To make up for lost time with hybrid engines, Stellantis is preparing to launch a new SUV... based on a Nissan Qashqai.

To make up for lost time in hybridization, Stellantis is stepping up the number of launches, and relying on external partners. For example, the latest Cherokee was launched in the USA with an Aisin transmission, Leapmotor's range-extender technologies could be taken over by the group, and a new ally is about to appear.

In fact, there's still a «hole in the wall» in Stellantis' European powertrain range, which doesn't offer a full hybrid between light hybrids (notably those using the original PSA 1.2 turbo and robotized transmission supplied by Punch Powertrain, such as the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida) and plug-in hybrids using either PSA technology or a powertrain from FCA, such as the Alfa Romeo Tonale Ibrida Plug-in.

This Alfa Romeo Tonale is running out of steam commercially. The brand has determined that one of the main reasons for this is the absence of a full-hybrid version: it is offered in diesel, micro-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, but not with this type of powertrain.

In order to improve sales in the C-segment, and particularly those of Alfa Romeo, it was therefore necessary to turn to an external partnership. But who could provide competitive technology in the right timeframe? Fortunately, there's one manufacturer desperate enough to jump at any kind of partnership: Nissan.

To meet deadlines and keep costs down, it was decided to start from the Qashqai platform and restyle it, rather than adapting its ePower system to the Tonale platform. Only the combustion engine will not be shared, as Nissan wishes to retain the exclusivity of its 1.5L and Alfa Romeo wishes to give this new model a more «in-house» mechanical character. It will therefore be powered by the same 1.5L turbo 160 hp engine as the Tonale in micro-hybrid version*.

From the outside, the main differences will be in the front end. On the industrial front, it was decided that the bodies from Nissan's Sunderland plant would be modified at the Pratola Serra plant, which is usually dedicated to engine production. A logical choice, since the main operation will be to adapt the Alfa Romeo powertrain. As the 4-cylinder «Firefly» engine is wider than the Nissan 3-cylinder, it's not out of the question that the engine compartment will have to be enlarged.

The automaker has apparently chosen to name this new model Arno, the Italian river where Santo Ficili, the brand's CEO, likes to go fishing. This choice is in line with the references to Italian geography used to name the brand's SUVs, but otherwise it's unprecedented and indicates no filiation with any model from Alfa Romeo's past. It has to be said, after all, that the mating in Italy of a Japanese body with transalpine mechanics is something we probably thought we'd never see, as if we really do live in amazing times! 🐟