It took a while for Alfa Romeo to offer an SUV, but when the Stelvio eventually arrived it was worth the wait. Today the Italian maker pulled the wraps off another SUV called the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Good news for SA fans is that Alfa’s Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA rival is scheduled to go on sale locally before the year is out.

Follow Double Apex on Facebook and Instagram, where we share more car content.

Familiar but new

Alfa Romeo Tonale concept

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is immediately recognisable as an Alfa, yet it has its own appearance when compared to the larger Stelvio. There are several cues that link the newcomer to its stablemates. In fact, the production version isn’t far off from the concept shown in 2019 (pictured here).

Among these are the traditional shield-shaped grille that is framed by three element headlamps. The tail lamps have a similar motif. Also in place are a set of telephone dial alloys that have been used on Alfas for many decades. Overall the Tonale is just over 4,5 metres long, a smidge over 1,8 metres wide and exactly 1,6 metres high.

Read our thoughts on Stelvio by clicking here.

High-tech inside

Buyers of the Alfa Romeo Tonale get to enjoy a high-tech interior with lashings of high-quality materials. The steering wheel is a leather covered item and features shift paddles from the Stelvio. Alfa’s press material states that the Tonale has the quickest acting steering of any vehicle in this class, giving you the idea that the company is targeting a dynamic drive experience.

Ahead of the driver is a 12,3-inch digital infotainment cluster that sits between a classic-looking double circular cowl. A 10,25-inch touchscreen in the middle of the facia is customisable and supports over-the-air updates. The infotainment interface also has wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Check out highlights from Alfa’s 110th anniversary celebrations at this link.

Powertrain options

Tonale will be offered with a choice of two mild-hybrid powertrains. These deliver 97 kW and 120 kW. Both utilise a 1,5-litre three-cylinder turbopetrol engine mated with a 48-volt hybrid system. In both cases power is transmitted through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to the front wheels. The electric component is strong enough to let you take off and park using purely battery power.

Some markets will also offer a 205 kW plug-in hybrid. This version has a 1,3-litre MultiAir engine that drives the front wheels. A dedicated electric drive unit is situated on the rear axle which makes the Q4 variant all-wheel-drive. The 15,5 kWh battery provides up to 80 km of electric driving. Torque is sent to the wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. 

There is also a turbodiesel derivative on offer. The oil-burner produces 97 kW/320 N.m and is fitted with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission connected to the front wheels.If we had to hazard a guess we’d say that Q4 and diesel versions will not be offered in SA. 

Learn more about the Alfa Romeo Tonale in the video below.