A QUICK search will tell you that Tonale Pass is a high mountain pass in northern Italy across the Rhaetian Alps, between Lombardy and Trentino.
I have never been there but those that have say it is one of the best, with some amazing curves and slopes.
It makes sense that Stellantis named their latest SUV the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
It’s got all the dynamic lines you would want in a car. These lines have dominated and made hot hatches look great for years.
The car was launched in Cape Town’s clean roads and passes including Franschhoek, where it proved its worth. The rain wet the roads a bit in the morning before the launch drive, as if to make sure we understand how good this C-segment SUV is.
It grips like magnet and handles curves like a pro.
Stellantis South Africa’s product marketing and communications director Brian Smith said they are happy to bring this car to the Mzansi market, which looks good and keeps improving from previous years.
“Research shows that people want a mix of B-hatch and C, and Tonale is exactly that, being just under Stelvio which is our D-segment SUV,” he said.
The car looks amazing with a unique tree-shaped black grille and it comes in three models: Tonale Ti, Veloce and Speciale, which boasts some cosmetic extras.
Smith said a GT-Line curve, a floating shield, and a three-by-three lighting concept in the front and rear are features that add to the dynamic and sensuality of this car. The interior of the Tonale is unmistakenly posh with a quality dash and leather all over.
The Tonale comes with a built-in and all-new infotainment system, including a fully digital 12,3-inch screen, the main 10,25-inch touchscreen unit, and a smooth, sophisticated interface.
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The Tonale is equipped with the new Alfa Romeo Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for Level 2 autonomous driving.
The engine is a 1,5-litre T4 turbo petrol engine, with 118kW power and 240Nm torque at 1 500rpm.
Although it has been tough for the industry as a whole, Stellantis SA managing director Leslie Ramsoomar said they are looking forward to closing the year having sold over 10 000 cars, which is something to smile about especially in the struggling premium segment they operate in.
Pricing:
Tonale Ti – R739 900
Tonale Veloce – R799 900
Tonale Speciale – R819 900
All sold with five-year/100 000km maintenance plan and five-year/100 000km warranty.
