We'll whisper it quietly, but we quite liked the Stelvio. How about the Tonale?
More seasoned journalists can tell a fair amount about a car by the order at which its various attributes get detailed at the technical presentation which inevitably takes place before we get thrown the keys for our first go behind the wheel. So it proved with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the sub-Stelvio crossover to be the latest in a long line of new models charged with turning around Alfa's faded fortunes.
Only when the Powerpoints eventually turned to powertrains did the reason for the reticence become obvious: while a 270hp all-wheel driven plug-in hybrid version will arrive next year, the Tonale is set to be launched with two 1.5-litre turbocharged four-pots, both boasting a modest amount of 48-Volt hybrid assistance, but with even the most powerful only creating a peak of 158hp. This will reach the road through a double-clutch gearbox and front-wheel drive only.
Design is a definite strong point. You'll forgive a good looking car much more than an ugly one, a principle Alfa has tested to breaking point at several times in the past. Yes, many will still regard the idea of the company's famous badge on a mid-sized crossover as heresy - although the market has definitely spoken on that one. But after spending much of a day staring at numerous examples I was liking it more and more.
The Tonale is refined as well. The cabin is snug and quiet, even when cruising the Autostrada at an adventurous speed. The car's structure feels firm, too - I can honestly report that I didn't hear a single squeak or rattle from the trim during four hours of driving. New Alfa CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato has promised to make quality his top priority, and the Tonale suggests that mission is well underway.
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