Alfa Romeo Tonale

A concept turned reality, the first-ever Alfa Romeo Tonale is the Italian carmaker's first compact crossover that slots below the Stelvio. Serving as the indirect replacement for the Giulietta is no easy task because being a crossover, the Tonale could become the prime target for bashers and purists alike. The question is, should you want to drive one?

2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale

2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Priced at 36,000 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Alfa Romeo Tonale is another concept car turned reality, which is rather a pleasing move done by Alfa Romeo, but for some, it's another ad nauseam to add salt to their wounds because...why would Alfa Romeo need another crossover?

2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale interior

Beginning with the exterior, the Tonale stays faithful to the concept car but with a minor alternation involved before heading to the production block such as the doors. The concept car featured secret rear doors reminiscent of past Alfas. The production version, meanwhile, features normal rear doors to avoid people from door-related confusion. Although controversial, it's still enough to match the Tonale's concept.

The interior is modern Alfa Romeo stuff as expected, meaning this compact crossover is driver-focused. On the driver's view, you are greeted with key features such as the 12.3-inch instrumental cluster, 10.25-inch touch screen with smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa as well as OTA updates, and the Harman Kardon 14-speaker sound system. In terms of space, the Tonale is surprisingly more spacious than the Giulietta it replaces. What a twist.

2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Under the hood, the Tonale offers a choice of two petrol engines and a rather controversial 1.6 VGT-D diesel engine at launch with the first-ever PHEV variant arriving in the summer of 2023. The petrol variants come with 48V mild hybrid tech for the sake of electrification. The one with the 1.5 VGT 48V-Hybrid powertrain mated to a 7-speed TCT produces 160PS of power, 240Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 8.8 seconds, and a top speed of 212kph. The one with the 1.6 VGT-D engine has a combined fuel economy of 5.3L/100km, which sounds great but sadly, this is the new normal, and types of diesel are criminalized.

What about dynamics, while being offered only as a front-wheel-drive vehicle at launch with the PHEV later on with its Q4 four-wheel-drive system included, the Tonale feels somewhat easy to drive despite being a crossover SUV. With the most direct steering ratio in the segment, perfect weight balance, brake-by-wire braking, Brembo brake calipers, Alfa DNA, and e-LSD, the Tonale behaves like a hot hatch, which is surprisingly unorthodox in a car like this. Again, what a twist.

In terms of safety, the Tonale is classified as Level 2 autonomy thanks to its front camera, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, and Traffic Jam Assist systems. Combined with Blind Spot Detection, Emergency Braking, Attention Assist, and a 360-degree view monitor, among many others, the Tonale is all about getting concerned on the road, although speedo boys may end up running scared when autonomy kicks in.

Why would Alfa Romeo need another crossover? Truth be told, it's all about profits and the arrival of the first-ever Tonale made a clear statement that with its shock demand, it's becoming the Alfa for the masses due to its reasonable starting price. Whichever path it chooses, the Tonale is all about taking things seriously like every crossover should. Although not a decent alternative for the defunct Giulietta, it's still worth driving it on a daily basis.

Photo: Alfa Romeo