Driving Alfa Romeo’s first small SUV today – the stylish Tonale launched last
July finishing the year as Alfa Romeo’s biggest seller. The Italian performance
brand celebrating its 114th year has struggled here in recent years, but its first
compact SUV has a chance to lift the brand’s profile, with prices starting at a rather
sharp $49,990 for the Ti model. Step up to the Tonale Veloce and it’s still very
competitive at $57,900 – both models feature a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired
with mild hybrid assistance driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual
clutch automatic. I tested the better equipped Veloce which gains larger 19-inch
wheels, adaptive electronic suspension, Alcantara and faux leather trim and a
swag of active safety systems including rear cross traffic alert, and a welcome
360-degree parking camera. The interior is best described as cosy and functional
with elements of Alfa Romeo sporty character evident in the instrumentation
cluster, the Tonale more skewed as a personal urban SUV rather than a small
family carrier with rear space tight – seating configured for four adults rather than
five. Warranty: five years/unlimited kilometre. The Tonale a premium compact
SUV sharply priced, appealingly different and well equipped but how does it drive
– details next segment.

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