Alfa Romeo Tonale Review, Specs & Performance

Alfa Romeo Tonale in a nutshell

The striking Alfa Romeo Tonale is a hybrid SUV with drop-dead looks and extra va va voom. Meaning this fun-to-drive SUV will set you apart from the German SUV brigade but in style and with a surprising amount of space and economy.

Talking of the Germans, alternatives might include the BMW X1, Audi Q3 or even the entry-level Porsche Macan. You can maybe throw in the Volvo XC40 too. Read on to find out more.

ALFA ROMEO TONALE- ENGINES & ECONOMY

Engines

There are only two engine variants when it comes to the Tonale.

First up is the 1.5 turbocharged petrol mild-hybrid. This puts out 160ps and can get the SUV to sixty-two mph in 8.8 seconds. It's a four-cylinder engine, with a dual-clutch gearbox and front-wheel drive. The small electric motor and battery can power the tonale in pure electric mode for short distances, pulling away from traffic lights etc.

The Tonale's plug-in variant is an all-wheel drive with a combined power output of 271 bhp. It's a 1.3 Turbocharged petrol engine with a rear-mounted electric motor, supplying the vehicle's electric power. This power is delivered effectively, and the plug-in hybrid will reach 62 mph in only 6.2 seconds. Having all wheels driven means this variant could be the choice for people driving in wintry conditions or hilly or snowy areas.

ECONOMY

Both engines offer good economy for the size and space of the vehicle.

The mild-hybrid is capable of hitting 45.70 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle.

The plug-in hybrid Tonale will offer 38.5 miles of battery power, making this an attractive car for those wanting an electric school run or commute. But particularly if you want a stylish company car. The Benefit-in-Kind tax liability for the plug-in hybrid Tonale is 8%. The battery is 15.5kWh and will take two to three hours to recharge from a wall box charger at home. It's a powerful performer, giving the typical Alfa driver more fun and frolics. Official WLTP MPG is 201mpg, which you're unlikely ever to achieve. But we found it good in day-to-day use, considering the performance, as long as you keep that battery topped up!

ALFA ROMEO TONALE- DRIVING, SPACE & EQUIPMENT

DRIVING

The Tonale is composed and rewarding to drive out on the roads, as you would expect with a new Alfa. The hybrid model with the turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine delivers a responsive and smooth drive, while the mild hybrid is more impressive and more powerful, especially at low speeds - making city traffic a breeze to deal with.

It must be said the plug-in hybrid delivers a more polished performance with its turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol unit and more substantial electric motor, particularly on long motorway drives. But you really need to be charging regularly and doing enough miles to justify the extra cost.

Regarding handling, the Alfa is also a smooth car to enjoy, thanks to the unique suspension system and an agile offering for a compact SUV. There's good grip and body control in all versions of the car. Again, the plug-in benefits from all-wheel drive.

SPACE

Compared with rivals, occupants have plenty of space, and the boot sizes range depending on the model chosen. The mild hybrid offers 500 litres, which really stands up to the competition and sees off some of the smaller alternatives. In contrast, as with most plug-ins, the plug-in hybrid boot is reduced in size due to the battery pack and electric motor. This comes in at a not-disgraceful 395 litres.

EQUIPMENT

The interior is well designed with good use of premium materials, and it is a comfortable and relaxing place to spend time.

It's undoubtedly an Alfa - all sporty and purposeful. The new 10.25-inch infotainment display responds quickly and has an easy-to-use menu. There's also an excellent 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that is easy to configure - including a stylish retro choice that recreates Alfa's heritage as a racing car, nice touch.

The infotainment system is smartphone compatible, and the software will update using over-the-air updates.

Other standard features for the car include dual-zone air conditioning, wireless phone charging, heated and folding door mirrors and automatic lights and wipers. There's also a powered tailgate, keyless go, parking sensors and an impressive reversing camera.

The safety kit includes traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert and autonomous emergency braking.

There are two variants of the Tonale. The entry-level version gets 18-inch alloys, black cloth upholstery, a black body kit, and door mirrors.

The higher-spec Veloce delivers a different body kit, 19-inch alloys, and red Brembo brake callipers. Drivers also get to enjoy aluminium pedals and Alcantara upholstery.

SUMMARY

There's a lot to like about the Alfa Romeo Tonale range. It's the first model from the carmaker to feature electrification and is launched with a mild hybrid powertrain – with Alfa launching the plug-in hybrid in late 2022. The car firm says this model will help boost appeal to those living in urban areas.

In short, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is an impressive offering worth shortlisting for those interested in a compact luxury SUV. Because of the new plug-in hybrid version, it's likely suitable for company car drivers and private individuals with shorter commutes. All in all, we feel the Tonale will deliver economy, practicality and a rewarding drive, all served with a dash of Italian flair.

PROS & CONS OF THE ALFA ROMEO TONALE

PROS

• In a word. Style. The Tonale stands out in a crowd.
• 500-litre boot is practical.
• The Interior space is decent.
• Comfortable sports seats.

CONS

• Interior quality can feel a little lacking.
• Alexa and Google interface is confusing.
• Auto gearbox struggles to provide a smooth performance in the mild-hybrid.