This doesn't just feel like a new Alfa Romeo, but like a new (ital) Alfa Romeo (ital). Previously, cabin spaces were a definite weak point in Alfa’s arsenal, with underwhelming materials and questionable cabin tech, but not so the Tonale.

The fit and finish appears solid, and the cabin materials – while not overly luxurious in places – all work well. The tech offering is at last on-par with the segment, with dual screens delivering all the connectivity you’d want, and some you probably don’t (I’m looking at you, Alexa).

We've only tested the mild-hybrid variants in Veloce guise, which means quite a lot of nice stuff along for the ride. 

That starts with 20-inch alloys and a black leather interior, a big 10.25-inch central screen, a second 12.3-inch TFT in the driver's binnacle, wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, wireless device charging and Alexa on-board for digital assistance. 

There's also dual-zone climate, full-matrix LED headlights, LED rear lights, push-button start and cool puddle lights when you open the front doors. 

The Tonale's backseat is surprisingly roomy. Sitting behind my own 175cm driving position, I had enough headroom, enough leg room, and it’s honestly somewhere you won’t mind spending a few hours when you have to.
There are USB ports up front and in the rear, with a choice between USB-A and USB-C, bottle holders in each of the doors, and the dual-zone climate up front feeds backseat vents.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale, in 118kW mild-hybrid guise, reports a 8.8-second run to 100km/h.