Long-awaited Alfa Romeo Tonale debuts

The issue of the semi-conductor shortage due to the pandemic has had a bad effect on the automotive industry with almost every manufacturer feeling the pinch of it. ‍

An example is the delayed premiere of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. It’s been a long time coming since first making its debut in concept form at the 2019 Geneva Motor show. It was then delayed due to the shortage of semi-conductors.

Breathe a sigh of relief oh world, the Alfa Romeo Tonale has finally broken cover looking different from other Alfas dominating the roads today. The new Alfa Romeo Tonale measures 4.53 m in length, 1.84 m in width and stands 1.6 m tall making it a margin smaller than the Stelvio. 

The exterior of the Alfa Romeo Tonale follows the same DNA of the brand in the form of a new floating ‘Scudetto’ shield, two main side air intakes on the lower part on the front fascia to form what Alfa calls Trilobo. The front-end is further dominated by ‘3+3’ headlights that get inspiration from the SZ Zagato Proteo concept car. The headlights come fitted with a new full-LED adaptive matrix, Adaptive Driving Beam and Glare-Free High Beam Segmented Technology. 

At the rear, it boasts a round-like fold in the lower centre line plus a distinctive rear light signature. The exterior is further rounded off by the availability of 17”, 18” 19” and 20” wheel choices. 

According to Alfa Romeo, the driver-centric interior of the Tonale draws its inspiration from the racing heritage of the the brand. Offered as standard is a new infotainment system that consists of two displays, 10.25” and 12.3” and houses a sophisticated HMI, well, so says Alfa. The 10.25” system features a customisable Android operating system, 4G connectivity with over-the-air updates and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity that come standard. There is also a fully-digital 12.3” TFT instrument panel that can be configured using three layouts; Evolved, Relax and Heritage, the latter inspired by the brand's iconic models. 

Besides the inclusion of aluminium paddle shifters, the new Alfa Romeo is equipped with a new D.N.A driving mode selector. The wheel is also embellished by the exclusive aluminium shift paddles.

Powering the new Alfa Romeo Tonale is a range of electrified engines in two electrification levels; hybrid and plug-in hybrid. It remains to be seen if these will be offered locally. 

Making its exclusive debut in the Alfa Romeo Tonale is a 1.5-litre hybrid Variable-Geometry Turbo engine with 120 kW. The engine is wielded to a 48-Volt 15 kW 55 Nm P2 electric motor and a 7-speed TCT dual-clutch transmission. 

The entry-level Tonale is powered by a hybrid version of the new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 95 kW and 240 Nm paired with a built-in 48-volt 15 kW and 55 Nm P2 electric motor and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 

Sitting at the top of the Tonale range is the plug-in hybrid variant that employs a 1.3-litre MultiAir turbocharged petrol engine from the Global Small Engine basket. As a hybridised derivative with a Q4 all-wheel-drive system, the engine drives the front wheels while the electric motor takes care of the rear axle. 

The total power output of the setup is rated at 205 kW, thanks to a 15.5 kWh battery pack that can be fully recharged in 2.5 hours when using the 7.4 kW charger. Alfa Romeo claims over 60 km of combined electric driving range. 

Safety in the Tonale comes from a long list of features including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection.

Buyers can upgrade to technology that supports level two autonomy as an option. 

The new Alfa Romeo is available in two trim levels; Super and TI. The Super trim can be customised using the Sprint pack while the Ti can be enhanced with the Veloce pack. 

Alfa Romeo’s Tonale is earmarked for a local introduction later in the year.