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The Tonale concept was revealed back at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Finally, the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale will debut soon and enter the tight competition of the compact upscale SUV segment.
The small premium SUV Tonale makes the newest vehicle model produced by Alfa Romeo, which sits just below the Stelvio size-wise. Coming as the third vehicle in the lineup of the Italian automobile company, read about the exciting debut of the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale and what it has to offer in the following.
The Tonale’s Power and Performance
The Tonale is a sub-compact upscale C-segment SUV manufactured by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo. The name is derived from a high mountain pass located in Northern Italy, the Tonale Pass or Passo del Tonale.
The concept version of this car was revealed at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show. The initial plan was to launch the production version in 2021, but unfortunately, it had to be scrapped due to the demand for better drivetrain performance and range from the automaker’s management as well as the happening global semiconductor chip shortages. Finally, it was revealed as the brand’s smallest marketed SUV in early 2022 as the 2023 model year, which also marks the first newly released model by Alfa Romeo in six years.
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale offers two different powertrains: a 256 horsepower 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that puts out 295 pound-feet of torque and a 272 horsepower 1.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine combined with a 90-kW electric engine and 15.5 kWh Li-ion battery. The hybrid powertrain is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that supports over 30 miles of driving range exclusively the electric power.
The range of safety features offered as standard on the Tonale consists of blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, driver attention assist, rear cross-traffic detection, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The optional Level 2 semi-automated driving system, traffic jam assist, and a 360º camera are available as well.
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Design and Features
At a glance, there’s no doubt that the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale is visually-pleasing. It boasts handsome bodywork that’s emphasized by the Italian automaker’s sharp-nosed façade. Aside from the already-displayed blue exterior paint, other color options haven’t been announced yet but it’s safe to expect some distinctive palette color choices.
According to the official statement by Alfa Romeo, the Tonale styling is influenced by different legendary models, like the ‘GT Line’ inspired by the ‘60s Giulia GT Junior that extends from the headlights area to the rear section. The rear window also looks like designed with some inspiration from the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.
In the front section, the brand-exclusive SZ Zagato’s three-part Trilobo LED headlight design along with the iconic scudetto grille is present. The headlight design seems to be extended to the taillights. Moreover, the alloy wheel design that’s used on so many historic Alfa Romeo models is certainly going to be noticed by enthusiasts.
Getting inside, it’s clear that the Tonale carries the same interior design language as the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV, going by the instrument board-centric arrangement and the circular air ventilators. A 12.3” digital instrument cluster and a 3-spoke steering wheel add a touch of modernity to the most classic design. Moreover, a couple of large paddle shifter is offered as well. The interior promotes a combination between microsuede and leather surfaces and aluminum trim. The driver seat row appears to be ergonomic and fashionable as well by sporting contrasting red-stitched seating and the brand crests on the headrests.
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale features a 10.3” touchscreen with a built-in Uconnect 5 infotainment system that can be found in plenty of other vehicles under the Alfa Romeo parent’s company, Stellaris. Aside from the customizable interface, it allows users to make up to five different profiles. Also, come as standards are wireless device charging and smart device integration systems (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
Release Date and Starting Price Estimation
The hybrid compact luxury SUV Tonale can be ordered starting from the Q4 of the 2022 calendar year. The units are expected to hit dealerships in Q1 of 2023. Buyers can choose from three available trim grades: the Sprint, Ti, and Veloce.
Cost-wise, the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale is expected to have a starting price between $36,000 and $40,000, which is competitive with other entry-level trims of luxury European SUVs in the same class. As references, the 2022 X1 xDrive28i is sold at around $38,400 and the 2022 Audi Q3 price range begins at roughly $37,500.