The clearest images yet of the new Alfa Romeo Tonale have been posted on a number of Italian forums, including Clubalfa and Autopareri, confirming beyond any doubt that it’s an SUV Concept. From the looks of it, it’s a compact-sized model that will compete, in production form, against the BMW X1, X2 and their like. (Update #3)
Previously, Italian magazine Quattroruote filmed the Alfa Romeo Tonale with the covers removed, and shared the video on its Facebook page. Fast forward to 5:03 minutes into the film for a glimpse of the study. (Update #2)
Our photographers snagged a picture of Alfa Romeo’s Tonale behind the blinds (literally). The shape of the car outlined by the silver covers strongly suggests that it’s an SUV. (Updated #1)
Remember Alfa Romeo’s “something new” for the 2019 Geneva Motor Show? It will be called the Tonale, as evidenced by an image taken at the brand’s stand by Facebook user ‘Masera’.
What does Tonale mean, and where does it come from? It appears to be named after the Tonale Pass located in northern Italy, between Lombardy and Trentino, at an altitude of 1,883 meters (6,178 feet). That’s lower than the Stelvio Pass, which is found at an elevation of 2,757 meters (9,045 feet).
Also Read: 2019 Geneva Motor Show A-To-Z New And Concept Car Debuts
And yes, this is a good indicator that we could be looking at Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s smaller sibling. We don’t know yet if it’s a concept, a near-production study or a production-ready vehicle. If we were to take a guess, we’d be inclined to say it’s the former. The definitive answer to this question will be provided tomorrow, at 11:00 am CET (5:00 am EST) during Alfa’s presentation.
If it is indeed a compact SUV and not something else (you never know), it will go up against the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40 and Jaguar E-Pace.
We’ve heard two different rumors about its underpinnings. The first concerns a shorter version of the Giorgio platform shared with the Stelvio and Giulia, while the second claims that it could be based on a lengthened version of the Jeep Renegade architecture.
A plug-in hybrid powertrain, perhaps similar to the one found in the next-gen Giulietta, could be part of the offering, in addition to traditional turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines.
Alfa has also communicated plans to introduce a third high-riding vehicle as a BMW X5 competitor, which is believed to arrive by 2021.
Thanks to Kapi for the tip!
Image via Clubitalia, Autopareri
