Alfa Romeo takes advantage of the Paris Motor Show 2024 to unveil an evolution of its famous SUV, the Tonale. Already the the brand's best-sellingThis C-segment SUV is updated to remain competitive. The figures for the third quarter of 2024 show a slight drop in sales, and this new version, christened Tonale MY25is designed to boost the range.
Aesthetic and technological innovations
The Tonale update focuses mainly on the vehicle's interior, with a subtle renewal. The central tunnel has been redesigned, adding a touch of modernity and elegance. Alfa Romeo has also opted for a new rotary gear selector that replaces the traditional lever control, an aesthetic but also functional change that simplifies the interface for the driver.
In addition, the dashboard has been optimized, with improved instrument display for better readability of essential information, such as fuel levels, battery and clock.
Engines and versions available
The Tonale MY25 will be available in two trim levels, Sprint and Veloce, with a streamlined engine range. Alfa Romeo has chosen to withdraw the 130 hp Mild Hybrid (MHEV) version, leaving room for the following options :
- 1.6 Turbo Diesel 130 hp The diesel version remains in the catalog for long-distance enthusiasts.
- 1.5 petrol hybrid 160 hp The hybrid version remains the backbone of the range, with a 160 hp 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine, combined with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 48V electric motor for optimized hybrid performance.
- 280 hp Q4 Plug-in Hybrid For those looking for more power, the plug-in hybrid version is still available, with all-wheel drive and 280 hp.
A subtle evolution
While this MY25 version of the Tonale doesn't bring any revolution, it does feature some targeted modifications, mainly to the interior. By comparison, the Junior SUV, also unveiled at the Mondial de l'Auto, benefits from an entirely new steering wheel, which is not the case with the Tonale. However, the simplification of the range and optimization of interior details will attempt to seduce future Alfa Romeo customers.
The question that remains unanswered is that of the rates. Alfa Romeo has not yet released details of a possible price revision, but it will be interesting to see whether these technical evolutions and the simplification of the range will be enough to reverse the trend and revive sales.
It's no secret. To revive sales, aggressive pricing is essential, especially in the current climate and in the face of Renault's offensive! Now more than ever, the brand's survival depends on it!
So basically they put PSA parts inside (with black plastipiano of course) and remove an engine?
Formentor certainly has plenty to worry about...
If there's a roulette wheel instead of a lever... it's no laughing matter...
Hard at work at PS... er Stellantis.
It's subtle, but it's good. As a mid-size SUV, the Tonale is far more attractive than its competitors, such as the BMW X1 or Audi Q3.
The first thing to review is the engines: 130 hp for the entry-level model was an obvious bad idea for an Alfa that needs to be dynamic, and the 160 hp version needs to be backed up by a much more powerful electric motor with a bigger battery. Then, as already said, black is black. Where are the cream or red fabric and leather options?
The Tonale, FCA's latest 100% product, is in commercial difficulties after 2 years on the market...
A quick reminder: in the first half of 2024, the BMW X1, a benchmark in the premium C-SUV market, sold 185,000 units.
In 2024, BMW should sell between 350,000 and 400,000 X1s...
The Tonale is far, far from the market benchmark and won't save the brand, despite its 100% Alfa genes.
Is there no one to ask J.Ph Imparato about the Tonale's commercial rout?