Alfa’s electric assault
‘Benzina’ gives ways to ‘elettrica’ as Alfa Romeo puts the pedal down on its electrification strategy via the Tonale PHEV.
In the space of a few months Alfa Romeo has delivered a one-two electrified vehicle punch, launching the Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 hard on the heels of its mild-hybrid-powered Tonale SUV.
Claimed to be the most efficient Alfa Romeo ever, with about 60km of all-electric range and combined cycle fuel consumption of just 1.5L/100km, the Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is also now the sportiest model in the freshly minted three-variant range.
The Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4’s drivetrain combines a 132kW, 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which provides drive to the front axle via a six-speed automatic, with an electric motor supplying 90kW/250Nm to the rear axle.
The combination effectively makes the Tonale an all-wheel drive, hence the Q4 in the name.
With combined system outputs of 208kW the Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 can cover the 0–100km/h sprint in a claimed 6.2 seconds, significantly faster than the 118kW mild-hybrid version’s 8.8 seconds and on a par with the similarly sized Porsche Macan which boasts a larger 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
Unlike the ICE-only Macan, the Tonale is capable of driving for up to 60km on electric power thanks to its 15.5kWh lithium-ion battery, with a regenerative braking system able to recover energy during deceleration and braking.
The system automatically switches to fuel-saving hybrid mode when the battery reaches its minimum charge level.
The stylish Italian designed and manufactured SUV is equipped with a 7.4kW AC on-board charger and a Type 2 Smart Charging Port, enabling a full AC charge via domestic or public charge points in less than 2.5 hours, according to Alfa Romeo.
Priced from $77,500 the Tonale PHEV Q4 is available in a single highly specified Veloce trim, whereas its mild-hybrid stablemate comes in Ti and Veloce trims and priced at a more affordable $49,900 and $56,400 respectively.
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The driver-focused cockpit features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging pad, keyless entry and go, and dual-zone air-conditioning.
Elsewhere, the specification mirrors that of the mild-hybrid Veloce, meaning standard features like Brembo brake calipers, 19-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, leather-trimmed heated steering wheel and perforated Alcantara and Leatherette Seats with contrast stitching.
Also among the generous standard equipment list is active suspension, sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats with eight-way adjustment, a 14-Speaker 465-watt Harmon Kardon sound system, a Mode 2 charging cable and electric park brake with auto hold.
Standard safety and driver assistance systems include automatic full LED matrix headlights with adaptive driving beam and dynamic turn indicator,
adaptive cruise control with stop and go, high beam assist, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with vulnerable road user system, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist.
The generously equipped Veloce PHEV also boast driver drowsy detection, six airbags, front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera and dynamic lines, traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed sssist, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic jam assist, side parking sensors, a 360° surround view camera and blind-spot detection with rear cross path.
While it’s certainly a good looker and well specified, one possible barrier to the Tonale PHEV Q4’s success is its pricing, which places it squarely between premium EV rivals like the Volvo XC40 Pure Electric ($73,990), and the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 ($81,700).
Alfa Romeo is obviously hoping the range-anxiety-free capability of its PHEV offering, along with its handsome styling and keen dynamic ability, will convince buyers who might otherwise consider a full battery electric.
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