Alfa Romeo Tonale arrives from $49,900

ALFA ROMEO has revealed Australian pricing for its Tonale SUV this week, the hybridised model marking what the 112-year-old brand says is its metamorphosis to a new era of connectivity and electrification.

Named after one of Italy’s highest mountain passes, the Tonale maintains classic Alfa Romeo styling cues – including the V-shaped Scudetto grille and five-hole wheels – but with a brand-first 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and 48V mild hybrid system.

Priced from $49,900 plus on-road costs in Ti grade and $56,400 plus ORCs in Veloce trim, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is due to arrive in Australian showrooms from February 2023. The duo will be joined by a plug-in hybrid variant later in the year.

For now, the hybridised duo delivers Tonale customers 118kW of power at 5750rpm and 240Nm of torque from 1500rpm. Alfa Romeo says the driveline is a “unique offering in the segment” allowing “diesel-like fuel economy of 5.6 litres per 100km”.

Like many hybrid vehicles, the Tonale can be driven in EV mode at lower speeds (under 15km/h) but uses its 15kW electric motor primarily for silent starts, acceleration assistance and to recover energy when decelerating or braking.

Alfa Romeo says the Tonale’s cabin is inspired by past racing models and “promotes passion and driveability”.

Sporty touches including Alcantara upholstery, leatherette finishes and Alfa’s new Cannocchiale 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard, as does a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment array. Connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Tonale is further equipped with a comprehensive array of driver assistance and security systems including a 360-degree camera, Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, My Alfa Connect mobile phone app, LED adaptive matrix headlights with welcome and goodbye gesture adaptive driving beam technology.

Alfa Romeo has also equipped the Tonale with brake-by-wire technology that it says “guarantees a strong pedal feel, immediate response and added safety benefits”.

The chassis further benefits from Koni-sourced frequency selective dampers and electrically assisted steering.

Based on a modified version of the Fiat 500X/500L, Jeep Compass and Renegade platform, the Alfa Romeo scored a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating when tested this July. Alfa Romeo says the model will be further assessed by ANCAP later in 2022.

For Tonale Ti variants, standard equipment includes a gloss black body kit and wing mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel with engine starter button, soft-touch dashboard pad with beige stitching, 60:40 split-fold rear seats, black headlining, front and rear floor mats and aluminium pedals.

Additional technology and convenience features include a six-speaker audio system with digital radio reception, Alfa Connect Services with voice assistance, wireless device charging pad, front and rear USB A and C ports, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control and manually adjustable front seats.

Safety equipment extends to adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane support system, driver attention detection, six airbags, traffic sign recognition with speed assist, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and a spare wheel.

Meanwhile, the Tonale Veloce grade adds a Dark Miron finish to the grille and body kit, privacy glass, gloss black window frames, Brembo brake calipers in red, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the high-grade variant features perforated black Alcantara and leatherette upholstery with embroidered Biscione logo and red stitching, red accenting on the door cards and centre console, aluminium door sills and gear shift paddles.

Safety and driver assistance features include Level 2 autonomous driving with traffic jam assist, side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, blind spot detection with rear cross path alert, adaptive suspension and electrochromatic rear-view mirrors.

“We are very excited to see Alfa Romeo move towards electrification,” said Alfa Romeo Australia managing director Kevin Flynn.

“The Tonale Hybrid is the ultimate blend of past, present and future, with its classic style, meticulous interior, and driver-centric environment.

“The Alfa Romeo heritage shines through with modern style and ingenuity that makes the Tonale Hybrid one-of-a-kind,” he said.

2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.