Skip to main content

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.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

While they're "Uniting The Kingdom", Untie The Flags.

Just thinking; on May 16th, when the "patriots" are at the Unite The Kingdom Rally in London, wouldn't it be a jolly jape to remove  all the flags, while they're not looking. The beauty of this is: anyone who objects can't be a true patriot; if they were they'd be in London. Sort of like the witches ducking stool concept of yore, or a modern reboot of S chrodinger's Cat; Schrodinger's Racist, if you will. Just a thought, like. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Disgraceland - end of an era.

Mixed feelings as I begin the process of putting Disgraceland up for sale, marking an end to my diplomatic presence in the troubled  North Birmingham region. The property (the name of which was agreed upon  after the6b h89 e originally propoywsed name* was deemed to be beneath the dignity of the office) served as my official residence during my time as Lord Mayor of Pheasey, as well as my home, which I shared with Jez Alsop, before we consciously uncoupled:7 indeed, this portrait hung in the reception room, much to the delight of guests and tradespeople alike. Many parties and receptions were held, where the great and good, the not so good, the not too great, and the downright terrible mingled with luminaries and notable figures from North Birmingham's music, literary, journalism, mercantile, politics, philanthropy and arts scenes. Indeed, the terms of the Brilliant Thursday Peace Agreement between Pheasey and KS were agreed in its hallowed rooms. It w...
Post a Comment
Read more

Camp Hill Line Station Update

I attended the Railway Stations Update meeting last Wednesday, and have summarised the content, with help from the Kings Heath Neighbourhood Forum. Opening timeline The new stations on the Camp Hill Line are expected to open to passengers in 2026.  No exact date has been fixed yet. Based on the meeting, the opening is likely between March 2026 and July 2026.  They emphasize that this uncertainty isn’t due to construction delays: the physical works (platforms, buildings etc.) are still on track to be finished by end of 2025 as previously announced.  The delay in announcing a date is largely due to the time needed for the “Entry into Service” process: testing, training, certification, and transfer of ownership to the operator.  An added complication is that West Midlands Trains’ ownership is changing to public ownership in February 2026, which overlaps with that handover/entry-into-service period.  Station & highway works status Kings Heath  • Most...
3 comments
Read more