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Alfa Romeo Tonale Preview


This week, I've been over to Coventry's Advanced Technology centre, to preview the new mid size SUV from Alfa Romeo; the Tonale (rhymes with finale).

The Tonale, according to Alfa, signals La Metamorfosi; the company's radical evolution to a new era of connectivity and electrification.

Although it shares a platform with a number of sister brand Jeep models, Tonale has been reconfigured to deliver the characteristic Alfa Romeo driving dynamics; the team responsible for the Giulia GTA suspension were involved here. Steering feel is, according to Alfa engineers, the most direct in its class, that class comprising the Volvo XC40, the Audi Q3, Benz GLA, and Range Rover Evoque.

Two propulsion methods will be available in the UK:
A 160bhp, Miller cycle, 48v mild hybrid, equipped with an extra clutch, making it possible to move slowly, queue in traffic, and remain at a constant motorway speed powered only by electricity.
The plug in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) uses a 1.3 MultiAir petrol for the front wheels, and an electric motor for the rear, giving a combined output of 285bhp, and an electric range of c.40 miles.
In a motor manufacturing first, the Tonale uses Blockchain technology to immutably record service data, mileage, battery charge count and more, with the vehicle owner retaining ownership of the data.

Technology wise, there are Over The Air (OTA) software updates, Harman Kardon audio, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay capability, a 12.3inch digital dashboard, configurable to the driver's preference, with a choice of traditional gauges, contemporary digital readings, or a relaxing night panel mode displaying only essential info, just like SAABs of old. There's an Alexa-enabled voice controlled 10.25 inch central touchscreen. Using Alexa capability, owners can  allow an Amazon parcel to be dropped into the boot, using a one time pass code, if they think that's a good idea.

Equipped with level 2 autonomous driving technology, the Tonale features Adaptive cruise, auto braking with cyclist and pedestrian protection, drowsy driver detection and blind spot alerting.

The styling has largely remained true to the original concept as displayed in Geneva in 2019, drawing from Alfa's heritage, with inspiration from GT’s, Brera, and the SZ of yore.
Alfa are yet to release pricing, but given that its bigger stablemate, the Stelvio, is north of  £38k, expect the Tonale to land at £35k-ish before the option list has been ticked. Alongside the Speciale launch edition shown in the pics (which features those diamond cut 20” rims), two familiar trim levels will be available; Ti and Veloce.

Of course, any article on Alfa Romeo must mention reliability. The company are addressing that by providing a 5 year warranty on the car, and 8 years on the hybrid battery, which should help to allay potential owner fears. Put simply, if you find the standard loose piece of trim rolling about in the footwell, Alfa will pay to get it glued back on.

Orders open in April. 

Before I go, here's some gratuitous shots of a somewhat different Alfa on display at the event; the fire breathing, race-ready, 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo, 540 HP GTAm; a car which doesn't recognise the word "subtle", makes no apology for it, and nor should it.

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