Wikipedia

Alfa Romeo Tonale

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a car produced by the Italian company Alfa Romeo since February 2022. Being a five-seater compact crossover SUV, it slots above the Alfa Romeo Junior and below the Alfa Romeo Stelvio in the marque's crossover SUV range.[3] Known internally as the 965,[4] the Tonale is the first hybrid-powered Alfa Romeo and became the first new model introduced by the brand in six years.[5] It is named after the Tonale mountain pass in Northern Italy.[6][7]

Alfa Romeo Tonale
Front-three-quarter view of a five-door car with raised ground clearance, door mirrors with integrated turning indicator lights, LED headlights, and large alloy wheels
Overview
ManufacturerAlfa Romeo
Model code965
Production2022–present
Model years2023–present (North America)[1]
AssemblyItaly: Pomigliano d'Arco
DesignerAlexandros Liokis at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo under Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos
Body and chassis
ClassCompact crossover SUV (C)[discuss]
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive
PlatformFCA Small Wide 4×4 LWB[2]
RelatedDodge Hornet
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor
  • 15 kW (20 hp; 20 PS) 48-volt P2 (MHEV)
  • 45 kW (60 hp; 61 PS) FCA eMotor (4xe)
  • 90 kW (121 hp; 122 PS) FCA eMotor (4xe)
Power output
  • 95 kW (127 hp; 129 PS) (Hybrid)
  • 117 kW (157 hp; 159 PS) (Hybrid VGT)
  • 134 kW (180 hp; 182 PS) (engine)
  • 212.5 kW (285 hp; 289 PS) (combined)
  • 191 kW (256 hp; 260 PS) (2.0)
Transmission
  • 6-speed FPT C635 dual-clutch automatic
  • 7-speed Alfa Romeo TCT dual-clutch automatic
  • 9-speed ZF 9HP automatic (2.0)
Hybrid drivetrain
Battery
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,637 mm (103.8 in)
Length4,530 mm (178.3 in)
Width1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Height1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Curb weight1,525 kg (3,362 lb)

In August 2022, a rebadged and restyled version was unveiled as the Dodge Hornet, exclusive to the North American market as the smallest, entry-level SUV offering from Dodge. The Hornet will be sold alongside the Tonale in the region with different specs and lower pricing.

Overview

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The production Tonale was originally scheduled for release in 2021, but was delayed until 2022 due to the global semiconductor shortage[2] and Alfa Romeo management demanding better range and performance from its drivetrain.[8][6] It was developed during the ownership of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and underpinned by a heavily modified version of the SCCS crossover platform shared with the Jeep Compass. It is also the first Alfa Romeo to be equipped with an optional plug-in hybrid system, which uses a 15.5 kWh (56 MJ) lithium-ion battery to achieve 30 miles (48 km) of all-electric range.[9][10] The Tonale marks the brand's electrification effort, where Alfa Romeo will be the first brand among the 14 brands of Stellantis to go fully electric by 2027.[11] The Tonale is marketed in the premium segment,[12] and has been described variously as a "compact crossover",[13][14][15] a "compact SUV",[13][16][17] a "small SUV",[18][19] and a "tall hatchback".[20][21]

All models of the Tonale are equipped with a 12.3-inch (31 cm) digital infotainment cluster and a 10.25-inch (26.0 cm) infotainment screen, which will run on the Uconnect 5 software suite.[22] In addition, the Tonale will come with an NFT that records and stores data of the car's life cycle. According to Alfa Romeo, the NFT will generate a certificate that Stellantis claims can help maintain the car's residual value.[23][24] The Verge noted that Alfa Romeo had not provided much information about what blockchain technology they intended to use for this.[24] Jalopnik felt that digitising a car's service history was a good idea, but that blockchain NFTs were a "bad" and "entirely unnecessary" way to achieve this.[25]

According to Alfa Romeo, the Tonale was designed to offer more driving engagement than the class average by using a very quick steering rack (2.3 turns lock-to-lock). It also features torque vectoring by braking, frequency-selective dampers as standard, and adaptive items and four-piston brakes on the range-topping Veloce.[citation needed]

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    Rear view
  •  
    Interior

Powertrain

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One of the powertrain options is a newly developed Alfa Romeo-exclusive 160 hp (162 PS; 119 kW) 1.5-litre petrol engine with a variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) and 48 V hybrid system, paired with a 7-speed TCT dual-clutch transmission and a 48 V 15 kW (20 PS; 20 hp) and 55 N⋅m (5.61 kg⋅m; 40.6 lb⋅ft) P2 electric motor (135 N⋅m (13.8 kg⋅m; 99.6 lb⋅ft) with a 2.5:1 transmission ratio). It can propel the wheels even when the internal combustion engine is turned off. The hybrid Tonale is claimed to be capable of 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 8.8 seconds and a maximum speed of over 209 km/h (130 mph). The engine comes with a compression ratio of 12.5:1, a new cylinder head with a compact combustion chamber, dual variable valve timing, and "high-tumble" intake ducts.

A 48 V lithium-ion battery with a 0.8 kWh capacity is used. The capacity is more than twice that of batteries commonly used on belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) hybrid systems, while providing an output of up to 22 kW (30 PS; 30 hp). The battery has a volume of about 11 litres and does not affect the size of the boot, as it is installed under the central tunnel between the front seats. The dual voltage system with a DC/DC converter from 48 to 12 volts manages the interface with the electrical architecture of the vehicle.[26]

Markets

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Europe

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The Tonale has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrated into its user interface, which also has a 10.25-inch (260 mm) touchscreen. Regular versions of the car have 18-inch (460 mm) wheels, whilst a special edition sold at launch had 20-inch (510 mm) wheels along with other cosmetic changes. The plug-in hybrid version has less boot space than the non-plug-in version.[27]

North America

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The Tonale for Canada will be released for the 2023 model year, with the option of a 2.0 L petrol turbocharged engine or a 1.3 L petrol plug-in hybrid engine.[9] In the U.S. market, initially only the 2.0 L will be available.

Dodge Hornet

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Main article: Dodge Hornet (2023)
Not to be confused with Dodge Hornet (concept car).

The Hornet was released in August 2022 for the U.S. and Canada, and is Dodge's first compact SUV since the discontinuation of the Jeep Liberty-based Dodge Nitro in 2011. Compared to the North American Tonale, the Hornet received a restyled front end, headlights, and taillights.

The Hornet name was acquired by Chrysler Corporation following their acquisition of American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1987. All Hornets feature a "Bee" emblem on the front fenders.

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    2023 Dodge Hornet GT, front view
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    2023 Dodge Hornet GT, rear view

Safety

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Euro NCAP test results
Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5 GSE MHEV (LHD) (2022)[28]
Test Points %
Overall:      
Adult occupant: 31.6 83%
Child occupant: 41.9 85%
Pedestrian: 36.2 67%
Safety assist: 13.6 85%

Concepts

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Tonale Concept

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The Tonale Concept was unveiled in March 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show. It features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain from the Jeep Renegade, presumably with a front-mounted petrol engine and a rear-mounted electric motor.[29][30][31] Different driving modes were featured: Dual Power mode for maximum performance, Natural mode for everyday use, and Advanced Efficiency for electric propulsion only.[32] Additional touchscreen settings were claimed to further adjust throttle behaviour, braking response, and steering feel.[30][31]

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    Front view
  •  
    Rear view
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    Interior

References

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  1. ^ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (9 August 2021). "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale spy shots: Electrified compact crossover coming soon". Motor Authority. Archived from the original on 15 September 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  2. ^ a b Oliva, Jacob (2021-10-22). "Alfa Romeo Tonale Delayed Due To Chip Shortage: Report". Motor1. Archived from the original on 2021-11-06. Retrieved 2021-11-06.
  3. ^ "This is the brand new Alfa Romeo Tonale". Top Gear. 2022-02-08. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
  4. ^ "Alfa Romeo Tonale: Il motivo del ritardo è un altro?". Archived from the original on 2023-03-28. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  5. ^ "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale revealed, confirmed for Australia next year". Drive. 2022-02-08. Archived from the original on 2022-02-11. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
  6. ^ a b Attwood, James (2021-08-06). "New 2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale edges closer to full reveal". Autocar. Archived from the original on 2021-08-29. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
  7. ^ "New Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV steals the show at Geneva". Auto Express. 5 March 2019. Archived from the original on 5 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  8. ^ Cifferi, Luca; Malan, Andrea (2021-04-08). "Alfa Romeo Tonale launch delayed after new CEO demands better performance". Automotive News. Archived from the original on 2021-04-08.
  9. ^ a b "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale First Look: Alfa's Small SUV Is Finally Here". MotorTrend. 2022-02-08. Archived from the original on 2022-02-11. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
  10. ^ Miller, Caleb (2022-02-08). "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Arrives with PHEV, 2.0T Powertrains". Car and Driver. Archived from the original on 2022-03-07. Retrieved 2022-04-13.
  11. ^ "Alfa Romeo to go all-electric by 2027". Archived from the original on 2022-08-23. Retrieved 2022-08-23.
  12. ^
  13. ^ a b Duff, Mike (5 May 2022). "2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale review: International launch". drive.com.au. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  14. ^ Duff, Mike (5 May 2022). "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale: The Brand's Smallest SUV Holds Promise". Car and Driver. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  15. ^ Williams, Evan (8 February 2022). "Alfa Romeo Introduces 2023 Tonale, Brand's First PHEV". wheels.ca. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  16. ^ "Alfa Romeo Tonale review (2022): now with PHEV power". Car magazine. 17 November 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  17. ^ Robinson, Matt (11 October 2022). "New Alfa Romeo Tonale 2022 review". Auto Express. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  18. ^ Watson, Mat. "Alfa Romeo Tonale Review and Prices". carwow.co.uk. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  19. ^ Carey, John (5 May 2022). "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale review". news.com.au. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  20. ^ Cheung, Lawrence (18 January 2023). "Alfa Romeo Tonale review". What Car?. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  21. ^ Duff, Mike (5 May 2022). "2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale = PH Review". pistonheads.com. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  22. ^ "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Price Starts In High $30K Range, Reaches Low $50K". Motor1.com. Archived from the original on 2022-02-11. Retrieved 2022-02-11.
  23. ^ Wayland, Michael (8 February 2022). "Alfa Romeo unveils new electric-hybrid SUV with NFT, blockchain technology". CNBC. Archived from the original on 12 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  24. ^ a b Porter, Jon (9 February 2022). "Alfa Romeo's new SUV comes with an NFT for some reason". The Verge. Archived from the original on 12 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  25. ^ DaSilva, Steve (2 October 2021). "The Alfa Romeo Tonale's NFT Service Record is Dumb". Jalopnik. Archived from the original on 25 June 2022. Retrieved 12 June 2022. The website lists the date of the article as 2 October 2022 but this is presumably a typo.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  26. ^ "Alfa Romeo Tonale hybrid: everything that energy moves". www.media.stellantis.com. Archived from the original on 2022-06-08. Retrieved 2022-09-06.
  27. ^ Fossdyke, James (17 November 2022). "Alfa Romeo Tonale Phev Q4 2023 Review: On road and track with Alfa's plug-in SUV". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  28. ^ https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/alfa+romeo/tonale/46239
  29. ^ "Alfa Romeo unveils new Tonale PHEV compact SUV". Autocar. 5 March 2019. Archived from the original on 5 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  30. ^ a b "Alfa Romeo Tonale Concept First Look: Concept in Name Only?". MotorTrend. 5 March 2019. Archived from the original on 8 March 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  31. ^ a b Pappas, Thanos (2021-10-31). "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Spied With A Jeep-Branded Engine". Carscoops. Archived from the original on 2021-11-02. Retrieved 2021-11-06.
  32. ^ "Alfa Romeo Tonale Concept". alfaromeo.com. Archived from the original on 7 March 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
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