Alfa Romeo has launched the much-anticipated new Tonale crossover in Ireland, and prices start from €49,995.
TI specification
That will get you a 1.5-litre turbo petrol mild-hybrid in TI specification, which comes as standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone air conditioning, wireless phone charging, Matrix LED headlights, a powered tailgate, and front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera. You can also choose from more upmarket Veloce and Speciale models.
More significantly, the new Tonale plug-in hybrid uses the same 1.3-litre 'Multiair' turbo petrol engine and electric motor we've seen in the Jeep Compass 4xe. The Tonale PHEV Q4 gets four-wheel drive and is Alfa's first electrified model.
It certainly won't be the last - by 2027, Alfa plans to be a fully-electric-only brand, launching a raft of new battery-powered models between now and then, including replacements for the Stelvio SUV and Giulia saloon, which should have one-charge ranges of more than 700km.
56km electric range
In the meantime, the Tonale PHEV Q4 gets a 56km electric range on a full charge of its battery, which stretches to around 80km if you're driving in town. Its CO2 emissions are 29g/km, and the TI version starts at €55,495. It comes as standard with a six-speed automatic gearbox, and the combined output of its petrol and electric motors is 280hp. The electric motor drives the rear wheels, supplying up to 90kW (122hp) to the back axle.
John Saunders, Managing Director of Alfa Romeo in Ireland and part of Gowan Auto, said: "Alfa Romeo has started a very exciting transformation, the brand has reached its first milestone in achieving zero emissions and full electrification by 2027. Tonale represents the beginning of this metamorphosis with the introduction of both MHEV and PHEV technology to this iconic brand. Although Alfa Romeo are making considerable advancements towards a new era of connectivity and electrification; it is important to note that we are also staying true to our DNA of Italian style and dynamic driving experience. With a redefined look, Alfa Romeo continues to embrace a long-standing sporty heritage which spans more than a century, but keeps an eye on the future, with the Tonale representing the vision of sustainable technology and efficiency. We look to the future of the Alfa Romeo brand with immense excitement."
Digital certificate
The Tonale comes in six colours (including a deeply gorgeous Montreal Green) and what Alfa Romeo calls a digital NFT certificate. Based on secure blockchain technology - which creates a verifiable digital receipt for every new piece of information added - the Tonale NFT provides further information such as the production number, the first registered owner, the date of purchase, and other key data. "It will provide customers with the assurance that the Tonale they have purchased is truly one of a kind," says Alfa Romeo.
The Tonale is on sale in Ireland from today, the 3rd of April, and Alfa Romeo currently has three dealers - Tractamotors in Dublin, Dan Seaman Motors, Cork, or AutoBolands, Waterford.