What’s going on?
Background
Without a doubt, Alfa Romeo is one of the brands with the longest tradition and roots in the minds of fans. A legendary brand, with a long history and a well-earned place in the annals of the global automotive industry. But… Let’s face it, it is also a brand that has not been able to evolve and fit in with the new tastes and requirements of a clientele that today buys more practicality than tradition.
the SUV tone -in theory- is the answer to all those requirements of the new wave of consumers who wants a vehicle with the characteristics of a sports utility vehicle and it is the latest bet of the conglomerate of brands called Stellantis to define the immediate future of the brand.
A short time ago we thoroughly tested the Tonale version with a combustion engine and here we share that test with you if you want to have more context of the model
Read: 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale on Test
Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV 2024: Design
The creators of Tonale used some very emblematic details, strokes and lines of the brand in the design of the vehicle, there are several unmistakable elements: The triangular grill called “Scudetto” with the heraldic emblem of the house and also the distinctive front known as “Trilobo” that we find in the most emblematic Alfa, to this we add the design of the optics that also combines elements in threes both in the front and rear lighting.
MEASURES
- Length: 4.53
- Width: 1.84
- Height: 1.60
- Wheelbase: 2.63
- Weight: 1900 kg (Approx)
Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV 2024: Infotainment
We already know that today is connectivity, and Tonale offers the Uconnect 5 system -which in my opinion is the most intuitive and easy to operate on the market today- and is a legacy of the systems used by the models of the FCA conglomerate brands before becoming Stellantis, in addition to the traditional platforms now also Interaction with virtual assistants such as Amazon Alexa is offered.
The instrument panel is fully configurable and is 12.3 inches, in the center of the dash there is a 10.3-inch touch screen.
Now the connections are bidirectional, since for some time manufacturers have offered apps that the owner of the vehicle downloads to his phone and with them creates a remote link between the user and the vehicle, in this case the App is called Alfa Connect and with With that connected application you can start the engine, unlock the locks and you can also program some controls called “Family Drive Alerts” where you can program notifications when someone else drives the vehicle, or is in “Valet Alert” mode.
- uconnect 5
- Apple CarPlay (Via USB or Bluetooth)
- Android Auto
- Alpha Connect App
Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV 2024: Engine
The mobility of the plug-in version of Tonale is carried out by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder combustion engine placed in a transverse front position that delivers 180 HP and transfers the traction force to the front axle, The electric motor is located, it sends the force to the rear axle and delivers a power of 90 kW -about 120 HP more- therefore we have a joint power that is around 280 HP. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 15.5 kW and announces an approximate electric autonomy between 60 and 80 km between charges if used on the highway or in the urban cycle respectively. An interesting fact, the delabntrero powertrain is complemented by a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox (hydraulic pressure).
- 1.3-liter turbocharged Multi Air four-cylinder engine
- Gasoline engine power: 180 HP
- Power Electric motor: 90kW (120 HP Approx)
- Total power: 285 HP
- Torque: 347 lb-ft
- Gearbox: Automatic six
- Front suspension: McPherson
- Rear suspension: McPherson
Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV 2024: Handling
Lines above I mentioned how balanced and reminiscent of the exterior design and I also told you about the interiors and ergonomics, Now let’s drive…
I was able to live less time than I would have liked with the Ti version of Tonale -which is not the top of the range- but people from the brand in Mexico told me that this version will be the first to arrive in our country.
Like all hybrid vehicles, pressing the power button only illuminates the instrument cluster -which is configurable- but it doesn’t make any sound until I put the selector lever in “D”, here it begins to emit a sound to alert nearby pedestrians that we are moving.
If you are subtle with the accelerator pedal and the battery is charged, we can drive in fully electric mode at urban speeds, but if at any time the accelerator suddenly sinks, the combustion engine will kick in immediately. The insulation is good, no sounds caused by friction and rubbing of interior materials are perceived, the so-called “crickets on board”
At higher speeds the behavior surprised me, even in some strong corners, thinking about checking the structural rigidity a bit reminded me of the Stelvio, which is Alfa’s large SUV and is made for more “old school” driving tastes. ”
One point to note is that hybrids are heavy vehicles.caused by the extra weight of the electrical management, but in this case it does not feel clumsy, on the contrary, it invites us to accelerate and does not disappoint us thanks to the almost immediate torque of “electricity” added to the fact that the 1.3 turbo geometry variable is very forceful without being extremely explosive.
Definitely the “Alfistas” who were in charge of the set-up took great care of that sensation of control and handling that enthusiasts who today have not bought an electrified vehicle are looking for precisely because of this and because they lack the emotion, which Tonale does offer.
My only complaint is that the ADAS system is very intrusive, especially in the “lane keeping” area.
Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV 2024: Safety
There is an acronym that has now become very popular called ADAS, which means: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and which in Spanish means something like Driver Assistance, while driving and consists of a series of “helps” to make the journey safer or at least predictable, than added to the seven airbags it offers.
ADAS system
- adaptive cruise control
- Traffic Alert (TSR)
- Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA)
- blind spot monitor
- Lane Departure Warning (very intrusive)
- Rear seat alert (so as not to leave children behind)
Where is it made?
In Europe, in a plant called Giambattista Vico located in Pomigliano d’Arco in Naples, Italy
We look forward to it coming to Mexico so we can know the prices and be able to compare it with its direct competitors!
