Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid pricing revealed

The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale has been priced from under $50,000 ahead of the all-new small Italian SUV’s arrival in Australia early next year, exclusively in hybrid form.

Making it the first electrified Alfa Romeo model sold here, two electrified variants of the Tonale – which was revealed in February and launched in Europe in May – will kick-off the new model’s presence Down Under from February.

The initial range will be bolstered in late 2023 by the arrival of at least one plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, however, details including pricing and equipment levels remain thin on the ground.

Opening the 2023 Alfa Tonale range will be the entry-level Ti grade at $49,900 plus on-road costs, while the higher-specced Veloce creeps up to $56,400 plus ORCs.

The sub-$50K starting price is competitive with other small premium SUVs including the Audi Q2 (from $45,200) and Q3 ($50,300), and the BMW X1 ($53,900) and X2 ($51,000).

Both Tonale variants feature a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with the internal combustion engine being supported by a 48-volt electric motor integrated into the transmission.

The 15kW motor is fed by a 0.8kWh lithium-ion battery and allows the Tonale Hybrid to potter about silently below 15km/h, resulting in claimed combined fuel consumption of 5.6L/100km.

Total system outputs are rated at 118kW/240Nm, which is sent exclusively to the front wheels (as with entry versions of its key rivals) with the help of a limited-slip differential.

While the Ti and Veloce might share the same powertrains, the two differ fairly considerably in terms of their standard equipment lists, which are generous in both cases.

For starters, the Ti rolls on 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels as standard and also features automatic Matrix LED headlights with Adaptive Driving Beam and dynamic indicators, as well as power-folding and heated wing mirrors.

Things are stepped up within the cabin where drivers are met by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment screen featuring wireless smartphone mirroring and DAB digital radio, a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, leather steering wheel, push-button start, ‘carbon cloth’ and leatherette upholstery and black headlining.

Standard safety highlights include adaptive cruise control with stop & go, high beam assist, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane support system, driver drowsy detection, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed assist and tyre pressure monitoring.

Alfa’s Veloce trim grade has long been aimed at those desiring sportier handling and design without paying for the full fire-breathing Quadrifoglio treatment, which could come to the Tonale in the form of a high-performance EV.

As such and for now, the Tonale Hybrid Veloce has been decked out with a more aggressive body kit and the ‘Dark Miron’ exterior pack, which blacks out many of its key trim bits including the grille.

Lurking behind the 19-inch alloys are a set of red Brembo brake callipers and the more intense look is matched on the inside by perforated black Alcantara and leatherette upholstery with red contrast stitching, plus aluminium door sills, paddle shifters and rear privacy glass.

Other unique features over the Ti include Traffic Jam Assist, side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, auto-dimming mirrors and adaptive dampers.

Five exterior paint colours will be available on the Ti – White, Red, Black, Vesuvio Grey Metallic and Misano Blue Metallic – and six on the Veloce, which is also available with Montreal Green Tri-Coat.

According to Alfa Romeo Australia managing director Kevin Flynn, “the Tonale Hybrid is the ultimate blend of past, present and future” as the iconic car-maker prepares to go all-in on electrification under Stellantis ownership.

While the Tonale Hybrid’s launch was delayed from 2021, Alfa Romeo’s first EV is due in 2024 and the Italian brand will sell only battery-electric vehicles from 2027.

“The Alfa Romeo heritage shines through with the modern style and ingenuity that make the Tonale Hybrid a one-of-a-kind,” he said.

How much does the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale cost?
Hybrid Ti (a) – $49,900
Hybrid Veloce (a) – $56,400
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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