New SUV promises 'maximum pleasure'

Alfa Romeo’s new Tonale promises to reinject the “Alfa Romeo driving appeal” into its small SUV, with a new generation doubling down on the driving fun in an effort to lure in more customers.

Of course, the new Tonale sports a new look and new tech, but the Italian brand has been keen to reinforce the driving attributes of its SUV, making mechanical updates aimed at delivering a sportier feel from behind the wheel.

That starts with its "perfect" weight distribution, the “sporty callibration” of its suspension, its four-piston Brembo brakes on some trims, and what the brand describes as “the most direct steering in the segment”.

Alfa Romeo also said the aluminium paddles fixed to the steering column "ensure maximum pleasure in handling gears".

This update then also adds a new wheel track, which Alfa says increases body stability through bends and reduces understeer, as well as updated engine tunes that make switching from petrol to electric “imperceptible”. There’s also carryover Frequency Selective Damping and brake-by-wire tech borrowed from the Giulia. In fact, the brand’s own testing reportedly shows the Tonale can corner with the same rolling speed as the bigger Stelvio.

Alfa Romeo will no doubt be hoping that dialling up the sporty flair will help put the Tonale on the map in Australia, with the small SUV selling just 116 examples so far in 2025 — down from 213 to the same point in 2024.

Also new for 2025 is an updated exterior design, with a new 3D badge design inspired by Alfa icons the 33 Stradale and GT 2000, along with new air intakes, a more ground-hugging profile, a reduced front overhang and a wider front and rear wheel track, highlighted by new (and lighter) 19-inch wheel options.

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Inside, new interior options include red leather and black and white Alcantara, along with a refreshed gear selector and ambient interior lighting. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 10.25-inch central screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto handle your in-car tech.

Alfa Romeo in Australia is yet to fully detail the Tonale's price and complete specifications, but has promised a “streamlined” offering which steps from an entry-level Tonale to the Sprint, Ti and flagship Veloce. A launch-special Sport Speciale will also be available, with exclusive colours and trimmings.

The entry-level Tonale version scores LED lighting and 17-inch alloys outside, while inside, there are black fabric seats with contrast stitching on the dash and doors. It gets both the central screen and the digital dash, as well as dual-zone climate and a strong active safety list.

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Next, the Sprint adds a gloss-black body kit, 18-inch two-tone alloys and standard navigation. The Ti then adds gloss black window surrounds, red or black leather seats (which are heated or ventilated up front) and aluminum paddle shifters.

Finally, the Veloce rides on 19-inch alloys with red Brembo brake calipers, gets twin chrome exhaust tips in the PHEV version, and scores the most advanced dual-valve electronic suspension.

The brand is yet to confirm engine specifics for Australia, but expect the same offering the current model delivers, only possibly with more power based on the European specs. The range should open with a turbo-charged 1.5-litre petrol with mild hybrid assistance, delivering 130kW, which it feeds through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The plug-in hybrid variant pairs a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol with rear-mounted electric motor to deliver in excess of 200kW.

Given the new Tonale has just been unveiled in Italy, an Australian launch is unlikely before 2026.