2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce review

Well, almost. The top Nissan Qashqai, which we also feature this month, now retails for $56,990, so it’s not far off. And it’s even closer once you factor in the Tonale’s $1253 rebate thanks to its electrified powertrain. There are two models at launch, the aforementioned Ti and the higher-spec’d Veloce, starting at $66,990. There’s the one powertrain, a 1.5-litre turbo with a 48V hybrid system. A plug-in is coming in 2024. Locally, Alfa Aotearoa sees the Tonale as its first opportunity for volume sales in many years. In 2022, with just Giulia and Stelvio to peddle, Alfa dealers sold 104 cars. In total.

Alfa NZ reckons the more attainable entry price will be a hook for buyers, and it hopes that a move to a five-year, 100,000km warranty with five years of road side assistance will help alleviate any brand anxiety regarding reliability. It’s also adding five years of WOF cover to the package, and is working on a fixed cost service plan for Tonale to further entice new owners to take the plunge.

There’s nothing tricky about it, no hybrid drive modes or EV buttons as such, as it sorts itself out. The motor can handle low speed traffic and car park ambling up to about 20km/h or so, while it also helps the Tonale off the mark initially before the engine joins in. The 1.5 is the main source of motivation, while the hybrid bits allow for extended stop/start, i.e. the engine will turn off before you come to a stop while it might also cut out when coasting or on light throttle loads. With its belt starter generator, engine restarts are fast, no cranking required.

In general operation, it churns out good torque down low for easy commuting. The take up is quick thanks to that BSG, and it pulls cleanly. The transmission’s shifts could be faster, while there’s the odd jolt when that instant torque of the motor hits. One other thing; when the engine switches off during light loads, there can be a slight delay in requests for acceleration as the engine rejoins the party.

It’s certainly interesting. Alfa’s DNA switch (which translates to Sport, Normal and Eco) is easily accessible on the centre console, and clicking it to D enlivens things. As stated, Alfa’s aren’t usually renowned for their ride decorum but Veloce is fitted with Active Dual Stage Valve Suspension, the adaptive dampers firming to the action. Should the road get too bumpy, you can hit the damper button, setting them back to their ‘soft’ mode. This adds some give when you still want that added response from the powertrain. Progress in D is on the firmer side, though an Alfa person would refer to it as ‘well connected’. It turns better when set this way, the soft mode not quite responsive enough. The steering is a little lacking in that typical Alfa connectedness; a touch more heft would help along with a more positive character just off centre to assist with that initial turn-in. We found the Tonale likes a firm approach in the bends. Pitching it in late and hard gets it turning in spirited fashion, the front end biting nicely and the rear unloading a smidge to help resist understeer.

The little powertrain is willing, once you give the trans a good paddling; it’s a little reluctant to drop gears otherwise. Perhaps this is why AR fitted it with such tactile shifters. With just 110kW, it’s not very Veloce, squeaking to 100km/h in just under nine seconds while the overtake requires 5.9sec. The brakes initially feel a tad soft but they firm progressively the harder you push, and are free of any snatchiness.

The boot is a practical shape with good space on offer. Its floor is set high but underneath it you get a (temporary) spare. The rear entry is okay, so too the accommodations. While there is good headroom, the window is small and the all-black interior doesn’t lend itself to a spacious feeling. There are the usuals like 60/40 split folding (easily transformed for a flat load space), Isofix for the wee nippers and USB ports for the teenagers.

With the rise and rise of prices from the more mainstream brands, the Tonale’s positioning means this Alfa Romeo can now join the shopping list of more people. And judging by most reactions, people would buy it on looks alone. But it’s also practical, well made and an easy drive. And for all you Alfa haters, no, we didn’t experience any warning lights or electrical gremlins.