ALFA ROMEO TONALE

Can fresh look and PHEV upgrades improve family crossover's fortunes?

- FELIX PAGE

Fewer than 3000 Tonales have found homes in the UK since the crossover's 2022 launch. In the same period, Audi has sold more than 45,000 Q3s and even the ageing Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC40 have outpaced the Alfa Romeo by a factor of at least 10 to one. So it's no surprise the firm hasn't waited longer to release a facelifted version.

Visually, this update centres on bringing the Tonale into line with its new little brother, the Junior. There's an aggressive new front end with a centrally mounted numberplate, bigger air intakes inspired by the snorting Giulia GTA super-saloon (pizzico di sale etc), a shorter front overhang and a new monochrome badge. Alfa has also added a raft of new colours, there's a funky new 'cannelloni' ribbed upholstery option for the seats and the chunky gearlever has made way for a less intrusive rotary selector.