2020 Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV leaked

The all-new Alfa Romeo Tonale has been caught on camera completely undisguised ahead of its launch in 2020.

The images, posted on an Italian car forum, surfaced overnight are believed to show an almost production-ready Alfa Tonale SUV, revealing the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 competitor months ahead of its potential launch at the 2020 Geneva motor show.

Heavily inspired by the Tonale concept shown at the 2019 Swiss show back in March, it's clear the production car will receive toned-down front and rear styling that features larger, conventional headlights.

At the rear of the car, there's a wider rear light bar and bigger lamps but the bumper and glass screen look almost identical to the concept, hinting the production car will largely keep the design study's sporty SUV proportions.

Designed to sit below the bigger Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV, the Tonale is not only tipped to become a best-seller for the Italian car-maker but to be the first recipient of Alfa's all-new plug-in hybrid technology.

No details have been revealed what the hybrid engine will consist of, but it's thought the advanced new powertrain is also destined to be introduced under the bonnet of the Jeep Renegade with power expected to be pegged around 177kW, although the Alfa SUV could produce even more power given the brand's sporty pretentions.

Based on the same Giorgio platform that already underpins both the Giulia mid-sized sedan and Stelvio SUV, the new Tonale is tipped deliver class-leading rear-biased handling.

Both rear-drive and all-wheel drive versions are set to be offered, all hooked up to a eight-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the Tonale gets an updated version of the Stelvio's cabin design but, crucially, debuts Alfa's next-generation touchscreen infotainment system that's set to be introduced with a mid-life facelift of the larger SUV.

As well as the new 10.25-inch 'floating' centrally-mounted infotainment screen, the Tonale's dash will also include a full 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

Wireless charging and a WIFI hotspot, plus greater connectivity are expected to feature.

Set to arrive in Europe late 2020, it's likely Aussie cars will arrive in 2021.

The arrival of the small SUV will be bolstered by a new Giulietta, long-wheelbase Stelvio, a large SUV, GTV and, even an 8C-replacing supercar are hoped will push Alfa Romeo's global sales to around 400,000.