by Andrea Silvuni
The brand's first C-segment SUV, the new Tonale Alfa Romeo brings to the 'heart' of the European market a model that marks the passage of the brand - relaunched with conviction by Stellantis and the Biscione team, led by Jean-Philippe Imparato - towards the electrified future, in a perfect balance between Alfa values and DNA and the desire to bring to a highly competitive market levels of absolute technological excellence and driving pleasure.
Look at the photos
Veloce set-up adds grit to the Alfa Romeo Tonale sport suv
After many anticipations and static presentations, the moment in which it is possible to sit behind the wheel and turn the key - oops, push the start stop button located right in front of the driver - represents the confirmation of the achievement of expectations (aesthetics, quality, equipment and above all character engines and driving dynamics) which are that additional value in the commercial challenge that Tonale will have to face from June onwards on a global level.
When I see an Alfa Romeo pass by - Henry Ford, the founder of the US giant, said in the 1930s - I raise my hat.
Now, as Tonale passes through the streets of Como and northern Lombardy, where the rehearsals took place, the ceremony of the 'stolen' photo at the traffic light, of the greeting, of the smile and (in the case of those who drive comparable SUVs, but who do not possess the small tricolor flag that Tonale flaunts on the central tunnel) of the undisguised envy.
This new product of the new Alfa Romeo not only does not fear comparisons with the best competitors but even establishes new references, thanks to a design with attention to every detail, in the meticulous control of quality and - as we have already emphasized - in the adoption of worthy technological solutions. of higher-end models.
After all, Tonale catches the eye as Stelvio already knew how to do, leading to the immediate consideration that 'it is a real Alfa Romeo'.
A statement that takes on even more value if the model that starts by pressing the button on the steering wheel is equipped with the Hybrid 48V engine with VGT (Variable Geometry Turbo) of 160 Hp, a specific variant for Alfa Romeo of the popular 4-cylinder 1.5 and which is capable of transmitting motion to the wheels even when the internal combustion engine is off.
It takes just a few kilometers to drive this Tonale (in our case with the Veloce set-up) to appreciate how electrification was conceived in the service of Alfa Romeo's DNA, offering an authentic hybrid driving experience that does not detract from the typical characteristics of the brand.
Its agility and 'cleanliness' in the responses even when the pace is sustained are provided by Tonale-specific technical solutions, such as the most direct steering in the segment, the brake-by-wire system for regenerative braking, Dynamic Torque Vectoring which acts on the front-wheel drive and Alfa Active Suspension suspension with geometry, characteristic angles and specific stiffness.
The Alfa Romeo TCT seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission was also promoted with flying colors, which using a P2 48 volt electric motor of 15 kW and 55 Nm (which become 135 thanks to the 2.5: 1 transmission ratio) also provides traction to the wheels. when the internal combustion engine is turned off.
Thanks to this technical solution, Tonale offers an authentic electrified experience, for example in all situations in which 15 kW is needed to proceed as in starting or parking maneuvers and during gliding when the accelerator is released on the motorway.
Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid 160 Hp offers outstanding performance, such as 8.8 seconds for the 0 - 100 km / h sprint and 210 km / h top speed.
Tonale is also the only model in its category to be equipped with the Integrated Brake System (IBS) and to offer aluminum shift paddles, integral with the steering column.
The 4-piston fixed calipers by Brembo, the self-ventilated front discs and solid discs at the rear give impeccable braking performance.
It should be noted that on the setup under test, Tonale Veloce, the Dual Stage Valve active suspension with electronically controlled damping is available, making the suspension even sportier.
Also available is the 130 HP Hybrid input engine, with 240 Nm of torque equally combined with the Alfa Romeo TCT seven-speed transmission and 48 Volt hybrid system.
