Review of the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce Best Cars Under $60K for 2023 & 2024

October 21, 2023October 21, 2023 Sohanur

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“2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce Review: Can It Compete with Established Rivals?

The Alfa Romeo Tonale range aims to make a statement in its segment, but it faces stiff competition from established rivals like the Volvo XC40, Audi Q3, and BMW X1. The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale, Alfa’s first foray into the compact SUV market, must prove it has what it takes to stand out and meet the expectations set by its brand’s history of fine handling and spirited performance.

In this review, we dive into the top-tier Veloce grade equipped with Alfa’s new mild-hybrid powertrain. We assess whether this compact Alfa can earn a place on your premium small SUV shopping list.

Pricing in the Alfa Romeo Tonale Range:

The Tonale range enters the market with an enticing pricing strategy. It undercuts its prestige-class competitors, delivering excellent value for its class. The base-model Tonale Ti starts at just $49,900 plus on-road costs, placing it in close competition with the base Audi Q3, just over the Lexus UX200, and significantly below the Volvo XC40, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Moving up to the Tonale Veloce raises the price to $57,900 before additional options and on-road costs, still maintaining a competitive edge over some base prices of rival models.

Both the Ti and Veloce share the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with mild-hybrid support, generating 118kW and 240Nm, and delivering power to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Standard features across the range include matrix LED headlights, keyless entry and start, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and dual-zone climate control.

Upgrading to the Veloce adds 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, distinctive exterior styling elements, Alcantara and faux-leather trim, and additional safety features.

You can further enhance your Tonale with the Lusso Pack, featuring electric front seat adjustments with memory, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, perforated leather trim, and a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Optional premium paint, a panoramic sunroof, and unique alloy wheels allow for further customization, depending on your preferences. Additionally, there’s a plug-in version with a 1.3-liter turbo engine, a 90kW electric motor, and an impressive 60km electric-only range. The Alfa Romeo Tonale range offers a compelling choice for discerning SUV enthusiasts.”

“How Much Interior Space Does the Alfa Romeo Tonale Offer?

The Alfa Romeo Tonale’s cabin exudes an air of intimacy, featuring a roof profile reminiscent of a hatchback and an all-black interior theme. It’s both physically compact and designed in a way that conveys a slightly enclosed feel.

In the front seat area, the dimensions are reasonable. A high window line and an elevated center console create a cockpit-like atmosphere, aligning with Alfa’s sports car heritage rather than emphasizing the versatility and practicality typically associated with multifunctional SUVs.

Several iconic design elements are present, such as the twin-ringed instrument cluster with its protective housing. However, some features, like the oversized gearshift paddles, may not be perfectly suited for everyday city driving. Requiring your fingers to navigate around the paddles each time you indicate a turn is an extra step that could be eliminated for smoother operation.

The center console provides compact storage space, a pair of deep but narrow cupholders, and small door bins. In front of the gear selector, there’s a sizable wireless charging pad, although it prioritizes form over function.

Reinforcing the Tonale’s identity as a vehicle designed for young urban professionals rather than a super-practical family hauler, the rear seat accommodates adults comfortably on short trips but lacks the space for taller individuals. Knee room is somewhat limited, and headroom is adequate for adults under 180cm but may become an issue for taller passengers.

Rear seat passengers benefit from air vents at the rear of the center console, as well as a USB-A and USB-C port beneath it. Due to the raised center tunnel and sculpted seats in the outer positions, the Tonale functions more as a 4+1 seater than a full five-seat vehicle.

The cargo space is impressive, offering 500 liters with the rear seats in their upright position, rivaling larger SUVs. Alfa has thoughtfully included bag hooks on the sides of the boot, along with a 12-volt socket. If you need to transport long but narrow cargo and want to keep the window seats intact, a center ski port can be opened behind the center armrest.

Access to the boot is provided by a powered tailgate, but it’s worth noting that, in some cases, the close and lock buttons on the tailgate may require two or three attempts to register your intent to close the boot, which can be a somewhat frustrating experience.”

“Is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Supported in the Alfa Romeo Tonale?

The Alfa Romeo Tonale pays tribute to the brand’s heritage with its instrument cluster, distinguishing itself from brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz by opting for a traditional multi-screen setup rather than a single-pane widescreen display. The infotainment screen, positioned as a standalone unit alongside more integrated instruments, may seem slightly conspicuous, but it does not hinder usability.

The 10.25-inch infotainment display is characterized by its sharp and clear visuals, although Alfa’s all-black menu layout might mask some of its potential. Notably, the system includes wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to digital radio, integrated satellite navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity.

While the display showcases its high-resolution capabilities effectively, some screens feature text that is scaled down to the point where certain descriptions can be challenging to read. The system also presents a plethora of sub-menus and settings, which can occasionally lead users on a quest to locate the right screen or display option when navigating less familiar functions.

The digital instrument display offers users a choice between classic Alfa Romeo gauges, reminiscent of the brand’s historic design, and a more contemporary speedometer and tachometer that reveal figures as the needle approaches. Additionally, users can access a map view and minimalist screens depending on their preferences.

With Alfa Connected Services, drivers can harness the power of remote functions via a connected smartphone. These functions include obtaining vehicle location information, remotely locking and unlocking doors, receiving vehicle health notifications, sending navigation instructions to the vehicle, and utilizing ‘last-mile’ navigation for seamless transitions from the car to the final destination.”

“Is the Alfa Romeo Tonale a Safe Vehicle?

Even though the Alfa Romeo Tonale was introduced to Australia in 2023, it received its crash test rating in 2022 from ANCAP, which is based on tests conducted by Euro NCAP.

The vehicle secured strong protection ratings, with scores of 84 percent for adult occupants, 87 percent for child occupants, and 85 percent for safety assist systems. However, the rating for vulnerable road user protection, which includes pedestrians and cyclists, was comparatively lower at 67 percent.”

“What Safety Features Does the Alfa Romeo Tonale Include?

The Tonale Veloce boasts a comprehensive safety suite as standard equipment. This suite encompasses modern safety technologies, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree parking camera system, and active blind-spot assist with rear cross-traffic alert.

Furthermore, the Tonale Veloce features ‘intelligent’ functions, including intelligent speed control, which can adapt the speed limiter based on recognized speed signs, and intelligent cruise control, which incorporates a lane-centring feature into the cruise control and lane-keeping systems.

When these safety systems are operational, they provide a seamless and predictable experience without issuing false alarms. However, it’s worth noting that certain systems may temporarily go offline under specific conditions. For example, the adaptive lighting system might display a warning (although manual control over high/low beams continues to function properly). Additionally, in challenging glare conditions during sunrise and sunset, the forward collision and lane assist functions may indicate their inability to operate, which can be less than ideal given the potential decrease in visibility during those times of day.

What Are the Maintenance Costs of the Alfa Romeo Tonale?

Alfa Romeo offers a warranty term in line with industry rivals, providing five years of unlimited-kilometer coverage, complemented by five years of roadside assistance. To make vehicle maintenance budgeting easier, Alfa Romeo also presents a capped-price service program for the Tonale. The first three years of maintenance are available at a cost of $1,735, or customers can opt for a five-year plan at $3,675, with a significant cost increase during the fourth year, primarily attributed to the $1,345 charge for the 60,000-kilometer service.

In terms of insurance coverage, comprehensive insurance for the Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce amounts to approximately $1,727 per year, based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver residing in Chatswood, NSW. It’s essential to note that insurance estimates may vary based on your specific location, driving history, and personal circumstances.

When comparing the Alfa Romeo Tonale to similarly priced competitors, it’s worth mentioning that it is somewhat more expensive to insure compared to alternatives like the Volvo XC40 ($1,492) and Mini Countryman ($1,421).”

“Is the Alfa Romeo Tonale Economical in Terms of Fuel Consumption?

The Alfa Romeo Tonale’s mild-hybrid system boasts a unique capability that sets it apart from similar systems; it can propel the vehicle without the need for the petrol engine to run at lower speeds. As a result, the Tonale claims an impressive fuel consumption rate of 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers. More details on the system’s performance are discussed in the following section.

During a week of primarily urban driving, including navigating through peak-hour traffic congestion and occasional short high-speed trips on weekends, the Tonale delivered a real-world fuel efficiency figure of 7.0 liters per 100 kilometers. While this may not be as efficient as a ‘full’ hybrid system akin to what Lexus offers, it still significantly mitigates the impact of city driving.

It’s important to note that the Alfa Romeo Tonale requires premium unleaded fuel with a 95-octane rating. However, even with the consumption rate we observed during testing, the Tonale can cover an estimated distance of approximately 785 kilometers on a single tank of fuel. This range is more than sufficient for a few weeks of daily commuting without the need for frequent visits to the fuel station.”

“What’s the Driving Experience Like in the Alfa Romeo Tonale?

Alfa Romeo has achieved something rather remarkable with the Tonale’s mild-hybrid engine, enabling it to drive like a full-fledged hybrid vehicle on certain occasions. While many 48-volt mild hybrid systems primarily function as enhanced idle-stop systems, providing additional assistance to the engine under load, the Alfa’s system can independently power the vehicle. However, this capability is limited to low speeds and low-load scenarios, marking a significant step in the journey toward reducing emissions.

Yet, once the novelty of this feature wanes, the rest of the powertrain package may leave some underwhelmed. Despite the respectable 118kW and 240Nm outputs from the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine on paper, the Tonale feels like it enters every encounter with one hand tied behind its back in the real world.

Acceleration in the Tonale is exceptionally leisurely, as if you’re towing a heavy load or constantly applying the handbrake. While the claimed 0–100km/h acceleration time of 8.8 seconds is suitable for a primarily urban-focused small SUV, the rolling acceleration feels almost sluggish. Requesting a burst of speed for overtaking or merging into fast-moving traffic can be a test of patience, as the Tonale’s speedometer needle inches up gradually.

The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission represents a noticeable improvement over its predecessor in the Giulietta. However, in comparison to similar transmissions found in Audi and Mini competitors, Alfa’s rendition can occasionally feel unrefined and clunky.

In congested traffic conditions, it appears to exhibit frustration. Several times while navigating Melbourne’s slow-moving 20–30km/h traffic, the Tonale executed gear changes so abruptly that the entire vehicle shuddered.

On the other hand, the electric-only aspect of the drivetrain is remarkably smooth, quiet, and practical, catching some by surprise. Although Alfa acknowledges its limited range and capabilities, I was able to traverse the entire 550-meter length of Collingwood’s 30km/h Wellington Street without activating the petrol engine, a feat I had not previously achieved in a Toyota or Lexus hybrid.

The Tonale’s super-responsive steering is well-suited for city streets, making parking and tight turns effortless. However, at high speeds, this responsiveness may create a sense of reduced stability on the road, and it becomes easier to unintentionally unsettle the vehicle’s balance in 100km/h zones.

At higher speeds, wind and tire noise become more pronounced. The 20-inch wheels on our test vehicle, while visually striking, contribute to a firm ride quality and increased road noise during highway driving.

Given Italy’s reputation for bustling cities and brisk urban commuting, it’s not surprising that the Tonale is optimized for city use. In Australia, the Tonale is finely tuned for flowing city traffic but may struggle with the demands of peak-hour congestion and long-distance touring.”

“Is the Alfa Romeo Tonale a Good Choice?

Alfa Romeo’s inaugural entry into the compact luxury SUV segment is notable for its competitive pricing and the effectiveness of its mild-hybrid system. Nevertheless, it falls short in certain aspects, both on the open road and at low speeds.

The Tonale may capture your attention due to its stylish design or stand out as one of the better-priced small luxury SUVs on the market. However, it’s essential to ensure that some of its unique characteristics align with your expectations for a daily driver. Despite the ‘Veloce’ moniker, this vehicle may not be the swiftest or most dynamic option among Alfa Romeo’s lineup.

For those who are new to the brand and may not have preconceived expectations, this might not pose a concern. However, for loyal Alfa enthusiasts or individuals seeking a versatile vehicle capable of venturing beyond the local neighborhood, the Tonale may not entirely hit the mark.”

“How to Purchase an Alfa Romeo Tonale – Next Steps

The Tonale range is particularly enticing at the entry-level Ti grade, offering exceptional value compared to other premium SUVs. Meanwhile, the Tonale Veloce, as tested with the Lusso Pack, represents the higher end of the spectrum, exuding luxury and style.

Alfa Romeo dealers across the country have available stock, so you may discover the ideal configuration to match your color and trim preferences, ready for immediate delivery. To locate your nearest dealer, visit the Alfa Romeo website, or explore Alfa Romeos for sale at Drive.com.au/cars-for-sale.”