Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce PHEV Review

Ferrari incorporated electric motors into their supercars as naturally as drizzling olive oil on bruschetta, and Lamborghini's hybrid roar louder than a taxman at your door.

So, when Alfa Romeo, Ferrari's approachable (and less expensive) cousin, enters into the plug-in hybrid party with the Tonale Veloce PHEV one does pause to think: has the family finally given in and committed to the green wave?

Let's start with looks. In a sea of SUVs that could easily be mistaken for one another in a crowded parking lot, the Tonale stands out with its striking design.

It's arguably one of the best-looking SUVs on the road today, sporting Alfa Romeo's signature styling cues that combine sleek lines with athletic proportions.

The Tonale Veloce PHEV we're reviewing is the top of the line offering and starts from $86,374, however add-on the Montreal Green paint and you're looking at $89,000 driveaway.

There are cheaper options, though:

• The Veloce has a traditional mild-hybrid system, and is priced at $65,794 driveaway: it's over $20k less, but you don't get the ability to recharge the battery over night, no 60kms of electric range and as a result less fuel efficiency
• The entry level Ti Hybrid could see you out the door for $57,394. This is almost $30k less than the top of the line model, and for that saving you sacrifice privacy glass, 19" wheels, auto-dimming mirrors and some safety features.

What's the Tonale Veloce like inside?

Step inside the Tonale Veloce PHEV, and you might forget you're in a car that cares about CO2 more than a footballer cares about a fresh haircut.

The interior showcases Italian craftsmanship at its best. You're greeted by leather seats, and just like Henry Ford said, you can have any colour as long as they're black. Different variants get different colours of stitching though, spanning from Biscotto to Red and Dark Grey.

They are also electrically adjustable, providing comfort that makes long drives feel like a breeze.

Curiously, the seats are positioned slightly more centrally than in most cars, pulling you away from the doors. It's a subtle shift, that at first I didn't really understand, but perhaps it suggests Alfa Romeo's designers were thinking about side impacts when they laid out the cabin?

The cabin doesn't skimp on technology, either. A 10.25-inch infotainment display dominates the dashboard, boasting not just touch capabilities but also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring you stay connected without the fuss of cables. Satellite navigation is built right in, and for audiophiles, there's DAB+ radio.

Overall, the interior of the Tonale Veloce offers a blend of luxury, technology, and thoughtful design.

What's the Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce like to drive?

Press the start button, and the Tonale Veloce PHEV stirs to life with a quiet dignity.

Under the bonnet lies a surprisingly punchy 1.3-litre engine, paired with an electric motor that together puts 210 kW and 400 Nm of torque under your right foot.

For a compact SUV, these numbers translate into a drive that's very willing, propelling the Tonale from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds. It's a startlingly quick performance for a 1.3-litre engine.

The handling characteristics of the Tonale are further refined by its multiple driving modes, which allow you to tailor the car's dynamics to your mood or the road's demands.

Switch from 'Normal' to 'Dynamic' and the Tonale tightens up, with sharper responses and a stiffer ride that makes winding roads a joy to tackle.

For those looking to maximise efficiency, the 'Advance Efficiency' mode adjusts the powertrain to make the most of the electric motor and saving the petrol for when you really need it.

Speaking of electricity, the Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce PHEV is equipped with a 15.5 kWh battery. It provides an electric range of up to 60 kilometers on a single charge, ideal for daily commutes; this means it will do 60kms on just electricity, so you can charge it overnight and essentially use it as an EV through the week for commutes, but have the option of using petrol engine for longer trips. You have the ability to recharge the battery to full capacity in just about 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger,

During our time with the Tonale the home wall socket charger was not working so we were not able to test how long it took to charge overnight.

The transition between power sources is seamless, too. Whether you're cruising through city streets or overtaking on a country road, it offers up a comfortable but surprisingly rapid drive.

How fuel efficient is the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV?

When it comes to overall fuel efficiency, with the electric and petrol engines working in harmony, the Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce PHEV is like a camel crossing the desert, consuming a scant 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The regular hybrid trails slightly but commendably, drinking 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

What's the boot like on the Tonale PHEV?

The boot of the Tonale Veloce PHEV offers 500 litres of space, which is a decent size for a compact SUV. This capacity is suitable for a variety of uses, from grocery shopping to packing for weekend trips.

Here's how the Tonale's boot size compares to some of its competitors:

• BMW X1: 505 liters
• Audi Q3: 530 liters
• Mercedes-Benz GLA: 435 liters

How safe is the Alfa Romeo Tonale?

No matter which Alfa Romeo Tonale model you go with, it comes equipped with all the trimmings of modern safety systems including:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Intelligent speed control
• Driver behaviour monitoring
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Lane departure warning

But, if you opt for the Veloce grade, you will get the added safety of:

• Lane keep assist
• Blind-spot monitoring & rear cross traffic alert
• Side parking sensors
• 360 degree camera
• Traffic Jam assist

Across all grades you also get traffic sign recognition, which is quite adept at scolding you. I imagine it is like an Italian Nonna whenever you ignore the rules - the only thing missing is the wooden spoon.

The verdict

The Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce PHEV is like a well-tailored Italian suit: it makes a statement without shouting.

Priced from $86,374, the top of the line Veloce balances elegance with practicality, offering a sprightly 1.3-litre engine and comprehensive safety features.

It's not perfect, but it delivers enough style, performance, and eco-friendliness to justify its price tag.

If you want a car that stands out for the right reasons and fits daily needs like a glove, the Tonale could be your match.