Alfa Romeo Tonale: Fine-tuning in detail

Alfa Romeo has revised the Tonale and given it a facelift. In addition to visual tweaks, there are also updates under the hood.

Three years after its market launch, the Alfa Romeo tonal underwent a model revision. The update includes a visual facelift, which gives the Italian compact SUV a fresh look, as well as technical improvements. It is particularly noticeable Revised front with a larger one Scudetto grill, more pronounced air intakes and a centrally mounted license plate instead of one that is offset to the side. The taillights of the facelifted model also feature new details. Tonal In contrast, new 3D light signatures add a modern touch. The whole thing is rounded off by alloy wheels in a two-tone paint scheme as well as three additional paint finishes that make the Italian car appear even more dynamic.

The driver is the focus

The new rotary dial for the automatic transmission is conveniently located. Photo: © Alfa Romeo

The biggest change is in the interior. Center console. The traditional gearshift lever for dual-clutch or automatic transmissions has been replaced by a slim rotary dial. The displays measure 12,3 inches for the instruments and 10,25 inches for the infotainment system. Alfa Connect system They remain unchanged. Typical Alfa: The driver remains the focus. Numerous physical switches enable intuitive operation, far removed from digital overload. I like that.

The materials used inside also impress with their solid workmanship. plastic mix It looks particularly high-quality in combination with the atmospheric ambient lighting. For more Individuality Options include fiery red leather seats or the subtle black and white combination of Alcantara and synthetic leather in the launch model "Sport Speciale". This allows the Tonale to be customized to personal taste.

Revised chassis and engines

The Tonale plug-in hybrid tested now has slightly less power. Photo: © Alfa Romeo

Technically, it Alfa Also improved: The chassis has been upgraded. A wider track reduces body roll in corners and minimizes understeer, which has a positive effect on handling from the very first meters. driving dynamics which has an effect. Furthermore, all engines now meet the requirements – from Mild hybrid using the Diesel up to Plug-in hybrid – the strictest Euro 6e standard. As before, the diesel engine delivers 130 hp.

This increases the system performance of the Mild hybrids by 14 to 174 hp, while the Plug-in hybrid Tonale Ibrida Plug-in Q4 It now boasts 268 hp (down from 280 hp). The 1,3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine on the front axle works in conjunction with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the electric motor on the rear axle provides all-wheel drive (e4WD) when needed. The PHEV's 0-100 km/h sprint now takes slightly longer at 6,6 seconds (+0,4 s), and the top speed drops to 195 km/h. However, given the focus on efficiency, these figures are acceptable.

Driving fun with a minor drawback

The Alfa can be equipped with red leather seats upon request. Photo: © Alfa Romeo

The adaptive chassis The plug-in hybrid offers a wide range from soft to firm and ensures that the Tonal It now feels more planted on the road. The steering is direct, but feels somewhat artificial due to the strong power assistance. It could provide more road feedback. However, it is commendable that the Brake-by-wire system In Alfa enables sensitive brake modulation.

The starting price for the revised Alfa Romeo tonal The base model with the 130-hp diesel engine starts at €34.874 (all prices net). The 174-hp hybrid is even slightly cheaper at €34.790. The plug-in hybrid tested, however, starts at €43.950 with standard all-wheel drive.

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