Alfa Romeo reveals Tonale SUV with hybrid powertrains

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Alfa Romeo has launched a new compact SUV that will be offered with a choice of hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines.

The Tonale slots in to Alfa’s product line up beneath the larger Stelvio and is set to rival the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40.

It was first showcased, as a concept, back in 2019 at the Geneva Motorshow. The car’s arrival was delayed because Alfa CEO Jean-Phillippe Imparato insisted on a number of engineering changes.

The Tonale is built on a reworked version of the Jeep Compass platform and is offered with a similar plug-in hybrid powertrain as its American cousin.

Initially, the Tonale is powered by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with a 48v hybrid system. It uses a seven-speed dual clutch transmission with a built in electric motor and is capable of operating at low speeds with the petrol engine switched off. The system develops 160PS and is said to provide fuel economy that is comparable to a diesel engine.

The flagship model will us a plug-in hybrid powertrain that develops 275PS, has all-wheel-drive and a 37-mile zero-emission range.

It uses a 1.3-litre MultiAir turbo petrol engine to power the front wheels, while the electric motor is connected to the rear wheels. A 15.5kWh battery, which can be charged in 2.5 hours, boosts power and efficiency. Alfa Romeo says the Tonale plug-in hybrid can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 6.2 seconds.

Alfa Romeo claims that the Tonale offers best-in-class driving dynamics, achieved via a 50:50 weight distribution across the car’s two axles. The Tonale is fitted with frequency selective dampers, which can alter their characteristics depending on the road surface and the way the car is driven. This can provide a more comfortable ride when cruising, while ensuring the car remains sharp in corners.

On the inside, the Tonale provides a driver-centric cabin that represents an evolution of the interior used in the Giulia and Stelvio. A new infotainment system with a floating screen, and a digital instrument cluster, provides an enhanced digital experience and offers new connected services not seen in an Alfa Romeo before.

The Tonale is available in a choice of two trims, Ti and Veloce, as well as a Speciale launch edition. The Ti version defines itself externally with a satin chrome V front bezel, 18-inch dark finish diamond cut alloy wheels with coloured Alfa Romeo centre wheel caps, a gloss-black body kit, with satin side and front inserts, and black painted mirror caps. Inside, there's a sporty black cloth upholstery, driver’s seat with four-way lumbar adjustment, 60/40 split rear seats with ski pass and sport leather steering wheel with start button.

The Veloce builds on this with dark miron V front bezel, veloce badging and body kit, with matt side and front inserts, gloss black window surround, privacy glass and 19-inch dark finish diamond cut alloy wheels with monochrome Alfa Romeo centre wheel caps and red painted Brembo brake calipers.  Inside, the Veloce adds aluminium pedals and door sills and column mounted aluminium shift paddles to its black and red Alcantara upholstery. Under the skin, the Veloce also gains Alfa Dual Stage Valve suspension (DVS).

The Speciale launch edition mirrors the look of the Veloce but adds 20-inch dark finish diamond cut alloy wheels and dark miron Speciale badge as standard.