For the Tonale, Alfa Romeo spoke of “metamorphosis” and not of “revolution” from the very beginning. The historical symbols of the brand (trefoil nose, shield, telescope and red details) are all there to testify the clear desire not to renounce anything from the past for the new challenge. Compared to the concept, the final version of the Tonale is no great surprise: it is a combination of a precious heritage and contemporary allure. The car looks bigger than its actual size (4.53 metres long, 1.84 m wide and 1.60 m high), with an elongated bonnet and just the right muscularity for an SUV-coupé. The side of the vehicle is distinguished by a long curve below the waistline, referred to by Alfa Romeo designers as the “GT Line”, which runs from the rear to the front headlight, defining the car body. Full, elegant volumes alternate, recalling iconic cars such as the 8C Competizione. The unmissable trefoil nose and the distinctive shield stand out on the front. The wraparound rear window is also dynamic, paying homage to the 8C Competizione, as is the design of the alloy wheel rims featuring the Alfa Romeo stylistic feature of the “telephone disc”.
The charm of lights
The new Tonale definitely stands out for its signature lights. The headlights are nestled in the upper part of the front, confirming the traditional concept of “3+3”, also the result of the restyling of iconic models such as the SZ Zagato or the Proteo concept. At the rear, the car embraces the solution proposed in the concept; a kind of elegant sinusoid shape which, crossing the back from side to side, unequivocally characterises the Tonale. The interior design draws its inspiration from Alfa Romeo's racing history: dynamic and powerful shapes, harmonious and tense silhouettes. Everything is focused and directed towards the driver, including the air conditioning vents. The combination between the cold solidity of aluminium and the warmth of materials such as leather and Alcantara is bewitching. The new infotainment system consists of two large displays – reaching a total of 22.5”, a record in the segment – and a sophisticated, smooth and intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) to have all the functions at hand. Clear indications that this is an Alfa Romeo include the compact and sporty steering wheel that ensures a precise and direct steering feel, embellished by the exclusive aluminium gear paddles. The central console houses the new D.N.A. drive mode selector.
Make way for the hybrid
The Tonale expresses Alfa Romeo's first step in the electrification process of its vehicle range. The highlight is the brand-new 160 HP Hybrid VGT (Variable Geometry Turbo), which features a 1.5 petrol engine with variable geometry turbo charger, combined with the Alfa Romeo TCT seven-speed automatic double clutch transmission and the 15 kW and 55 Nm “P2” 48V electric motor. The entry level is represented by the 130 HP Hybrid version where the identical turbo charger delivers 130 HP of power. The ultimate performance levels are guaranteed by the exclusive Plug-in Hybrid Q4: the hybrid system in this case combines the 1.3 MultiAir turbo petrol engine from the Global Small Engine family, which provides traction to the front wheels, while the rear wheels are connected to the electric motor. The system envisages a 15.5 kWh battery and delivers a total power of 275 HP: it is the most sporting offer in its segment with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds. In addition, the Tonale Q4 is the most efficient Plug-in Hybrid C-SUV in the segment with an expected range of up to 80 km in the city cycle and over 60 km in the combined cycle. Always providing state-of-the-art efficiency, the battery is fully charged in 2.5 hours using the 7.4 kW quick charger. Those who still prefer traditional combustion engines can choose the well-known 130 HP 1.6 litre diesel.
Great dynamics
The new Tonale aims to provide that driving feeling which made the brand so great. A sports SUV, therefore, with the most direct steering in the segment (13.6) and the only one in the category equipped with the Integrated Brake System (IBS) and fitted with standard fixed aluminium paddles. Perfect braking is ensured by Brembo 4-piston fixed callipers, with self-ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The Tonale is fitted with fully independent MacPherson suspension with FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) shock absorbers. As for road holding, even in low grip conditions, it offers two traction solutions: Q4 four-wheel drive for the Plug-in Hybrid Q4 version and front-wheel drive for the Hybrid and Diesel versions, the latter also equipped with Alfa Romeo's electronic self-locking differential. The product range is completed by the “Dual Stage Valve" active suspension with electronically controlled damping. Pirelli P Zero tyres were also developed specifically for the Tonale.
The advantages of safety
The car is made safer by a level ADAS package with the possibility of level 2 autonomous driving. In addition to the front, side and curtain airbags (standard on the entire range), the Tonale has a Level 2 Autonomous driving ADAS package. State-of-the-art systems include Autonomous Emergency Braking with Vulnerable Road Users (which alerts the driver of the danger and brakes the vehicle to a stop to avoid or mitigate the collision by recognising the presence of a pedestrian or cyclist), the Drowsy Driver Detection controls the movements of the vehicle to detect the possible state of fatigue of the driver and the Rear Seat Reminder Alert. Sophisticated technological content also includes the integration of the sophisticated Amazon Alexa voice assistant and the Secure Delivery Service that allows you to select your car as the place of delivery for incoming parcels, unlocking the doors and allowing the courier to store them safely inside the vehicle. The Tonale is all this, and more.
