The launches of Alfa Romeo SUV is significant, but for the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale, it's doubly so.

The Tonale is an elegant car inside and out, with high tech specs on safety and connectivity. But Alfa Romeo hasn't gone the complete hog just yet. The iconic Italian carmaker has embarked on a plan called La Metamorfosi, that will be its way of arriving at terms with the potentially upsetting reality that is a move away from fossil fuels and towards something arguably less harmful. Aimed squarely at city dwellers, the Tonale is going to be competing with fossil-fuelled Ford Kuga, all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 and plug-in hybrid BMW X1 in regards to market. Being in the Stellantis family, the Tonale has all the foundations needed to generate an award-winning electric car. Just like the Stelvio, Alfa's debut SUV, the racing-inspired sportiness is apparent from the get-go. The Alfa Romeo Tonale is the very first model from the Italian brand to integrate electrification. We particularly like what Alfa calls its ‘teledial'wheels, obtainable in 17-,18-,19- and 20-inch sizes. Facing the driver is really a 12.3-inch digital dash. This reconfigurable screen features the usual range of adjustability but also an analog-dial-aping option inspired by the instrument panels of the iconic Alfa Giulia Super and GT Junior. The 10.3-inch central display features Stellantis' latest Uconnect 5 infotainment suite, but with Alfa-exclusive graphics and functionality. Alfa says this sharp-looking system offers over-the-air update capability, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and Amazon Alexa. As with many new vehicles these days, the cabin's centerpieces are the two large screens up front. Each change alters the driving dynamics, to supply Alfa's take on performance, comfort and eco modes. The Tonale has three drive modes, controlled by way of a switch in the cabin. Aided by the Tonale's benchmark-setting driving dynamics, this Alfa boasts the most effective weight distribution and the most direct steering in its segment. Both powertrain options are quick enough off the mark, delivering 272hp and plenty of torque. What's more, the 120hp motor of the PHEV sits on the rear axle. This equates to shifting the heft of the two-tonne Tonale very nimbly indeed. Alfa claims this can be a nod to its sporting heritage, though we can't help feeling simpler digital speed and rev display would better suit the youth of its target customer. Fortunately, Alfa's thought about that. It features a 10.25-inch central display and a 12.3-inch cluster display. The cluster can be customised and there's even an ‘efficiency coach'to simply help PHEV customers get the best out from the battery. There's wireless link with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. What's more, the entire system updates remotely, negating the necessity to visit the dealership or mess about with USB sticks. Toggling between the two is apparently one particular, non-distracting button touch too.  The Android-based system also features Alexa Auto, bringing the familiar digital assistant into the vehicle. User and driver profiles have now been separate out though, which really is a smart move. This enables parents to own their very own audio preferences saved when they're driving solo, meaning the children'favourite Peppa Pig hits can sit on a different profile. What's more, the driver's seat position, wing mirror and climate choices remain unaffected by the kids'profile. Previously, Alfa Romeo hasn't delivered the sort of interior quality that could be synonymous with a premium brand, which was until updates on the Stelvio corrected this. The inside has been designed for and across the occupants, so when we get the chance to try the Tonale, we'll be expecting plenty of space and comfort. Featuring the Uconnect 5, the newest version of Alfa's infotainment suite, built on the Android operating system, the Alfa Romeo Tonale features some cool connected features, making it more attractive to a younger audience base. The Tonale is set to cement such improvements further, using its mix of aluminium, vegan leather and Alcantara, a synethetic suede. Though there's no manual transmission available, a three-spoke sports tyre and flappy paddles can be found being an selection for keen drivers. While engine stop-start technology helps maintain the Tonale's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine ULEZ compliant, the possibility with the greenest smarts has to be Alfa Romeo's first electric-petrol hybrid. Built using the Stellantis ‘global medium family'architecture, the Q4 AWD includes a nine-speed gearbox, turbocharger and direct fuel injection – all speaking to the racing heritage of the brand. The Alfa Romeo Tonale offers two powertrain choices; the Q4 AWD and (more excitingly) the PHEV Q4 AWD, which reaps all the benefits of regenerative braking technology. It combines a 15.5kWh battery with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering over 30 miles of pure-electric range. The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale is just a subcompact luxury crossover SUV created by Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo, a brand of Stellantis. Alfa Romeo Tonale was introduced in February 2022 and became the tiniest SUV marketed by the brand, and the initial new model introduced by the brand in six years. The Tonale is named after the Tonale mountain pass in Northern Italy. The Tonale will be competing with fossil-fuelled Ford Kuga, all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5, and plug-in hybrid BMW X1 as it pertains to market. Being in the Stellantis family, the Tonale has most of the foundations needed to produce an award-winning electric car.