Alfa Romeo Tonale 2022: small SUV could be the sales hit Alfa needs

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Alfa Romeo is targeting the popular market of SUVs yet again, this time with the Tonale crossover. 

First it was the Stelvio which served as a popular alternative to the BMW X5 or Audi Q5, but now Alfa has got its sights on the small SUV market with competitors such as the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA on its radar.

Originally unveiled as a concept at the 2019 Geneva motor show, the Tonale is likely to be a popular model if it does come to Australia considering the appeal of small to medium size SUVs in the country. 

Powertrains and performance 

Powertrains are yet to be finalised by the brand, however reports from overseas state that the Tonale will share its powertrain and platform with the Jeep Renegade/ Compass – a model which sits under the same Stellantis brand. 

While it is more likely that the Tonale will be based upon the FCA Small Wide 4×4 Platform, utilised by the smallest Jeep models, it’s also possible that FCA’s merger with PSA would see the Tonale adopt the French group’s EMP2 platform, which underpins cars such as the great-to-drive Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUVs.

Both platforms can handle additional hybrid technologies but the team at Chasing Cars think the EMP2 platform would be better suited to the smaller Tonale SUV. 

Traditional combustion engines will likely feature, along with hybrid and PHEV variants, too. For the entry level variant, expect a turbocharged 1.3-litre engine mated to a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

For higher grades, the Tonale will utilise the same 1.3-litre PHEV powertrain used in the Jeep Compass 4xe model which makes a combined output of 177kW. 

It is unknown whether that will be the range topping power output, or whether an all-wheel drive hot ‘Q’ version might be in the works to take on the likes of the Audi RSQ3 – it is on our Chasing Cars wish-list, though. 

For those wondering, the ‘Q’ branded Alfa Romeos are the equivalent of BMW’s M division or Mercedes-Benz AMG. Currently, you can buy either a Gulia Q or Stelvio Q which are powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6. 

What might the Tonale cost?

The pricing for the Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV has not yet been released by the company, however we can estimate by looking at competitors as to how much it may cost. 

An 2021 Audi Q3 starts at roughly $50,000 before on-road costs, while a Mercedes-Benz GLA comes in at $60,000 as a starting price. Chasing Cars can therefore estimate that the new Tonale could start at around $55,000 before on-road costs for the entry level variants, with range toppers landing somewhere around $75,000 or higher. 

Will it come to Australia?

Alfa Romeo has not confirmed local timing just yet for the Tonale, but we expect the car to go on sale late in 2022 here in Australia.