Alfa Romeo has taken the wraps off its highly anticipated Tonale SUV, the brand’s first electrified model, which goes on sale in April.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale, equipped with hybrid engines, will be offered to UK drivers in two trim levels: Ti and Veloce. For the premiere of the new model, Alfa Romeo will also provide an exclusive 'Edizione Speciale' Tonale variant. With a zero to 60 mph time of 8.8 seconds and a top speed of more than 130 mph, the Alfa Romeo Tonale claims to uphold the brand's expected performance standards.
The 160hp 48v Hybrid Variable-Geometry Turbo (VGT) engine debuts as an exclusive for Alfa Romeo. In order to drive the wheels even when the internal combustion engine is shut off, the 1.5-litre gasoline engine is coupled with a 7-speed Alfa Romeo TCT dual-clutch transmission and a 48-volt 15 kW and 55 Nm P2 electric motor. It can drive in electric mode up to 15kW in every case where it is required, including cruising, parking and driving at moderate speeds.
Additionally, the new Tonale is designed to improve the driving experience, with: 'Energy Recovery', to save energy that would otherwise be lost as the car decelerates (e-coasts) and brakes, plus 'Silent Start', to start the vehicle solely in electric-vehicle mode. By adjusting the engine or braking torque delivered by the electric motor, the EV is modifying the operating point of the gasoline engine Electric Drive, allowing the car to travel only on the electric motor. This is known as 'Boost & Load Point Shift'.
Additional tools are also available to emphasise the new Tonale's EV capabilities: with 'e-Creeping', an electric motor is used to provide the automatic transmission-typical start-up, at a speed that can range from zero to the equivalent of a gasoline engine idle in first gear or reverse; 'e-Launch', which uses the vehicle's electric motor alone to start the EV; 'e-Parking', which is designed to streamline parking manoeuvres and make them practical and quiet, and 'e-Queuing', used to keep cars moving in stop-and-go traffic.
A conventional, brand-new infotainment system is also included. It offers content and up-to-date services via the Android operating system's customisation ability and the 4G connectivity with Over The Air (OTA) updates. The system has a total size of 22.5 inches, which is notably larger than a standard system. It consists of a 12.3-inch digital screen and a central touchscreen that is 10.25 inches in size.
The multitasking interface, which offers a smartphone-like experience and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features as standard, enables the driver to have all the information within view.