Alfa Romeo was almost on its way out, but the small Junior SUV model presented last year provided a new injection of vitality to this Italian automotive gem. Admittedly, some will argue that it has nothing to do with those passionate Alfa models from the past, but that is a completely different story and irrelevant to us today. On the wings of the popularity of the Junior model, it was decided to make the Tonale model more attractive.
The biggest design changes of this year’s Tonale model line are visible on the front part of the car. The rear part of the vehicle remained almost without any changes, so the main distinguishing feature will actually be at the front. What does that mean? Well, now there is a new Scudetto mask, that is, the radiator grille. It is now hollowed out, and there is no doubt that it was inspired by the legendary model 33 Stradale ii GT 2000. The refresh is also visible on the lower air intakes, like those on the Junior model, while the additional side openings are reworked in the racing language of the iconic Giulia GTA.
More links to the Junior model
Alfa Romeo’s black and white front and rear emblems are another link to the Junior, while black Tonale lettering at the rear on the Veloce and Sport Speciale equipment packages complete the aesthetic upgrade. The license plate holder has been returned to the middle, and the color range has been supplemented with three new ones – Rosso Brera (red), Verde Monza (green) and Giallo Ocra (golden-yellow). A total of eight colors are available. Driving dynamics have been increased by widening the wheel track by 8 mm. The new 19 and 20-inch rims increase the attractiveness.
The passenger compartment has evolved with new materials and details. There are new color combinations and finishes, such as new ‘cannelloni’ (ribbed weave) seats upholstered in red leather with attractive stitching or two-tone black and white Alcantara. The latter in combination with a rich instrument panel covered in Alcantara with contrasting stitching. The interior is enriched with contrasting stitching on the instrument panel, door trims and armrests, depending on the type of seat selected. The leather or Alcantara interior is equipped with better eight-way electrically adjustable seats at the front, along with four-way electrically adjustable lumbar support, heating and ventilation. The steering wheel and washer jets are also heated for complete comfort in all seasons.
That’s a lot of description. However, the most important thing, and also extremely important for real Alfa drivers, was missing – the gear lever. Now there is a rotary gear selector, located on the redesigned center console. However, it is possible to change gears using aluminum levers on the steering wheel. On top of the gear selector is the DNA switch, which can be used to adjust the character of the car to your preferences and driving style.
No more gear lever
Only in the launch edition of the Sport Speciale, a new multicolored ambient light with a gradient effect is available on the instrument panel, the design of which is inspired by the snake skin of Alfa Romeo’s famous Biscione. The interior is still adorned with screens of 12.3 and 10.25 inches, but progress is the use of a new generation of software and a new 360° high-resolution camera. All this for an even better driving experience.
Speaking of driving, it’s time to mention what drive options are available. Alfa Romeo envisioned three options, and for now only the initial two are offered here. They have not yet announced the price for the top version, and it is a plug-in hybrid that combines a 1.3-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor for a maximum power of 270 HP, and which also has Q4 all-wheel drive. The interesting thing is that the well-known 1.6-liter turbodiesel with 130 hp and 320 Nm of maximum torque is actually the initial offer, which is an increasing rarity. The greatest emphasis is on the 1.5 Hybrid model. It is a mild hybrid with 48V technology, which has 175 hp and a combined 240 Nm of torque.
With the new offer strategy, the Alfa Romeo Tonale has better-arranged equipment packages right from the start. The initial option is Tonale, followed by Sprint, Ti and Veloce. There is also another edition of the Sport Speciale, prepared just for the launch.
The Tonale comes with full LED front and rear lights with a distinctive 3+3 light signature and 17-inch diamond-cut Aerodinamico wheels. The interior features black fabric and Scuba seats with the Biscione logo, contrasting Biscotto stitching on the dashboard and door trims, and a leather steering wheel. There is a 12.3-inch Telescope digital instrument panel and an Alfa Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch screen. It is capable of wireless mirroring, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as connected services. There is a keyless system, dual-zone automatic climate control with an air quality sensor. Safety is ensured by advanced systems such as intelligent adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam control, front and rear parking sensors with a rear camera, automatic emergency braking with recognition of pedestrians and cyclists, lane keeping assistance and driver attention monitoring.
Four trim levels + Sport Speciale
New is the Sprint version with a glossy black body kit with contrasting details in matt dark gray Miron, tinted windows and 18-inch Petali wheels with a two-tone finish. In the interior, aluminum door sills and pedals and multi-colored ambient lights arrive. The infotainment system is enriched with integrated navigation, which can also be seen on the Telescope dashboard.
The third option is Ti. The shiny black window frames and the special badge on the fenders are signs of recognition. The passenger compartment comes with red or black leather seats, electrically adjustable in eight directions (front) and with electric lumbar support, heated and ventilated, with a steering wheel and heated washer jets.
The top of the range is the Veloce, which emphasizes the sporty character. It is enriched with 19-inch Stile wheels, special badging on the fenders, LED Matrix headlights, red Brembo brake calipers, twin chrome exhaust pipes in the Plug-in Hybrid version and the rear Tonale logo in black. Driving dynamics are achieved with DSV electronic suspension.
The special feature is the Sport Speciale Launch Edition, which will only be offered now, at the beginning of the launch. Exterior highlights include silver detailing on the side skirts and rear bumper, gloss black Brembo brake calipers and white Alfa Romeo lettering. Inside, there are seats in black and white Alcantara, an Alcantara-covered instrument panel, contrasting white stitching and ambient lights with specific visual elements on the instrument panel. The launch edition offers customization options in all colors from the palette, including a contrasting black roof.
Excerpt from the price list
| model | price |
| 1.6 DS DDCT 130 Tonal | 36.990 € |
| 1.5 175 MHEV FWD Tonale | 37.990 € |
| 1.6 DS DDCT 130 Sprint | 38.990 € |
| 1.5 175 MHEV FWD Sprint | 39.990 € |
| 1.6 DS DDCT | 40.990 € |
| 1.5 175 MHEV FWD Ti | 41.990 € |
| 1.6 DS DDCT 130 Veloce | 43.490 € |
| 1.5 175 mud veloce | 44.490 € |
| 1.6 DS DDCT 130 Sport Speciale | 42.990 € |
| 1.5 175 MHEV FWD Sport Speciale | 43.990 € |
