Alfa Romeo Tonale 2024 review
Photo: Calreyn88 (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Alfa Romeo Tonale proves that family SUVs need not be boring. Starting at £33,000, this Italian compact SUV wraps hybrid efficiency in some of the most beautiful sheet metal in the class, with the famous Scudetto grille and triple headlight signature giving it unmistakable road presence.
The 1.5-litre mild-hybrid with 160hp is the sweet spot, pairing a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with a claimed 44.1mpg. It is smooth and refined in town, where the electric assistance does its best work, and the Tonale’s chassis — with quick steering and Alfa’s DNA drive-mode selector — makes it one of the most entertaining compact SUVs to drive. The 500-litre boot is competitive too.
Inside, the driver-focused cockpit with its telescopic instruments and 10.25-inch touchscreen feels special, and build quality is a genuine step up for Alfa. Rear space and infotainment polish trail the very best, and the dealer network is small, but for drivers who want their family SUV with soul, nothing else at this price stirs the emotions quite like the Tonale.
UK price from: £33,000
Specifications
| Engine | 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol MHEV |
| Power | 160PS |
| 0-60 mph | 8.8 seconds |
| Top speed | 130 mph |
| Fuel economy | 44.1 mpg (WLTP combined) |
| CO2 | 146 g/km |
| Boot space | 500 litres |
| Length | 4,528 mm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
Features
- 1.5-litre mild-hybrid turbo petrol, 160PS
- 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox
- Alfa DNA drive-mode selector
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Adaptive cruise control and lane centring
- Power tailgate with 500-litre boot
- Matrix LED headlights with signature DRLs
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads | £59.99 | OEM-spec pads for the 1.5 MHEV; wear sensor lead included. |
| Oil filter | £11.99 | Spin-on filter; use the specified low-viscosity oil. |
| Air filter | £19.99 | Panel filter; easy access under the bonnet. |
| Cabin pollen filter | £17.99 | Behind the glovebox; annual change recommended. |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £23.99 | Flat aero blades; clip-fit in minutes. |
| 12V battery | £109.99 | EFB battery supporting the 48V mild-hybrid system. |
Pros
- Gorgeous Italian styling inside and out
- Engaging handling with quick, feelsome steering
- Efficient mild-hybrid powertrain
- Driver-focused cockpit with quality materials
Cons
- Infotainment not as slick as German rivals
- Small UK dealer network
- Rear visibility limited by styling
- Resale values trail mainstream competitors
