Alfa Romeo is a brand built on style and passion, and has long been a favorite of car enthusiasts worldwide.
This has largely been thanks to its ability to make its cars feel like something very special, even when on paper they are everyday cars of a very ordinary standard.
Tonale has a delightful appearance – Photo: Marcus Berggren
This is also what I found when I tested the mild-hybrid Alfa Romeo Tonale in late summer 2022. On paper, the car was a weak-engined, front-wheel-drive crossover, but in reality it was a playful and characterful wagon with a delightful appearance.
The question that ran through my head when I jumped into the plug-in hybrid version of the Tonale was whether it would pull off the same feat.
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An exterior that convinces
Externally, the Tonale PHEV is largely identical to the mild hybrid, and thus just as delightful to look at.
The proportions are a bit odd, with large, recessed wheels that make the car look a bit top-heavy. However, it still stands out as a lot more special than the average plug-in hybrid SUV, thanks to neat details like the red brake calipers and the classic Alfa grille.
The interior has a good balance between touch and physical buttons – Photo: Marcus Berggren
The look is also sure to go down well with the public – especially if you choose a fun exterior color. I drive a whole lot of new cars from all price ranges for work, and there are few that get as much positive attention as the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
The interior of the Tonale also convinces in many ways, with a nice design and a good balance between physical buttons and touch controls. As a driver, it is also easy to find a good driving position.
However, some details appear a bit plastic, and the MMI system is not the fastest or most intuitive.
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A promising recipe
As far as the drivetrain is concerned, the plug-in hybrid differs markedly from the mild hybrid. Under the hood sits a turbocharged 1.3-liter gasoline engine that sends its power to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The electric drive is handled by an electric motor mounted on the rear axle. On pure electric drive, you can get around 5 miles in mixed driving, which was good when the model came out two years ago, but today it’s starting to fall somewhat short. There is also no air source heat pump to heat the cabin, which negatively affects the range.
The combination of a turbocharged petrol engine and electric drive, with a good dose of power and four-wheel drive, ensures that the Alfa Romeo Tonale as a plug-in hybrid will be both relaxed and compliant for everyday use and an entertaining sports car.
The recipe is promising, but appearances are deceiving – Photo: Marcus Berggren
Unfortunately, the reality is different, and this largely depends on how the powertrain is calibrated. The driving settings you choose also have a big impact on the driving feeling.
If you drive the car in performance mode, where the petrol engine and electric motor work together at all times, the driving experience is smooth and compliant. If, on the other hand, you want to reward pure electric operation, which is what you want on a daily basis, the car feels a bit lethargic and the petrol engine is unusually nimble to start to help.
The transition to gasoline operation in these modes is also not the most seamless. The automatic transmission appears to be slow to react and unexpected engine noise finds its way into the cabin. Otherwise, the car works well on a daily basis, with easy steering and good suspension comfort.
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The weight blunts the driving experience
What made up for the annoying aspects when I drove the Tonale as a mild hybrid was how the car came to life on twisty roads, and I was hoping to experience the same in the plug-in hybrid.
Many of the ingredients are definitely there. The steering is light and lightning fast, and gives, together with the large shift paddles and the start button, the feeling of an Italian supercar. The fact that the effect is a good 280 horsepower, instead of a paltry 130 in the mild hybrid, doesn’t hurt in theory either.
The plug-in hybrid is almost 300 kilos heavier than the entry-level model – Photo: Marcus Berggren
In reality, however, the car does not have the same light-footed playfulness as the front-wheel drive mild hybrid, which weighs almost 300 kg less.
The automatic transmission is also not as nimble as the dual-clutch gearbox in the entry-level car, and there is not much to be gained in terms of character in the engine’s upper rev range.
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The appearance is the main strength
Having said that, the Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in hybrid is neither a bad car nor a bad driving experience. On the contrary, it is a practical and comfortable crossover that works well for everyday use.
Technically speaking, however, it cannot quite measure up to the competition. The drivetrain appears a bit dated and would benefit from updated calibration, and the range on electric is no more than acceptable.
The appearance is the car’s main strength – Photo: Marcus Berggren
The biggest problem, however, is that the car is rather uninspiring to drive, which is a little depressing for an Alfa Romeo.
The big strength is its beautiful exterior, and for some this will be enough to justify a purchase. However, those looking for a more multi-faceted, passionate Alfa Romeo experience are advised to look at the cheaper versions of the Tonale instead.
Rating Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 3/5
Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4
Engine: 1.3-liter I4 gasoline, rear electric motor, 280 horsepower, 400 newton meters
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 6.2 seconds
Top speed: 206 km/h
Weight: 1,800 kg
Electrical range: 60 km
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4528/1841/1601 mm
Award: From SEK 499,900