MOTORING REVIEW: Alfa Romeo Tonale ready for Limerick streets

THE FAMOUS faous Italian brand of Alfa Romeo has been somewhat overlooked in this country for several years but that’s all about to change with the arrival of the Tonale compact crossover now available to Irish customers.

While Alfa Romeo enjoys a long-standing sporty heritage that spans more than a century, Tonale’s arrival marks a new chapter in the brand's journey to electrification with the introduction of both Mild Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid powertrains, while still staying true to Alfa’s DNA of great Italian style and dynamic driving experience.

The PHEV model is expected to be the choice for most Irish customers. Alfa Romeo in Ireland say its hybrid system is best-in-class in terms of performance and battery efficiency. This AWD combines a 280hp, 1.3 turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission which provides traction to the front axle, along with an electric motor capable of supplying 90kW of max peak power and 250 Nm of torque to the rear axle.

The Tonale PHEV Q4 claims a pure electric range of 60kms — up to 80km for urban driving — and a total range of petrol plus electric of 600kms.

Trims are Ti, and Veloce, both come well specced. An exclusive Tonale Speciale Edition at launch with high-end additional features allows people personalise their car. This trim level is only available with the PHEV version. Buyers can chose from six exterior colours and from three interior trim levels.

Tonale is packed with innovative technologies and the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

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Up to last year, Alfa Romeo had no electrified models within its range but now plans to also introduce a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) to the C-SUV segment next year and to have a BEV-only line-up in 2027, so we can expect to hear a lot more from the sporty Italian brand in the future.

On a test drive on launch day, this elegant looker proved to have a sporty ‘on the firm side’ drive. The interior is both elegant and comfortable with the cockpit built around the driver. Features included a 12.25-inch touchscreen and 10.3-inch instrument cluster. But more of that when I get the car for a full week’s test drive later.

Currently there are three Alfa Romeo dealerships, Tractamotors in Dublin, Dan Seaman Motors in Cork and AutoBolands in Waterford where potential customers can arrange to test drive the car. The brand intends to increase this to eight dealerships.

The PHEV Q4 Ti is priced from €55,495, the MHEV from €49,995 plus delivery and related charges. Annual road tax varies from €140 for the PHEV model to €210 for the Mild Hybrid.