The Italian SUV shares most of its components with its American cousin, the Jeep Compass, In order to be attractive on European markets more rabid than Elon Musk, a plug-in hybrid version is also available. Will the Tonale’s clever packaging and upmarket interior be able to seduce punters and sell in massive numbers to put the brand back in the black?

The Alfa Romeo Tonale’s design is quite pretty. A plug in version mating a 122 bhp (90 kW) electric motor to a 180 bhp 1.3 turbo petrol engine is now available too. Jean-Philippe Imparato wanted the Alfa Tonale to stand out from its American cousin. Therefore, wth 280 bhp, it’s more powerful than the 240 bhp Jeep Compass and Renegade. Unfortunately, a bigger and heavier battery had to be fitted, increasing its weight to 1835 kg, 200 kg more than the ICE versions. However, this PHEV can rely on its 4-wheel drive chassis to take bends and curves in complete confidence. Theoretically, the electric motor can run on its own for 33 miles in town and 30 miles on the open road, needing a 2.5-hour charge on a 7.4 kW Wallbox (7 hours on a household socket). We’ll check the electric range later on.

I like it

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is equally attractive inside, with an unmistakably Italain flavor. Even though it’s got a digital dashboard, the Tonale keeps the round clocks in front of the driver, behind the delightfully thick rimmed steering wheel. The automatic gearbox aluminium paddles are located right behind it. We still see them as the best ones around, even if they impede access to the indicator and wiper stalks. The usual touchscreen sits in the middle of the dashboard, but fortunately there are still a few buttons underneath to activate the air con and heated seats, among other things. The rear seats are decent enough for passengers while the boot’s capacity shrinks from 500 to 385 liters due to the big battery. Finally, fit and finish are pretty good, like the materials used.  A foamed plastic part covers the top of the dashboard and attractive chrome accents give it an even higher quality feel.

Quite clever

Quite logically, the most powerful version is the most enjoyable one on the road, despite its weight. Thanks to its four-wheel drive, you can move about in total safety whatever the weather. The DNA system improves handling dynamism by firming up the suspension while offering a quicker response when you push the loud pedal. Unfortunately, the steering is still too imprecise for our liking, while the braking is not faultless either, feeling a bit too disconnected. Let’s face it, the Tonale might claim 280 bhp, there’s nothing sporty about it.

I don’t like it

The electric mode range was the most disappointing part of it. Admittedly, the on-board computer initially announced 60 km with a full charge but you quickly get the feeling that the range drops rapidly if the air conditioning is switched on or if you drive mostly on A roads. As ever, the name of the game is still recharging as often as possible to avoid having to fill it up with petrol too often. Once there’s no more juice, fuel consumption goes North and we registered 35 MPG… 

Why I buy it

Of course, plug-in hybrids don’t benefit from 100% tax breaks any more, but they are still an good alternative to ICE cars as well as a good opportunity to discover the joys of plugging in a car in all weather conditions for many people. Alfa Romeo hopes the Tonale PHEV will broaden its customer base and put it back on the radar in the company car market. Its design is broadly acclaimed and we prefer it fashionable colors like Verde Montreal or Blu Misano but it’s down to everyone’s taste… We particularly like the gearbox which is perfectly suited to the powertrain and switches from electric to petrol power are really smooth, it’s not always the case with its competitors. Comfort is another Tonale assets, both in terms of running gear noise and soundproofing standards.

Why I don’t buying it

The top-of-the-range PHEV Veloce Tonale costs €55,500,  €11,250 more than the ICE one, that is no mean feat. Such a financial effort that can only be made by companies. On the road, the Tonale struggles to offer the usual Giulia and Stelvio sporty feel. Soon, you realize it’s based on American underpinnings. Unfortunately, its claimed 280 bhp won’t be enough to put the record straight. That said, the new direction taken by Alfa Romeo within the Stellantis group could attract new customers and perhaps that’s all that matters here ? (Translation: Dimitri Urbain)