Place an order for a brand new one 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid is leaning towards a version of the flagship Veloce in a distinctive color, the local arm of the Italian brand has confirmed.
Talk with Car ExpertStellantis Australia manager for small compact products Bridget Thomson said pre-launch interest in the company’s first compact SUV was “very strong”.
“We have a very strong interest in Tonale. We have about 70 per cent of the mix in the Veloce – customers want a full-spec car at this stage,” Ms Thomson said.
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Tonale Hybrid Veloce
When asked if any trends had been noticed in terms of buyers’ tastes, Ms Thomson added that early Tonale buyers had opted for brighter color options in the Tonale palette.
“Our customer base really likes to show their individuality, so obviously Alfa Red is a top contender in line with the brand’s colors, but Montreal Green is also a hot item,” he said.
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid hits dealerships this month, with a price from $49,900 plus on-road costs for Ti entry level, climb to $56,400 before on the road for the flagship Veloce.
All versions at launch are powered by a 1.5 liter turbocharged petrol engine coupled with a 48V hybrid system which, unlike most 48V mild hybrids, is able to offer low-speed electric drive thanks to a gear-driven system rather than the more common integrated belt starter generator.
The output is evaluated at 118kW and 240Nm, fed to the front wheels exclusively via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Alfa Romeo quotes a frugal combined fuel consumption of just 5.6L per 100km.
Later this year, Alfa Romeo Australia will add the Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 to the local range, pairing a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine connected to the front wheels only, and an electric motor powering the rear axle, with system power from 205kW and the claimed 0-100km/h time 6.2 seconds.
The 15.5kWh on-board hybrid battery offers a claimed EV driving range of 60km on the combined cycle. A 7.4kW AC home wall box will charge it in about 2.5 hours, Alfa Romeo adds.
Key rivals include the Audi Q3 (from $50,600), the BMW X1 (from $60,400) and the Mercedes-Benz GLA (from $63,200). Other alternatives include the Jaguar E-Pace (from $71,070) and the Volvo XC40 (from $53,490).
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Tonale Hybrid Ti
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