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It’s finally here. After a grueling teaser campaign that kicked off in 2019 with its namesake concept, the production-ready Tonale is celebrating its world premiere today. The debut of the new Alfa doesn’t happen very often, and even though it’s another crossover, we’re still giddy with excitement. Let’s face the grim reality and admit the sub-Stelvio model had more sales potential than the promised 8C and GTV sports car that was later canceled.
People have criticized Porsche for launching the Cayenne and Macan, but look where the Zuffenhausen brand is today. There have never been so many derivatives of the 718 and 911, all made possible thanks to the immense popularity enjoyed by the two high-riding models. Their success has funded the development of the core model, and hopefully Alfa Romeo will follow suit.
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The Tonale will be the company’s first electrified model and will come in hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. PHEV is believed to be in the top position with great power and all-wheel drive. It won’t be an all-Alpha endeavor as this compact crossover is expected to be loosely based on the Jeep Compass and its 4xe version.
That doesn’t mean Alfa will stick its badge on the Compass and call it a day because we believe it will be much sportier and more luxurious. That is necessary given the stiff competition it will have to face once it goes on sale later this year in Europe. The long-awaited crossover has been confirmed for the US market and the company hopes its new Tonale will be even more successful than the Stelvio. The latter has never impressed in terms of sales, but the more affordable products have more potential.
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Alfa Romeo’s possible expansion won’t end here as some reports suggest a smaller Brennero will launch before 2025, complete with a pure electric variant. This is all part of a larger plan to go EV-only by 2027 in Enlarged North America, China and Europe.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on the 2023 Tonale debuting today during a livestream scheduled to start at 9am EST/2pm GMT.
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