Alfa Romeo has finally taken the wraps off its highly anticipated Tonale SUV, the brand’s first electrified model, which goes on sale in April.
The most potent Tonale is the four-wheel drive plug-in hybrid with a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine and a 15.5kWh battery. With 272bhp on tap, it will achieve the 0-62mph sprint in 6.2sec.
Alfa Romeo’s Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Philippe Imparato said: “The Alfa Romeo future begins with Tonale. It’s the safest, most comfortable and most pleasurable car to drive in its category.”
In terms of design, it would be difficult to mistake the Tonale for anything but an Alfa Romeo, since all the brands usual exterior traits are present. The car features the iconic triangular grille and slim LED headlights, while the new alloy wheels exhibit a new take on the traditional Alfa Romeo teledial design.
As you would expect from a premium SUV, the Tonale features digital dials, plus a spacious 10.25-inch touchscreen display on the dash supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A row of physical buttons to operate the car’s climate control features and heated seats run below – a change from on-screen buttons from rivals such as the Volvo XC40 and Range Rover Evoque.
Alfa says software is really important for the new Tonale, which is why the brand has equipped it with level two autonomous driving tech, though this does not come as standard.
Should this feature be selected on the options list, the car will be able to adjust the steering to keep you in the middle of a lane.
Prices have yet been confirmed, but expect it to fall below the price of the larger Alfa Romeo Stelvio, which starts at £45,295.