Alfa refreshes Tonale to take on newer rivals

Italian brand's sporty SUV gets a more aggressive front end and re

- Jordan Katsianis

ALFA Romeo has revealed an updated version of its slow-selling Tonale SUV in the hope of re-energising the model in the face of fresher competition. By introducing a refreshed interior and a more assertive new look, Alfa is hoping to tap into a bit of the magic that has its smaller Junior flying out of showrooms.

Full details of the new Tonale range have yet to be revealed, but it will be available in a three-tier lineup with a choice of three powertrains when it arrives in this country next year.

The key changes outside focus on a new front end. This includes a subtly reshaped ‘Scudetto’ grille and four new vents around it, with a more aggressive lower bumper. The grille is inspired by the brand’s 33 Stradale supercar, with concave slats that sit within a floating frame. These new elements don’t completely change the front-end design, but they do give the SUV some extra aggression.

The Tonale’s rear end is unchanged, but the sleek full-width rear lights and large round exhaust outlets on PHEV models are still striking compared with rivals. These tweaks are accompanied by new 19 and 20-inch wheels, the latter swapping the familiar tele-dials for a new three-spoke design.