Alfa Romeo seems like it’s on a bit of a roll now, as under Stellantis ownership it has returned to profit and now there’s a new model – the Tonale SUV – its first new model since 2019. 

Look closer and some of the newness has worn off, when we find this is a productionised version of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show concept car. More disappointing is that, like the concept, the Tonale shares the same architecture as the five-year old Jeep Compass. That platform itself is a development of the Fiat Small Car Platform, although Alfa are keen to mention that this has been heavily modified for the Tonale. 

On top of the platform, the exterior styling looks largely unchanged, which is a good thing as it’s one of the most attractive SUVs in its class – with Alfa looking to its back catalogue for inspiration. At the front, there’s the triple LED light signature influenced by the SZ, the window line from the newer 8C, and the company has even likened the overall shape to the gorgeous sixties GT – although this is harder to spot. The Tonale’s shape seems to suit bright colours – our range-topping Veloce looked particularly good in optional Misano Blue metallic. 

The inside of the Alfa Romeo Tonale is equally attractive, mixing a modern and pleasing minimalist look, with classic Alfa features such as the cowled instruments. Dashboard highlights include the central 10.25in touchscreen, which has attractive graphics and is thankfully easy to operate. This is a good thing as there’s no separate controller. Then there’s a 12.3in digital screen for the instruments, with the choice of three different looks – our favourite being the more retro set-up, which we believe is easier to read. 

We’re also fans of the physical controls for heating and air-conditioning, but when you look closer, the plastics quality is disappointing – too much is hard and scratchy. The driving position is excellent and multi-adjustable, with rear space average – although headroom is good and taller rear passengers will be able to travel in comfort. Finally, the boot at 500 litres is practically shaped and bigger than most rivals.  

Sadly, a plug-in hybrid version of the Tonale – which will be more relevant to fleet in terms of its BIK – won’t be available until early 2023. From launch, we only have the mild hybrid, featuring a 160hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine, together with a small electric motor that is just powerful enough for short distances at low speed. 

The Tonale starts off in “Natural” mode, with EV power, which we thought felt slow off the mark. “Dynamic” feels sportier, holding gears from the standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for longer – although you must stab the accelerator hard for it to perform. 

“Dynamic” mode in the Veloce also allows you to soften the dampers via the “DNA” button, although it didn’t make a lot of difference in our opinion. The Tonale’s ride on the Veloce’s standard fit 19in wheels is on the firm side and the steering is light and responsive – but inconsistently weighted and the massive aluminium gear paddles feel out of place. 

In fact, we got to drive the passive damper set-up on the entry-level Ti trim and preferred that ride and handling balance on this car – although we’re sure that some of this is down to the slightly smaller 18in wheels.  

Despite the sharp looks and keen drive, with its 32% BIK figure and so-so performance, it’s hard to recommend the Tonale in current mild-hybrid form. The incoming PHEV model should solve both of these issues; we look forward to finding out in due course.

Alfa Romeo Tonale MHD Veloce 

P11D: £42,220

Residual value: 43.5%

Depreciation: £23,830

Fuel: £8,968

Service, maintenance and repair: £2,816

Cost per mile: 59.35p

Fuel consumption: 49.6mpg

CO2 (BIK %): 135g/km (32%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £225/£450

Luggage capacity: 500 litres

Engine size/power: 1498cc/160hp