The Tonale Edizione Bambini previews several accessories aimed at making commuting with kids easier than ever before.
Alfa Romeo has previewed a set of accessories aimed at style-conscious parents who want to keep the cabin of their Tonale in tip-top shape.
The concept, called Tonale Edizione Bambini, has been created to make traveling with young children a lot easier, thanks to the addition of several unique items, including clever storage solutions, a built-in baby changing unit, and an in-car baby monitor. While it's an unusual feature, Alfa Romeo says nearly 90% of parents have had to change a diaper while traveling.
The integrated diaper changing station slides out once the power tailgate has opened. An easy-to-clean changing mat lets you place your baby safely and make them more comfortable in a convenient, easy-to-use space. Once you're finished, the unit slides neatly into the parcel shelf. Moreover, it doesn't encroach on trunk space, allowing you to fill the remaining 17.7 cu ft with strollers and toys.
Of course, that only solves part of the problem that comes with traveling with babies and young children. There's plenty of paraphernalia that comes with carting kids around, and often, car cabins can resemble trash cans.
In fact, research conducted by Alfa Romeo found that 59% of parents believed that a stylish vehicle interior is essential. The same amount said they also find it challenging to keep their vehicle tidy after having kids. 48% admitted to having messy cabins, with 56% saying they've felt embarrassed to have someone else in their car owing to the condition.
To combat this, the Italian automaker has developed custom-made “seat tidies” that incorporate a drinks holder, a pen holder, and a lunch box for snacks. It even has a chart encouraging your little ones to tidy the car.
Being an Alfa, aesthetics are important, so even the seat tidies have been developed with style in mind.
Finished in gray leather with matching stitching, the accessory features an embossed Alfa Romeo logo to remind the kids they're not driving in any old crossover. Protective panels are also in place to take the brunt of multiple kicks from frustrated little feet.
The Tonale Edizione Bambini also comes with a decent-sized trashcan that attaches to the rear of the center console. It can also be removed easily for cleaning. If your precious offspring trample cookies into the carpeting, a car vacuum (located in the trunk) can be pressed into duty and remove all traces of mischievous behavior.
It doesn't end there, though, as the kid-friendly Tonale also boasts an in-car baby monitor that connects to your smartphone via an app. The monitor can be positioned for rear- or front-facing child seats.
Finally, to keep the kids entertained on a long journey, the seat tidies include a classy leather pouch that can hold a tablet and the aforementioned reward chart. There are also tablet holders affixed to the back of the driver and front passenger seats, along with a centrally-mounted toy box that should keep kids occupied for hours on end.
“The Tonale Edizione Bambini provides practical solutions which fit in seamlessly with the premium interior in the Tonale – proof that having children doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your car’s style. With a choice of sophisticated hybrid powertrains, a striking design, and innovative technology, the Edizione Bambini is further proof that the Tonale is ideally suited to family life,” said Alfa Romeo's UK Director, Julie David.
Alfa isn't the only automaker interested in making life easier for parents. Recently, VW-owned Skoda previewed a concept interior that placed the baby seat in the middle of the cabin.
Toyota's Cabin Awareness concept also aims to keep children safe, albeit in a slightly different way. Last year, more than 20 children died from heatstroke as a result of being left in a hot car. The Japanese company's cabin detection sensor uses a powerful 4D imaging radar that can even detect a heartbeat or breathing.
Getting back to the Tonale, it's unclear whether Alfa will offer these accessories as optional extras – or as part of a package – but we're guessing there are many parents out there that would love something like this. If it ever comes to fruition, we hope it makes its way over to the United States.
As a reminder, pricing for the compact Alfa starts at $42,995. In anticipation of the high demand, the Stellantis-owned company recently increased production at the Pomigliano plant in Italy.
Keyword: Alfa Tonale Edizione Bambini Concept Comes Standard With Diaper Changing Station