2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale first view

Alfa Romeo registered just 1,574 cars in the UK last year. To put that figure into context, fellow Stellantis marques Abarth and DS achieved higher totals (with 2,335 and 2,362 units respectively).

The all-new Tonale is intended to address such a dismal performance. Indeed, according to Alfa Romeo, this C-segment SUV “marks the metamorphosis” of the brand.

Alfa Romeo Tonale (2022) Front Side

Although the product itself is likely to generate interest, the customer experience needs to be consistently good too if sales volumes are going to increase significantly.

Accordingly, simple three-step online ordering is being introduced, and warranty cover on major components is now extended to five years. Furthermore, in an effort to boost residual values, each Tonale gets a blockchain-based NFT (non-fungible token) digital certificate which provides a secure record of the vehicle’s history.

Alfa Romeo Tonale (2022) Side

Measuring 4.53 metres (14’ 10”) long, the Tonale features a large shield grille at the front flanked by distinctive ‘3+3’ full-LED headlights. A ‘GT Line’ styling device runs along the sides to the full-width rear light clusters.

Inside, the dashboard incorporates a 12.3” configurable instrument display and a 10.25” infotainment touchscreen. The Amazon Alexa voice assistant is standard, and couriers may leave packages in an unattended Tonale when using the Secure Delivery Service.

Alfa Romeo Tonale (2022) Dashboard

Two types of electrified powertrain will be offered.

The first is a front-wheel drive non-plug-in ‘self-charging’ hybrid. It mates a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, Miller-cycle, turbocharged petrol engine – available in either 130 PS (128 bhp / 95 kW) or 160 PS (157 bhp / 117 kW) guises – to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Also included in the specification are a 20 PS (20 bhp / 15 kW) 48-volt electric motor, a belt-driven starter-generator, an intelligent regenerative brake-by-wire system, and an electronic self-locking differential. Limited emissions-free electric running is possible: as well as an e-Launch silent start function, the Tonale has e-Creeping, e-Queueing and e-Parking modes.

Alfa Romeo Tonale (2022) Interior

Alternatively, the all-wheel drive plug-in Hybrid Q4 boasts 275 PS (271 bhp / 202 kW), courtesy of a 1.3-litre MultiAir turbocharged petrol engine for the front axle and a dedicated electric motor for the rear axle.

Provisional pure-electric range is 37 miles (60 kilometres) on the combined cycle and 49 miles (80 kilometres) on the city cycle. Energy is stored in a 15.5 kWh battery, which takes 2.5 hours to replenish via a 7.4 kW fast charger.

Alfa Romeo Tonale (2022) Rear

A straightforward trim grade structure for the Tonale comprises Super and Ti variants. There’s an optional Sprint pack for the former, while the latter can be configured with a Veloce pack.

Alfa Romeo has yet to confirm UK prices.

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