Alfa Romeo Tonale evolves with fresh design and tech
Alfa Romeo has lifted the wraps on an updated Tonale, refining its compact SUV with a sharper look, upgraded interior and an expanded line-up. The refreshed model builds on the success of Alfa’s first C-SUV with design tweaks, new materials, and upgraded tech.
A more confident stance
The 2025 Tonale update brings subtle design changes. Up front, a new concave “Scudetto” grille, inspired by the classic 33 Stradale and GT 2000, is intended to give the car a stronger presence. The familiar Trilobe arrangement has been reinterpreted to emphasise width and stability, while larger side openings hint at the Tonale’s connection to Alfa’s motorsport heritage.
Revised proportions, thanks to a shorter front overhang and wider tracks, are said to add visual muscle and aid handling. New 19-inch Stile and 20-inch Fori alloy wheels continue the brand’s design tradition, while black and white Alfa Romeo badges modernise the look. The Veloce and Sport Speciale trims also feature black Tonale badging across the tailgate.
Read more – 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Ti review and Alfa Romeo Festa
Premium interior refresh
Inside, Alfa says the cabin has taken a step up in quality. The designers have paired new colours and premium materials, including red leather or two-tone black and white Alcantara upholstery, with contrasting stitching across the dash and doors. Both leather and Alcantara seats offer eight-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and four-way lumbar support. Heated steering wheel, washer nozzles, and a redesigned centre console with a new rotary gear selector add to the sense of refinement.
Driving dynamics: Alfa DNA intact
Underneath, the new Tonale continues to ‘embody Alfa Romeo’s dynamic DNA’. The chassis features independent McPherson suspension, Brembo brakes, and a 13.6:1 steering ratio, said to be the most direct in its class. Drivers can choose between Dual Stage Valve (DSV) electronic suspension or Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) setups, depending on trim.
The engine range starts with the Ibrida, a 1.5-litre turbocharged hybrid producing 130kW and paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox driving the front wheels. At the top sits the Q4 Ibrida Plug-In, which combines a 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a total output of 200kW and gains all-wheel drive. The hybrid system has been refined for smoother, more linear transitions between petrol and electric power, says Alfa, while the chassis’ wider track is claimed to reduce roll and understeer for sharper cornering.
Technology and safety upgrades
The new Tonale’s cabin tech has been modernised with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch Alfa Connect infotainment screen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. A Harman Kardon audio system with 14 speakers provides premium sound, while a 360-degree camera and semi-automatic parking system simplify urban manoeuvres.
Tonale also continues to offer Level 2 driver assistance, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The SUV retains its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Currently Alfa Romeo NZ offers the Tonale in mild-hybrid Ti and Veloce spec. These are on run out at present, prices slashed from the usual $59,990 to $43,990 for the Ti while the Veloce is down from $66,990 to $47,990. The NZ release timing and local specifications for the facelift model are still TBA.
