If the genesis of this capital novelty for Alfa has experienced some slowdowns, it is because Jean-Philippe Imparato, boss of the brand, did not yet find the Tonale "good enough".
He had asked the engineers to continue the work.
Today, it is therefore supposed to live up to expectations, and therefore has no more excuses: it has to be an Alfa – understand sexy and exciting to drive – and a car on which you can count.
True beauty!
For the first quality mentioned, we can say "validated"!
Sober but attractive design, harmonious proportions, optical units full of character… The Tonale reminds us that the Italians are definitely the masters of design.
In the passenger compartment, we also see that the choice of materials and the quality of assembly were a major concern.
Yes, there are less noble plastics in the lower part of the interior, but this is an evolution observed throughout the compact SUV segment.
On the technology side, everything is there: the digital dashboard (but inserted in the typical Alfa "double counter"), a central screen of very good dimensions, and a perfectly up-to-date infotainment system, which retains real physical controls. , for the temperature for example.
Alfa thus sets an example for the French brands of the giant Stellantis (Peugeot-Citroën-DS).
The space for the 5 seats is quite sufficient, as is the 500-litre trunk.
We will just note that for a family car, it lacks a bit of storage areas.
Alfa or not Alfa?
This is the real question, at least for enthusiasts.
The Tonale uses the platform of the Jeep Compass, but deeply redesigned, especially in terms of suspensions.
As for the mechanics, the career of the model begins with a 1.5 turbo engine, assisted by the 48V micro-hybridization currently the most advanced on the market.
Indeed, it is the only one of its kind that is really capable of moving the vehicle alone a few hundred meters at a time.
This mechanism is offered in 130 and 160 horsepower.
The catalog will of course be enriched over the months, in particular with a 275hp plug-in hybrid version!
And so much the better, because let's admit that the 160 version taken in hand, although very competent, does not offer the Tonale the "life" and the sensations expected of an Alfa.
Remains the chassis, real difference of the brand in general.
At the wheel, you immediately feel that great attention has been paid to the settings.
The Tonale is precise, and its front axle is clearly the most aggressive in the category.
And even if we wanted it to be more resistant at times, the steering is typical of the brand: direct and offering a really different feeling.
The body barely leans in the turns, and the rear axle follows like on rails.
And somewhere, that's what the purest lovers of the brand will blame him for: the Tonale is very effective, but perhaps a little too "clinical".
At the same time, it
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The Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid 160 in a few figures
Engine: 4 cyl petrol, turbo, micro-hybrid;
1.496 cc;
160hp;
240Nm.
Transmission: to the front wheels.
Gearbox: 7-speed dual-clutch auto.
L/W/H (mm): 4.528/1.841/1.601
Empty weight (kg): 1,600
Trunk (l): 500 – 1550
Tank (l): 55
0 - 100 km/u (sec.): 8.8
Maximum speed (km/h): 210
Cons.
Average (l/100 km): 5.7 - 6.3
CO2 (g/km): 130 – 144
Price (€): 41,000
Automotive
Car
SUV
Alfa Romeo
Hybrid cars