What's this new car all about then?
The Tonale is a compact-SUV aimed at a fairly mainstream audience, but at launch in 2022 it was also a very signficant vehicle for Alfa Romeo: not just its first entry into this segment, but also the brand's first new model for six years and its first electrified car of any kind: available in both mild hybrid (sold new in New Zealand) and plug-in hybrid (not).
It was all achieved thanks to some nifty platform-sharing via parent-company Stellantis. Tonale has a lot in common with a Jeep Compass underneath, for example.
Meet the first major update for Tonale. When we say "major", we mean minor. A lot of it is about finessing the exterior style, with a concave grille inspired by classics like the 33 Stradale and GT 2000, a reshaped "Triolobe" (that's Alfa-speak for the headlight cluster), and larger lower intakes to bring it into line with the new (smaller) Junior.
Overhangs are slightly reduced and the track is slighty wider, none of it necessitating a change to the sheet metal. New wheel designs are on offer.
Colour is an "emotional language" says Alfa, so there are some bold new choices for exterior finish: Brera Red, Monza Green and Ocra are all new, joining the existing Alfa Black, Alfa White, Vesuvio Grey, Montreal Green and Misano Blue.
Inside, there are new trims, incuding snappy two-tone options and contrast stitching. But the biggest change is the move from a conventional gearlever to a rotary selector, which frees up more space in the centre console.
There are a few more comfort/convenience features in the mix now too, including an enhanced 360-degree camera with "drone view" and a wearable water-resistant watch-style key (see the Gallery below for a look at that).
How much is it?
Not a question we can answer right now, as the current Tonale is on Kiwi runout and local distributor Ateco Automotive is undecided on what it does next with the new model.
For the record, the current/outgoing 48-volt mild hybrid (118kW/240Nm) Tonale can now be bought for $43,990 in Ti form, or $47,990 as the Veloce, which is a saving of $16-$19k over full retail.
What's it like to drive?
Our drive time on the international media launch in Italy, in and around Pisa, was restricted to the top-of-the-range plug-in hybrid, with a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine driving the front wheels and an electric motor at the back, for a total output of 201kW.
That's not a confguration we're familiar with from our local Tonale experience, although a 1.5-litre mild hybrid with 130kW also continues in the lineup.
Alfa admits one of the big issues with the previous powertrains was a sometimes-uncomfortable transition between petrol and electric power - true even of what it calls the "mild" hybrid version offered here in NZ, which still has a separate electric motor.
There's an updated Hybrid Control Processor designed to help the petrol and electric systems co-ordinate better and provide a smoother driving experience.
No complaints about the way the PHEV gets on with hybrid business, notwithstanding we never drove the previous one. It's impressively smooth in urban driving and perks up with lots of punch on the open road.
Alfa's firm on its intention to keep the Tonale a cut above the mainstream in terms of sporty driving character. A quick steering rack is a key player in that ambition, especially when you factor in the wider track. It was certainly a lot of fun on the Tuscan roads mapped out for the launch drive, responsive and alert to subtle changes in steering and throttle from the driver.
We enjoyed the drive-mode dial on our test car, which offered a direct line to the Alfa Dual Stage Valve adaptive suspension: aside from the D, N and A twist-settings, it had a Ferrari-style pushbutton to instantly soften the ride when required - a bumpy road mode, in other words.
We've not entirely sold on the new rotary gearlever; it seems an odd choice for a car that wants to project sportiness. Ours was also slow to engage and made some strange noises as it shifted between Park, Drive and Reverse.
Alfa argues the packaging benefits are worth it and if the Tonale driver really wants to get busy, most models have aluminium paddle-shifters to play with.
Overall, the cabin is a nice blend of traditional Alfa styling cues with digital technology. The infotainment is customisable and there's a one-touch shortcut at the top of the display to disable the speed sign recognition/warning. How very Italian.
What’s the pick of the range?
Possible configurations for NZ are yet to be decided, so there's little point in delving into the specification detail. But globally Alfa Romeo has a "new lineup strategy" that brings in an entry-level model, simply called Tonale.
It moves from there to the more familiar Ti and flagship Veloce. But Alfa has also introduced a launch edition called Tonale Sport Speciale, with extra silver and black trim, black-and-white Alcantara upholstery and some specific dashboard graphics. Sport Speciale can also be ordered with a constrating black roof.
What other cars should I consider?
Tonale's USP has always been a bit of Italian flair among mostly German premium compact-SUVs. So think Audi Q3 (new model incoming for 2026, prices to be revealed), BMW X1 ($76,100-$90,600) or Mercedes-Benz GLA ($77,200-$93,200).
Maybe even the Mini Countryman ($54,990-$79,990), which you could argue is a bit German as well.
