With a rich history of producing stunning and powerful vehicles, Alfa Romeo has always been at the forefront of automotive innovation. In recent years, the famed Italian marque has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible with evolving industry limitations. Now, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is prepared to take the Italian brand to new heights.
The Tonale is named after a mountain pass in Italy and takes inspiration from the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, one of the most beautiful cars ever made. As such, it was designed to be a sporty, dynamic vehicle, with a sleek profile and muscular lines embodied with the practicality and versatility of an SUV. Apart from its gorgeous looks, the Tonale represents a time of change for the Italian brand as they embrace the electrified future.
Alfa Romeo has stated:
Tonale has proved to be a success in 2022 with a tight control of quality which has been improved significantly. A year full of exciting challenges but above all excellent commercial performance that highlight a clear growth in Europe with registrations growing by 22% leading to a significant growth in market share, in contrast to the results of a region that records a 11% drop vs. 2021. In terms of registrations, many markets are reporting strong results vs. 2021: France +101%, Italy +22%, Germany +22%, Spain +28%, Netherlands +84%, Austria +85%, Greece +163%, Portugal +174%.
In addition to the stellar sales successes that the Tonale has spearheaded, the Stelvio SUV has registered the most significant growth by marking 25% increase in Asia.
One of the most significant innovations of the Tonale is its hybrid powertrain. Alfa Romeo has always been known for its high-performance engines but with the Tonale, they’re ready to flip the script. The Tonale’s primary drive source is still its 1,5-litre turbocharged engine, rated for 118 kW of power and 240 N.m of torque paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Power is supplemented by a 48-volt electric motor that adds an additional 15 kW and 55 N.m of torque to the working system.
South Africa will receive three levels of trim; the Alfa Romeo Tonale Ti (Turismo Internazionale model), followed in price by the Speciale and as well as the Veloce. However, there is also a slightly more powerful version of the Tonale available globally, called the Sprint Q4 AWD. The Alfa Romeo Sprint spits out 191 kW of power and 400 N.m of torque paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. This powerful version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale will not be offered in South Africa as of yet but it is common for car manufacturers to offer different versions of the same model in different markets, depending on the specific needs and preferences of consumers in those regions.
REVIEW: Alfa Romeo Tonale Speciale
It is also worth noting that car prices and taxes can vary greatly between countries and this can impact the overall cost of a vehicle. In some cases, car manufacturers may need to adjust the specifications of a model in order to make it more affordable or competitive in a particular market.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is set to be a game-changer in the compact SUV segment. It’s a vehicle that combines style, performance, and innovation in a way that only Alfa Romeo can. With its hybrid powertrain, advanced technology features, and sustainable design, the Tonale is a vehicle that is currently ahead of its time. It’s a statement of intent from Alfa Romeo, and it’s sure to be a hit with drivers who want a compact SUV that’s both practical and exciting to drive.
