SAVOR ITALIAN FLAIR IN THE ALFA ROMEO TONALE!
First, the name. Tonale? Across the Rhaetian Alps in northern Italy is a high-mountain, 35-mile Tonale Pass with spectacular views and winding roads. And that is the inspiration we are told for the moniker. Indeed, the subcompact Alfa Romeo SUV with its iconic design, stupendous performance combined with a hybrid powertrain is a fitting tribute to the gorgeous pass.
Under the hood of our special Tributo Italiano edition sits a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 gas engine mated to two electric motors, one of which serves as a generator and the other delivers torque. The Tonale can go up to 33 miles on pure electric thanks to a rechargeable 15.5-kWH lithium-ion battery. Pumping up the battery via 240-voltcharger takes just two hours. All in all, total horsepower is 285 and 347 pounds-feet of torque, plenty to cruise the highway or speed up in rush-hour traffic. Zero to 60 is accomplished in under 6 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph. The engine in the all-wheel drive is mated to a sprightly 6-speed auto gearbox resulting in a quiet and responsive drivetrain. The MacPherson front and Chapman rear strut suspension keeps the SUV stable and smooth at all times. The electric power steering is razor sharp, with a solid on-center feel. Toggle the “dna” button for dynamic, natural and advanced efficiency modes. It should be pointed out that the Tonale shares the platform and powertrain with the Hornet, its sibling in the Dodge segment.
Slotted under the larger Stelvio and in line with the Alfa Romeo tradition, bi-xenon Trilobe headlights flank a triangular V-Scudetto grille with functional air intakes. The cabin is plush and roomy with eight-way power heated front seats. Red perforations on black leather seats look classy. The dashboard hosts a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Uconnect user interface while the driver sits across a 12.3-inch digital cockpit cluster. For folks who like a little zest on the road, the aluminum steering column-mounted paddle shifters will come in handy! Dual auto a/c, power sun roof, wireless phone charging pad, underfloor cargo bin, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Harman Kardon sound system are fine touches.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, lane departure/forward collision warnings, electronic stability/traction control with brake assist, four-wheel antilock brakes, blind spot monitor with rear cross detection, backup camera, front/rear and hill start assists, adaptive cruise control, active head restraints, pedestrian emergency brakes, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system.
Leave it to the Italians for some vim and vigor in your drive. In addition, complement the head-turning looks with hybrid tech, and you have a winner in the Tonale. Hats off to Alfa Romeo for an outstanding vehicle that will leave you wanting for more!
TONALE (TRIBUTO ITALIANO EAWD)
Tires: 225/55VR18
Wheelbase: 103.8 inches
Length: 178.3 inches
Width: 82 inches
Height: 63.2 inches
Weight: 4,133 pounds
Fuel capacity: 11.2 gallons
Gas only: 29 mpg; MPGe (electricity + gas): 77
Base price: $51,995
Price as tested: $59,590
Web site: www.alfaromeo.com
Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an
automotive editor/columnist for the
Tampa Tribune. Email him at
motoringflorida@gmail.com
