Which Alfa Romeo Tonales are Australians ordering?

Launch orders for the all-new 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid are skewing towards flagship Veloce versions in distinctive colours, the Italian brand’s local arm has confirmed.

Speaking with CarExpert, Stellantis Australia’s manager for small compact products Bridget Thomson said pre-launch interest for the company’s first compact SUV has been “very strong”.

“We have had really strong interest in Tonale. We’re having about 70 per cent of the mix in the Veloce – customers are wanting a fully-specced car at this stage,” Ms Thomson said.

Tonale Hybrid Veloce

When asked if any trends had been noted in terms of buyer tastes, Ms Thomson added that early Tonale buyers were opting for the more vibrant colour options in the Tonale’s pallete.

“Our customer base really love to show off their personality, so obviously Alfa Red is a top contender aligning with the brand colours, but also Montreal Green has been a hot item as well,” she said.

The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid hits dealers this month, priced from $49,900 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Ti, climbing to $56,400 before on-roads for the flagship Veloce.

All versions at launch are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine augmented by a 48V hybrid system that, unlike most 48V mild-hybrids, is able to offer low-speed electric drive thanks to its gear-driven system as opposed to the more common integrated belt starter-generator.

Outputs are rated at 118kW and 240Nm, channelled to the front wheels exclusively via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Alfa Romeo quotes thrifty combined fuel consumption of just 5.6L per 100km.

Later this year, Alfa Romeo Australia will add in the Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 to the local range, pairing a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine hooked up to the front wheels only, and an electric motor powering the rear axle, with system power of 205kW and a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds.

The 15.5kWh on-board hybrid battery offers a claimed EV driving range of 60km on the combined cycle. A 7.4kW AC home wallbox will charge it up in about 2.5 hours, Alfa Romeo adds.

Key rivals include the Audi Q3 (from $50,600), BMW X1 (from $60,400) and Mercedes-Benz GLA (from $63,200). Other alternatives include the Jaguar E-Pace (from $71,070) and Volvo XC40 (from $53,490).

Tonale Hybrid Ti

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