ALFA ROMEO has unveiled its first all-new mannequin since 2016 within the form of the Tonale premium small SUV, which is able to compete with fashions such because the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40 when it goes on sale in Australia early subsequent 12 months.
Though it’s formally the primary new Alfa Romeo mannequin to be launched for the reason that formation of the Stellantis Group early in 2021, it’s not constructed on shared (PSA-sourced) underpinnings. As an alternative, it’s primarily based on a modified model of the Fiat 500X/500L, Jeep Compass and Renegade platform.
Followers of the Alfa Romeo model will probably be relieved to see that the manufacturing model of the long-awaited Tonale (Toe-nah-ley) isn’t dramatically watered down, stylistically talking, from the idea model that debuted on the Geneva Present in 2019. Some would even go as far as to say the newcomer is probably the most distinctive/least spinoff design within the premium small SUV phase.
At 4530mm in size, 1840mm in width and 1600mm tall, the Tonale has a low-slung silhouette, with a definite “GT Line” that runs alongside the waistrail from the rear to the headlights, quick overhangs, sport bumpers and “teledial” wheels out there in 17- to 20-inch in dimension.
The newcomer is immediately recognisable by its “3+3” Full-LED Adaptive Matrix headlights, which incorporate DRLs, dynamic flip alerts and a “Welcome and Goodbye” capabilities and work at the side of Adaptive Driving Beam and Glare-Free Excessive Beam Segmented Know-how.
On the rear, the mixed tail-lamp and lightweight bar LED module echoes the design cues of the headlights and varieties a sine curve that totally wraps across the Italian newcomer’s tailgate.
The sporty theme continues inside the place the “telescopic” instrument panel behind the 3-spoke sports activities steering wheel (fitted with aluminium shift paddles) homes a 12.3-inch TFT display, which is complemented by an Android-powered 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment array, which incorporates, inter alia, navigation, the Alexa voice assistant and a 360-degree digicam view (with dynamic grid).
Over-the-air updates and quite a few Alfa Join Service apps are supported.
Different conveniences provided embrace the brand new DNA drive-mode selector, which juts out from one of many uprights above the centre console, dual-zone local weather management, ventilated and heated entrance sports activities seats, LED ambient gentle, 14-speaker audio system by Harman Kardon, wi-fi charging pad, a “Semi-Computerized Parking” system, reverse digicam and an electronically operated tailgate.
The brand new mannequin additionally marks a major departure for Alfa Romeo… Though the Tonale will probably be out there with 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.3-litre turbo-diesel engines, such derivatives will solely be provided in chosen markets. As an alternative, petrol-electric powertrains dominate the line-up.
From launch, the Tonale will probably be provided in hybrid and plug-in hybrid guise with a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine mixed with a 48-volt 15kW and 55Nm “P2” electrical motor.
The entry-grade petrol-electric mild-hybrid produces 97kW/240Nm and drives the Tonale’s entrance wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Mid-tier variants function a variable-geometry turbocharger to provide peak energy of 119kW, whereas the range-topping plug-in hybrid This fall makes use of a six-speed torque converter transmission and has a mixed energy output of 205kW.
Along with that includes all-wheel drive, the Plug-in Hybrid This fall is supplied with a 15.5kWh battery. Alfa Romeo claims the top-of-the-range Tonale has an electric-only vary of as much as 80km within the metropolis cycle (60km on the mixed cycle), a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.2 seconds and {that a} full battery cost will take 2.5 hours when utilizing a 7.4kW quick charger.
The newcomer can be mentioned to have 50:50 weight distribution and “probably the most direct steering ratio within the phase” (13.6:1). It rides on impartial MacPherson suspension with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) expertise, with digital adaptive suspension as an choice.
An digital limited-slip differential is customary, whereas stopping energy comes courtesy of a brake-by-wire setup (Built-in Brake System), with ventilated discs and Brembo four-piston calipers on the entrance.
Aside from being outfitted with the standard lively and passive security options, the Tonale is offered with varied superior driver help methods, corresponding to clever adaptive cruise- and velocity management, lane centring and traffic-jam help, plus autonomous emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot detection, rear cross path detection and drowsy driver detection
The Alfa Romeo Tonale will probably be manufactured at Stellantis’ Pomigliano d’Arco facility in Italy.
