The Alfa Romeo Tonale finds itself within one of the most competitive segments in the automotive world, so would we choose it over accomplished rivals such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3?
Alfa Romeo may not have the largest line-up within the local market, but the products it does sell compete well within their respective segments with models such as the Tonale, the Stelvio and the Giulia. Today we are comparing the mid-spec Tonale with two rivals in the form of the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 Sportback, but which one would we choose? Our trio today have very different powertrains but are nearly identical in terms of price.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Powertrain and performance
Powering the Tonale is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that has mild electrical assistance for outputs of 118Kw and 240Nm that is sent through the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.7 L/100km and the 0-100km/h is said to be 8.8 seconds
Standard equipment
The Tonale, in Speciale guise comes with LED headlights/ fog lamps, a six-way electrically adjustable seat for the driver, ambient interior lighting, a wireless smartphone charger, leather seats, a colour screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a digitised instrument cluster, climate control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot assist, 20.0-inch alloy wheels, 6 Airbags, ISOFIX, keyless entry and start, front and rear PDC, and a reverse camera.
Safety
The Tonale received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2022.
Practicality
The Tonale boasts a 500-litre boot, seating for five occupants and 152mm of ground clearance.
Price and value proposition
At R815 900 the Tonale, in Speciale specification, offers reasonable value versus key rivals.
The competition
BMW X1
Powertrain and performance
Powering the X1 is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 110kW and 360Nm that is sent through the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.0 L/100km and the 0-100km/h time is 8.9 seconds.
Standard equipment
The X1, in xLine guise, comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/ fog lights, cruise control, a colour touchscreen infotainment system, a wireless smartphone charger, ambient interior lighting, climate control, front and rear USB ports, 6 airbags, keyless entry/start, a panoramic roof, artificial leather electrically adjustable driver’s seat as well as front and rear PDC with a reverse camera.
Safety
The X1 was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2022 where it achieved a 5-Star rating.
Practicality
The X1 features seating for five, a 550-litre boot and 205mm of ground clearance, making it the most practical vehicle in this comparison.
Price and value proposition
At R815 617, the X1 offers reasonable value in its segment.
Audi Q3 Sportback
Powertrain and performance
Powering the Q3 in this particular comparison is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 132kW and 320Nm that is sent through all four wheels via a 7-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.8 L/100km and a 0-100km/h of 7.8 seconds is provided.
Standard equipment
In S line specification, the Q3’s specification mirrors that seen in the BMW, but without the front PDC and reverse camera.
Safety
The Q3 was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2019 where it achieved a 5-Star rating.
Practicality
The Q3 boasts 5 seats, 410-litres of boot space and ground clearance is not quoted, however, being the Sportback makes it less practical than the ‘regular’ Q3.
Price and value proposition
At R818 600 for the S line model, the Q3 offers reasonable value considering its premium drivetrain.
Facts and figures:
|
Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Speciale |
BMW X1 sDrive18d xLine |
Audi Q3 Sportback 40TFSI quattro S line |
|
|
Engine size (cyl/size) |
4-cyl, 1.5-litre petrol |
4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
|
Power/Torque |
118 kW/240 Nm |
110 kW/360 Nm |
132 kW/320 Nm |
|
CO2 emissions |
130 g/km |
132 g/km |
188 g/km |
|
Service plan (maintenance) |
5-year/100 000km |
5-year/ 100 000km |
5 yr/ 100 000km |
|
Airbag count |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
55 litres |
54 litres |
60 litres |
|
Ave Consumption * |
5.7 L/100km |
5.0 L/100km |
8.3 L/100 km |
|
Driven wheels |
Front |
Front |
All |
|
Boot volume |
500-1550-litres |
540-1600-litres |
410-1280-litres |
|
Price |
R 815 900 |
R815 617 |
R818 600 |
* Manufacturer’s claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Verdict
Looking at the figures, we would choose the BMW X1 among the three as it offers the most value for money and appears to be the best overall package.
Keyword: Alfa Romeo Tonale vs BMW X1 vs Audi Q3 Sportback: Here's our winner