Alfa Romeo Tonale (2023) – Plug it in at all costs!
Like many Alfa Romeos, the Tonale relies on its style to establish itself in the market. This plug-in hybrid version also offers good driving pleasure, but is quite thirsty.
First come, first served. You know the saying… In the festival of premium compact SUVs, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is more of a latecomer than a forerunner. To make its home in a country where the Germans have always been the kaisers, the Tonale displays a particularly refined style. Its face is instantly recognizable, with a triangular scudetto grille linked to the triple-cylinder headlights. In profile, the SUV retains the highly successful 20-inch ‘telephone’ wheels, while the rear light signature consists of an LED strip flanked by the Alfa Romeo logo. It’s a successful and seductive design, especially when combined with a beautiful colour such as Montreal Green or Misano Blue.
On board, the first thing the driver will notice is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a first for the Italian brand. This customisable screen is backed up by a 10.25-inch touchscreen, whose operation is not perfect. Graphics and responsiveness are a far cry from the competition. The menu layout is also confusing. It’s a pity, because the biscione has had the good taste to retain physical controls for ventilation. Another disappointment is the uneven quality of the trim: while some of the upholstery is rather flattering, others clearly lack the cachet of a vehicle of this calibre. This is all the more unfortunate given that our test model benefited from the Premium Interior Pack (€2,400), which is supposed to enhance perceived quality. Fortunately, the sporty presentation manages to distract from this. The Tonale also gets off scot-free in the rear seats, with satisfactory legroom and good headroom. However, the boot is a major disappointment, with its load sill too high. Mechanically, the 385-litre volume pales into insignificance for a vehicle measuring 4.53 meters. A generous battery is not without consequences…
Smoothly
With all the levels of hybridization available on the market, the Tonale is fully committed to electrification. And this will be even truer in the coming months, when the Italian will receive a 100% electric version. For the moment, the Stelvio’s little brother already boasts a 130 PS 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid and a 160 PS 1.5-litre petrol full-hybrid, which together will account for the bulk of sales. A 130 PS diesel also remains in the catalogue to convince professionals. We did, however, get our hands on the plug-in hybrid version. With 280 PS, this is the only model in the range to offer all-wheel drive thanks to an original solution: a 180 PS 1.3-litre four-cylinder works in conjunction with a 122 PS electric motor taken from the electric Fiat 500. The combination effortlessly moves the Tonale’s 1,875 kg weight along any route. The transitions between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are well managed. And whatever the speed, the Italian takes advantage of the slightest dip to put the engine on standby to save fuel.
But it’s in town that this plug-in hybrid unleashes its full potential. The electric mode provides good, quiet acceleration, while the optional adaptive suspension is quite convincing. On roads and motorways, the Tonale is up to the job, with good soundproofing and solid acceleration for safe overtaking. The chassis is pleasant in all circumstances, with precise steering and well-contained body roll.
Greedy when the battery is low
The 15.5 kWh battery gives the Tonale a theoretical range of 80 km, which is pretty good for its class. This is fortunate, because once the battery is flat, the Tonale’s appetite for fuel flies out the window. As well as moving this big baby, the little 1.3-litre has to constantly keep the battery at a minimum charge level, which encourages it to consume more than it should. On the secondary network, you’ll find it very hard to slip below 8 litres/100 km, while on the motorway you’ll hit 10 litres/100 km. That’s quite a lot, especially as the Tonale’s fuel tank is limited to 42 litres, which means you’ll have to refuel more often on long journeys. In short, it’s more important than ever to recharge the Italian regularly to curb its excessive greed. In any case, it will be impossible to make the Tonale plug-in hybrid profitable, because at €57,640, it is quite simply €10,100 more expensive than the 160 PS full-hybrid version. This may seem excessive, but it’s in fact typical of all plug-in hybrids, whose primary aim is to benefit from tax advantages for businesses.
Strengths
- Great styling
- Pleasant to drive
- Decent electric range
Weaknesses
- Excessive fuel consumption when the battery is empty
- Uneven quality of the trim
- Reduced boot space
