Alfa Romeo Tonale, spy photos confirm that we are almost there

Alfa Romeo Tonale, spy photos confirm that we are almost there

Alfa Romeo Tonale

Two years after the introductions and after the latest delays, the Alfa Romeo Tonale remained an unknown factor in the production of the snake until a few hours ago. Thanks to the latest images from the tests in progress, we know that the new compact SUV is now ready for launch - reassuring news for all listening "alphists". The debut on the market should take place at the beginning of next year, with appearance and specifications almost unchanged compared to the presentations of 2019.

The "almost" refers to some slight adjustments that can be guessed by observing the new spy photos. For example, the slightly modified front and the smaller wheels (although they may change according to the model as is the case on almost all cars). In general, the proportions and shapes of the Tonale reflect, as mentioned, what was seen in Geneva, recovering the style applied to the older sister Stelvio. The new model, we remind you, will be positioned just below the Stelvio itself in terms of prices and will be the vehicle on which Alfa Romeo will focus most immediately.

In addition to offering the now obligatory hybrid version, the Tonale line it should keep both petrol and diesel in the catalog, leaning on the same platform as the Jeep Renegade. But it is not excluded that in the next few years full electric versions will arrive and the thermal units will be reduced (if not completely cut). In any case, even here there are no big news compared to the first announcements although there are no photos of the interiors. From this point of view, various technological restylings were announced compared to the latest Alfa cars, especially on the infotainment side and related functions.

How much Stellantis and Alfa have invested in the Tonale emerges from the objectives already set during the first announcements: to go from 150,000 to 400,000 cars sold per year (among all Alfa Romeo models). An achievable goal if the new compact SUV will meet the tastes of the mass public and not just Alfa enthusiasts. But the expectation that already surrounds this model seems to herald very positive results. Of course, we await the launch for all the necessary checks, and slightly more decipherable images of the final version.

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2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale Compact SUV Shows Production Headlights

How long has it been since the Tonale was revealed as a concept? To be perfectly honest, it’s been too long because Alfa Romeo has pushed back the compact SUV on multiple occasions over the health crisis, an eco-friendly powertrain that’s not up to snuff, and the merger with PSA.

Originally envisioned on the FCA Small Wide 4x4 vehicle architecture that Jeep uses for the Compass, the all-new model could very well feature a platform developed by Groupe PSA. The problem is, we don’t know for certain because Alfa Romeo has been suspiciously quiet in this regard. The only thing we know for certain is that Jean-Philippe Imparato, the chief executive officer at Stellantis, wasn’t pleased with the plug-in hybrid powertrain.

If the all-new Tonale does get Compass underpinnings, then look forward to a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with a torque-converter automatic transmission, a rear-mounted electric motor for all-electric and hybrid propulsion, as well as an 11.4-kWh battery. The 4xe twins from Jeep deliver just around 50 kilometers (31 miles) of zero-emissions driving range, which is pretty alright for a vehicle of this footprint and curb weight.


Spied in Bella Italia with loads of camouflage on every single panel - including the wheels - the smaller brother of the Stelvio features placeholder taillights and series-production headlights. The LED turn signals are particularly nice, and the overall design is different enough from the Compass. The carparazzi have also caught a glimpse of the interior, which features a piece of dashboard-like padded trim where the multimedia touchscreen should be. Just like the rear-driven Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV, the sexy-looking steering wheel shows an engine start button on the left-hand side.


The Alfa Romeo Tonale replaces the Giulietta compact hatchback in the Italian automaker’s lineup, and sooner rather than later, a B-segment crossover by the name of Brennero will be welcomed as the sister model to the Jeep Renegade. The Brennero, however, will employ the CMP/e-CMP vehicle architecture from Groupe PSA because it’ll also be offered as an EV.