Alfa Romeo chose Pisa as the backdrop to introduce the new Tonale to the international press, and with good reason. The city is known not only for art and history but also for research and technology, a blend of emotion and intelligence that mirrors what Alfa Romeo wants you to see in its updated C-segment SUV. This is more a facelift rather than a reinvention, with fresh trims, new colours and targeted tweaks in the areas that matter most to buyers. From the outset, the brand spoke of “human intelligence & necessary beauty,” the idea that every line should earn its place. The Tonale leans into that philosophy with a reworked Trilobe grille that visually widens the car, a new concave badge inspired by classics such as the 33 Stradale and GT 2000, and more purposeful air intakes that echo other modern Alfas. New wheel designs complete the look, from 19-inch Stile alloys with a classic flavour to lighter 20-inch Fori rims which look stunning. Black and white Alfa emblems front and rear, plus black Tonale script on higher trims, tie the details together nicely!.
Inside, the Tonale has moved up a notch in perceived quality. Materials feel richer to the touch and the added seating options now include ribbed red leather or two-tone black and white Alcantara, the latter matched by Alcantara across the dashboard for a classy finish. Contrasting stitching runs across the dash, doors and armrest, nudging the cabin closer to the premium rivals Alfa Romeo targets. Heated and ventilated front seats with electric adjustment and lumbar support are available, and even the washer nozzles are heated for cold Irish mornings. The redesigned centre console introduces a rotary gear selector that looks smart, though its free-spinning action can feel unusual at first! Traditionalists will be pleased to find Alfa’s trademark aluminium shift paddles still mounted on the steering column. Space is generous in the front row with ample headroom, sound insulation is good on the move, and the rear seats provide fine headroom too. Knee room can tighten if two tall adults are seated up front, something to note if you regularly carry leggy teenagers in the back. Technology has been brought forward also to meet market expectations. Drivers get a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen running the Alfa Connect system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included and over-the-air updates keep software current. Safety and driver assistance systems are comprehensive and contribute to a five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Irish buyers will be happy to see the range structure has been simplified to make choosing a Tonale that bit easier. Pricing will kick off from €43,995 with the entry pitched as an accessible way into the brand without feeling stripped back! Expect signature 3×3 LED headlights, diamond-cut 17-inch wheels and the full digital instrument cluster for complete connectivity. Ti steps up the comfort and visual touches with red or black leather seats featuring heating, ventilation and electric adjustment, and retains the signature aluminium shift paddles. Veloce crowns the line with 19-inch wheels, red Brembo callipers, full LED matrix headlights and electronically controlled suspension that aims to combine precision with everyday comfort. A Sport Speciale launch edition adds even more theatre, with silver exterior accents, gloss black Brembo callipers, white Alfa Romeo script and a striking black and white Alcantara interior!
Our first drive took place on the streets and outskirts of Pisa, including badly surfaced urban roads and the silky motorways that ring the city. The test car was the plug-in hybrid, pairing a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 94 kW electric motor and a 15.5 kWh battery. It drives very well and makes smooth, quiet progress in traffic and at a cruise, though it is probably not quite as razor sharp as the best German alternatives. That said, it impressed over broken surfaces thanks to independently sprung McPherson suspension front and rear, and it carried speed with composure on faster stretches. Four-piston Brembo brakes provide strong, confident stopping, and Alfa quotes a notably direct steering ratio of 13.6:1. Some drivers may wish for a touch more steering weight, but we found a pleasing clarity in how the nose responds through bends and the way the powertrain glides between electric and petrol without fuss. Power delivery just feels smoother than before, with more linear response when you press on the go pedal. Outputs now reach 175 horsepower for the hybrid and 270 horsepower for the Q4 plug-in hybrid, which is certainly not to be scoffed at!
Colour choice has always been part of the Alfa Romeo appeal and the Tonale now offers eight shades, including three new metallics. Rosso Brera, Verde Monza and Giallo Ocra were chosen to highlight the surfacing and lines, while a contrasting black roof can be specified paired with a sunroof for that extra layer of personalisation. In person the car stands out with real presence which for me makes it all the more frustrating that Irish roads do not see more of them. Depreciation has historically held the brand back here and with only four dealerships across the country, building volume has been difficult. As enthusiasts, we find that a shame because the badge still carries a unique following. What, then, does this mean for Ireland. Based on our time in and around Pisa, the Tonale has style to spare, solid performance, useful electric capability in the plug-in model and the technology package buyers expect. The fundamentals are in place but it will come down to price. In our opinion the Tonale deserves to be a far more common sight here than it currently is. It is handsome, composed and blends the emotional pull of the badge with the usability families and commuters need every day.
