Alfa Romeo will replace the aging Giulietta with the Tonale crossover, with no direct substitute on the horizon.
Launched in 2010, the Giulietta had a cult following in Europe, primarily thanks to its elegant looks. Alfa Romeo constantly added minor design changes and features. However, the hatchback is already very old, and no upgrade can hide that.
Giulietta’s age showed in the sales numbers as well. In 2011, Alfa sold 78,911 units in Europe, while in 2019, that number dropped to only 15,690 units.
In the face of declining sales and a global slowdown in the automotive industry, a recent rehash of Alfa’s much-touted five-year plan saw many new models axed. Nonetheless, while the Giulietta won’t get a direct replacement, a succession plan is in motion.
The plan revolves around the rising popularity of SUVs on the global market. As a result, Alfa Romeo will replace the Giulietta with the Tonale crossover/SUV. The replacement model would have similar dimensions, albeit in a heightened form.
The Tonale could borrow Jeep Renegade’s engine lineup since both brands work under FCA. Thus, Alfa’s crossover could receive a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine and two electric motors.
Fabio Migliavacca, Alfa Romeo’s product marketing chief, announced the sad yet anticipated destiny of the Giulietta in an interview. However, he assures Alfa fans that the Tonale will have excellent driving characteristics. “The trend is to have C-segment SUVs, so the substitute for Giulietta will be the Tonale SUV,” Migliavacca confirmed.
In Alfa Romeo’s range, the Tonale will sit below the Stelvio and be the brand’s first plug-in hybrid. A range of all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive designs are planned. Apart from the PHEV powertrain, the Tonale could also receive a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.
Alfa Romeo will release Tonale’s details later this year, although the pandemic could postpone the premiere a few months.
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