfa Romeo model from the small but perfectly formed range of cars from this Italian company is your ideal car, then please check in with us here at MHH International. We export cars from a wide range of prestige car makers to destinations worldwide including New Zealand and Kenya. Additionally, when you have chosen your perfect car, we’ll manage your purchase and VAT reclaim so you don’t need to think about it. The VAT saving will be in your purchase price from the beginning, so you don’t need to handle VAT paperwork or wait for the money to be returned to you. It’s all part of our professional export service. See the details on our comprehensive website.
