TONALE TAKES ALFA INTO THE FUTURE


The headlights might say Brera but there’s nothing old school about the rest of Alfa’s new
Tonale which arrives in February.

Alfa’s first hybrid, the compact five-seat SUV will be priced from $49,900.

Featuring a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with 7-speed dual clutch
transmission and 48-volt battery, the mild hybrid produces 118kW of power at 5750 rpm
and 240Nm of torque at 1500 rpm. A variable geometry turbocharger helps to deliver
diesel-like fuel-economy of 5.6L/100km.

Tonale sits on the same platform and uses the same drivetrain as the Jeep Renegade,
with a front-mounted petrol engine and a rear-mounted electric motor.

The electric motor provides a 15kW/55Nm boost when required, but the car can also
operate in full electric mode for short distances. Alfa Romeo has opted for this technical
solution to offer an authentic electrified experience.

The transmission enables startup and travel in electric mode at low speeds and when
parking and cruising.

Alfa says Tonale marks the brand’s metamorphosis to a new era of connectivity and
electrification, while remaining true to its DNA of Italian sportiness.

The ‘3+3’ triple headlights, which echo they style of the 2010 Brera coupe, were developed
in conjunction with Marelli.

A new full-LED adaptive matrix simultaneously provides daylight, dynamic turn signals and
a ‘welcome and goodbye’ feature (activated when the driver turns the car on or off).

New lighting technology includes:
* Adaptive Driving Beam which constantly adjusts the dipped headlights according to
speed and specific driving conditions
* Glare-Free High Beam Segmented Technology which automatically detects traffic in
front and traveling in the opposite direction to avoid glare from other cars
* A third module which is automatically activated when turning corners to ensure the
best lateral lighting

The interior is inspired by Alfa’s racing history and promotes passion and driveability,
courtesy of its dynamic and powerful forms.

Alfa claims the Tonale Hybrid redefines the segment with class-leading steering feel and
engagement with its 13.6 steering ratio.

Unique Brake-by-Wire technology, guarantees a strong pedal feel, immediate response
and added safety benefits.

Frequency Selective Dampers (FSD), developed by Koni, improve handling while retaining
a comfortable ride.

Level 2 Autonomous Driving uses the front radar and camera as well as the Hands-Off
Detection (HOD) sensor on the steering wheel.

Tonale also introduces Connectivity Services, through the My Alfa Connect mobile app,
permitting users to remotely access their vehicle using their mobile.

Tonale Hybrid will be available in two trims – Ti and Veloce – priced from $49,900 and
$56,400 respectively.

Joining the line-up will be the Tonale Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), launching late 2023.

About Chris Riley

Chris Riley has been a journalist for 40 years. He has spent half of his career as a writer, editor and production editor in newspapers, the rest of the time driving and writing about cars both in print and online. His love affair with cars began as a teenager with the purchase of an old VW Beetle, followed by another Beetle and a string of other cars on which he has wasted too much time and money. A self-confessed geek, he’s not afraid to ask the hard questions - at the risk of sounding silly.
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