The Alfa Romeo Tonale signifies the brand's transition that looks forward into the future but still remains as Alfa Romeo as you'd expect. My colleague Sean Nurse drove the Tonale for a bit, and you can read his thoughts here.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Alfa Romeo Tonale
The Tonale is intended for buyers who are young, dynamic and metropolitan and are interested in owning something with a little bit of flair. The design of this vehicle is quite close to its concept car rendition, which draws from historical models. Not only does the vehicle shine in the design department, but even technologically, with a revamped infotainment system and a fully digital instrument panel. All to compliment the tailor-made to the driver experience. This is all well and good, but which Alfa Romeo Tonale is better? Petrol or Diesel?
Engine Line Up
In the Tonale is a new 1.5-litre hybrid turbocharged petrol engine that makes its debut exclusively for this car. You can expect EV features from this hybrid system, such as the car starting and travelling in electric mode at low speeds and when the vehicle is parking and cruising. A 48-volt, 15kW, 55Nm P2 electric motor is handling the electrical duties. Unfortunately, there's no diesel variant of the Tonale available. Knowing what's covered under the Tonale's warranty would be good.
| Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Ti | Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Speciale | Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Veloce | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre Turbocharged 4 cylinder direct injection petrol engine | ||
| Transmission | 7-Speed Alfa Romeo TCT Dual-Clutch transmission | ||
| Electric Motor | 48-volt 15kW 55Nm P2 electric motor | ||
| Power | 118 kW | ||
| Torque | 240 Nm | ||
| 0-100kmh | 8.8 Seconds | ||
| Fuel consumption (Claimed) | 5.7l /100km | ||
| C02 Emission | 130 g/km | ||
*Information collated here is from duoporta.co.za, was correct at the time of writing and subject to change at any moment without notice.
Verdict
At the time of writing this, only the hybrid petrol engine was available for the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Despite that, with only one engine available with hybrid technology, you do get the best of both petrol and diesel engines in the sense that you have the power and the frugality. Across the Alfa Romeo Tonale range, the same powertrain is used. Petrol, by default, is the winner here. If you're keen on a Tonale after reading this, you can search AutoTrader for the latest used and new offerings. While you're at it, why not try out our Instant Offer tool?
