The Alfa Romeo Tonale will probably feature a plug-in hybrid borrowed from the Jeep Renegade 4xe.
Alfa Romeo announced its agenda regarding a new entry-level crossover when it revealed the 2021 Guilia and Stelvio in December. The Tonale will effectively replace the axed Giulietta and slot in below the Stelvio. The company should disclose the SUV in September, with a Launch Edition hitting the market in November.
Alfa Romeo already showed off a Tonale Concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The final model should retain the styling, which looked very production-ready. However, some reports suggest changes to the headlight arrangement and side mirrors, as well as some minor interior changes.
Interestingly, the Tonale would probably not have a Quadrifoglio model as Alfa Romeo does not believe it is necessary. Instead, the Italian brand will likely utilize the plug-in hybrid powertrain from the Jeep Renegade 4xe.
Jeep’s PHEV model is available in two power configurations. It combines a 1.3-liter turbocharged petrol engine providing either 130 or 180 HP, along with an 11.4 kWh battery pack, effectively increasing the power output to 190 or 240 HP.
That being said, we expect Alfa Romeo to tune the PHEV further, increasing the power output to around 250 HP. The Italian manufacturer might also slightly increase the battery capacity, increasing the Renegade 4xe’s electric-only range of 26 miles.
With its eye-catching styling and crossover body, the Tonale should help Alfa Romeo get a grip on the US market. Despite recent product push, the company has suffered a steep decline in sales in North America.
Alfa Romeo’s current US lineup only includes the Guilia sedan, Stelvio crossover, and 4C Spider. With the Tonale arriving this year, the brand will have a much more robust product portfolio to fight the premium competition.
According to rumors, Alfa also works on another crossover SUV, the Brennero. Curiously, the Brennero would be an even tinier crossover, based on the Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade platform. Thus, it would probably only sell on the European market.
If the Alfa Romeo Tonale got you interested, you could have one starting from early 2022.
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