Production version of the new Alfa Romeo Tonale will be revealed on 8 February
- Plug-in hybrid version confirmed
- Set to be brand’s smallest SUV model yet
- Will be revealed on 8 February
The new Alfa Romeo Tonale is set to be revealed on 8 February. When it arrives, the new model will be the second SUV in the brand’s line-up, sitting beneath the Stelvio.
The forthcoming reveal of the new Tonale was confirmed with a new teaser from the manufacturer, with the model making its official debut at the ‘La Metamorfosi’ (The Metemorphsis) event in Italy.
The Tonale SUV will be an important car for Alfa Romeo, because it will give the Italian brand a foothold in the lucrative family SUV sector. It’s likely to go on sale later this year, rivalling the Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA, Volkswagen T-Roc and Volvo XC40.
2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale: styling
Previously, leaked images of the new car suggest the final production version will have a similar design to the Tonale concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019. An array of traditional Alfa Romeo design cues will feature, including the triangle-shaped front grille, offset front number plate, and rear door handles that are incorporated into the upper parts of the door.
These images hinted at several minor design changes over the concept car, including a conventional door mirror design, slightly larger headlights and smaller alloy wheels. At the back, a full-width LED light bar will sit above a centre-mounted Alfa Romeo badge, along with a sharply angled rear window, giving the Tonale a family resemblance to the larger Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Engines
The Tonale will be the Italian firm’s first plug-in hybrid model, sharing the same powertrain used in the Jeep Compass 4xe. This set-up combines a 1.3-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, producing 237bhp. Although the Tonale could receive an increased power output over its Jeep sibling.
A variation of Alfa Romeo's 'D.N.A.' drive-mode selector will appear in a plug-in hybrid model, with 'D' now standing for 'Dual Power' providing the maximum output from the petrol and electric motors. 'Natural' mode will be an automatic hybrid setting, while 'A' will represent 'Advance E', where the Tonale uses electric power only.
Beneath the flagship PHEV model, the entry-level Tonale will be powered by a 128bhp 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This will send power to the front wheels via a standard dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
A mild-hybrid petrol is also expected, and it will incorporate a 48-volt hybrid system to help reduce emissions. While few details are known about this powertrain, it’s thought that it could use a larger 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit, with a power output of around 200bhp.
Prices and specifications
Because it’ll be positioned towards the premium end of the family SUV sector, you can expect the Tonale to be more expensive than something like a Nissan Qashqai or SEAT Ateca. Prices are likely to start at more than £25,000, so it’ll also be a little more expensive than the Giulietta it indirectly replaces.
Full UK specifications will be revealed closer to the car’s launch date but expect LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, keyless start and multi-zone climate control all to be fitted as standard. Alfa Romeo’s latest connectivity features will be introduced, so you’ll be able to remotely lock/unlock the car, check where it’s parked and send sat-nav directions to the infotainment system from your phone.
Buyers can expect the Tonale to feature the firm's latest 'Alfa Connect' infotainment system, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Keyword: 2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV will be officially unveiled next month