For Alfa, the new compact-class (don’t be alarmed by that classification, it’s still 4,5 metres long), mild-hybrid Tonale is the brand’s first, but ever-imporant interim step towards full electrification… writes Braam Peens.
The local line-up comprises three FWD-only models – TI, fitted with 18-inch wheels (R739 900); followed by the R819 900 Veloce with 19-inch wheels and two-stage damping; and finally the limited-run Speciale (R799 900) that swaps the fancy suspension for 20-inch wheels.
Sharing the Jeep Compass platform, all are powered by a new 1,5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 118 kW and 240 Nm, mated to a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission; and complemented by a 48V electric motor good for 15 kW/55 Nm fed by a 0,8 kW lithium battery.
The list of standard features is as long as the Tonale pass that the newcomer is named after. All models are highlighted by a Level 2-grade autonomy suite comprising adaptive matrix LED headlamps, adaptive cruise control with road sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking and collision warning, lane keep assist and departure warning; as well a 10,25-inch infotainment touchscreen with integrated voice navigation and voice control; wireless phone charging, front and rear USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
On the coiled Bain’s Kloof pass test route – recently resurfaced and best savoured in light, nimble hot hatches – the Tonale’s Speciale’s true colours (and periodically lack thereof) were revealed.
At 13,6:1 the Tonale benefits from a quickest-in-class steering ratio, though sadly, much as Alfa would like one to believe how car and driver and meant to become one, it’s devoid of much engagement and sportiness in feel: the steering’s rapid but light in heft; the hybrid assistance and regereneration is barely perceptible; and even with a mashed right pedal, negotiated uphill hairpins elicited significant lag from the engine before it came on song. And the gearbox – regardless of manual mode selected had a mind of its own, neither feels as crisp or willing as the benchmark VW Group’s DSG.
On the other hand, despite its weight, the Tonale hides its weight extremely well and body control is rather good. Which, in SA spec, makes the fitment of its adequate-but-not-adrenaline-filled specification 1,5-litre engine all the more a pity, as the platform is easily ready to accept more power.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is an infinitely sportier choice than a Volvo XC40 or a Lexus UX, for that matter, but it’s not quite the breakthrough that the Stelvio was. After all, it’s a crossover vehicle tasked to corner, steer and brake through its front wheels – and that combination itself is laden with compromise. And yet, if it’s an esthetic, and possibly philosophical – point of differentiation you seek that blends dynamism with delicacy in way that none of its rivals are able to achieve, then Alfa’s first step towards an EV-only future seems more than just positively charged.
Alfa Romeo Tonale Speciale Fast Facts:
- Price: R799 900
- Engine: front-mounted, turbopetrol hybrid, 1 469cc, inline-four
- Transmission: seven-speed DCT
- Power: 118 kW @ 5750 rpm + 15 kW/55 N.m electric
- Torque: 240 N.m @ 1500 rpm
- Driven wheels: Front
- 0-100 km/h: 8,8 sec
- Top speed: 210 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 5,7 l/100km (combined)
- CO2 emissions: 130 g/km
- Rivals: Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus UX, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Volvo XC40
