As the smaller sibling of the popular Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the Tonale aims to capture the attention of adventurous folk seeking a thrilling and stylish drive. I took the Tonale for a spin on the local launch, to determine if it's as sporty as it is handsome - but how will it do on roadtrips?
Infotainment and interior layout: Nice, but not flawless
Inside the Tonale, the cabin offers a mix of sportiness and elegance. The textured metal trim dashboard inserts contribute to the upscale feel. However, there are some drawbacks. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacks intuitiveness and user-friendliness in my opinion - but bear in mind I only had a few hours in the car. My colleague Sean's experience was that the system was quite easy to use, and he had the Tonale on test for a week.
Read Sean's review of the Tonale 1.5 Hybrid Veloce (2023) here.
Additionally, some plastic components, such as the rotating air vents, detract from the overall impression of quality. Nevertheless, the cabin provides practicality and comfort for long drives, with sufficient space for four average-sized adults and a generous 500-litre boot capacity.
Engine and Drivetrain: A good balance of power and efficiency - but more grunt is needed
The local version of the Tonale is a petrol-electric hybrid, featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine and a small electric motor. Together, they produce a total output of 113 kW and 240 Nm, allowing the Tonale to reach a top speed of 210 km/h and achieve a 0-100 km/h sprint time of a somewhat lukewarm 8.8 seconds. The electric motor also enables the Tonale to be driven in full EV mode at low speeds.
If you're looking for quick acceleration, you may be a tad disappointed - the Tonale is no firecracker, and with four people and their luggage on board, you may be left wanting more power. The Tonale is also not the sportiest Alfa I've ever driven, despite its athletic bloodline. Here's what Sean had to say after a week in the Tonale:
When we get to dynamics, the Tonale handles, brakes and changes direction well, however, when pairing the overly sharp steering and firm ride quality with the aforementioned powertrain, you have a product that feels disjointed, as if the calibration of the powertrain had nothing to do with the other dynamics of the car. - Sean Nurse, AutoTrader
The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist features added convenience on highways, although the system's performance may not be as refined as some competitors, such as the Volvo XC40, for example - but it goes a long way in reducing driver fatigue.
As we tackled the twisty and narrow Bain's Kloof Pass, the Tonale remained composed enough, displaying minimal body roll and maintaining stability throughout the sharp curves. However, the sporty underpinnings and large-diameter wheels contribute to a firm ride quality, which could be a bit harsh for some drivers.
Safety: Five stars
The Tonale comes equipped with all the essential safety features such as Brembo brakes, six airbags, and various electronic assistance systems. These technologies work together to ensure the safety of passengers during long drives and is a very important consideration, given the carnage on local roads.
Fuel consumption: Decent enough, but how you drive matters most
In terms of fuel economy, the Tonale delivers respectable consumption figures, averaging 7.6 liters per 100 km in mixed driving conditions. However, aggressive driving styles can lead to higher fuel consumption - my co-driver's heavy foot was responsible for the higher figure. If you stick to the speed limit out on the open road, fuel consumption should be good.
Verdict
If you're not expecting any major athleticism from the Tonale, it will be a good road-trip partner, as long as the passengers in row two are not too tall.
