Alfa Romeo's most recent new product, the Tonale, was unveiled to the local audience in late 2022. The model was highly anticipated, with enthusiasts excited about Alfa's first foray into the compact crossover segment. They hoped that it would build on the success of the Stelvio and be as engaging and pleasant to drive as its now larger sibling. Sadly, the uptake has been slow, and Alfa has struggled to move units. Does that make it a poor choice as a second-hand buy?
Related: Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Veloce (2023) Review
Its SUV nature may have you thinking that it would make a good family car, while some may see the compact dimensions as ideal for a first car. Either way, you will need to be relatively selective about which variant you choose, as you don't want to end up losing too much money in the long run. For those worried about reliability, fear not, as the Alfa Romeos of today are far more reliable than their 80s and 90s counterparts, and service costs are agreeable, too.
Buyer beware
While we're not suggesting that you avoid the Tonale, it's worth noting that we found the Tonale to be somewhat compromised out on the road. A disconnect between the engine and gearbox, along with an overly sporty suspension setup, has resulted in a vehicle that can be a little less comfortable and trickier to live with than some of its counterparts.
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. In low-speed city driving scenarios, the Tonale feels just about acceptable, but not as good as its key rivals.
Safe, but thirsty
If you're considering the Tonale as a first car or that solution to your family's mobility, then careful consideration has to be given to the ownership experience.
The Tonale is equipped with a hybrid powertrain that pairs a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical drive with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The claims of a combined fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100km is ambitious, though; you can expect to see mid-8s instead.
What it does have going for it is a 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating where it scores well for adult occupant, child, and pedestrian safety.
Verdict
The Tonale is not a poor choice if you can live with its few shortcomings. Any Tonale that you buy today (at the time of compiling this article) will still be covered by the 5-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty and have the balance of the 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
So, if the cost of a new Alfa Romeo Tonale is a little too much for you to afford each month, you can spring for a used one instead. We have a number of Tonales listed on our site for you to choose from, or you can click here to go straight to some of the best deals we could find.
