Why we’re running it: To see how well Alfa’s new PHEV small SUV balances rationality and emotion
Month 4 - Month 3 - Month 2 - Month 1 - Specs
Compact SUV with PHEV tech and design flair makes its exit. Did it do Alfa proud? - 17 January 2024
My more juvenile car friends continue to call our outgoing long-termer the toenail - and yes, its name doesn't translate brilliantly into English - but having spent a good few months with it, I feel it deserves more respect than that.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in hybrid was a long time coming compared with rival offerings, not least because incoming Alfa Romeo boss Jean-Philippe Imparato insisted the car needed to be improved before it could be launched.
The focus of those improvements was not the somewhat lacklustre nature of the powertrain - more of that in a moment - but the ability to eke out a very respectable official EV range of 48 miles. This enabled the Tonale to play to the crucial business car market, in which Alfa hasn't had a seat for a while now.
That powertrain, for me, is really the sticking point with this car. As I've mentioned in previous reports, I got used to it over time and didn't find myself disliking the car as a result.
But the mix of poor refinement and an electric motor and engine that didn't seem to work very well together, leading to slow move-offs and some required perseverance when getting up to speed on motorways, ultimately felt disappointing.
It is Alfa Romeo, after all - but I'd comment on this in any car, Alfa Romeo or not. Put that not inconsiderable point to one side and the Tonale is a good car. First, the looks. It has turned an awful lot of heads during my time with it. I suspect (a) the colour catches people's attention and/or (b) people don't recognise the car but think it looks good and/or (c) people know the Alfa Romeo badge and are intrigued by what the model it is. Either way, it feels a positive reaction.
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Pretty face, but dumpy from other angles. Its very expensive too, even by current crazy prices. Surely the worst thing though, is an Alfa with a crap powertrain. I dont think this is what was in mind when it was said every petrol head should own an Alfa once!
A 50k car spoilt by it's drivetrain, forgive me but why would you even consider one.
A mid size 270hp car that's has slow move offs and needs perservance to get up to motorway speeds, PSA should know better and hopefully so should buyers.
"Amazed how expensive cars are". Yes, but, even staying within the Stellantis stable, one can buy a new Grandland for £23k. ( ref Autotrader) Certainly the Alfa Romeo badge is better for keeping up with the Jones's than Vauxhall, but the main difference is that the Vauxhall is a petrol engined car with a manual gearbox. Buy one now while you still can.