2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale Q4 Hybrid - Images, Specifications and Information

One of the primary objectives behind the design of the Alfa Romeo Tonale was to achieve maximum driving pleasure. One element that contributed to this goal was the perfect weight distribution between the two axles. This required special management of mass and materials, which was done both by working on the car’s layout and by placing all the heavier components as centrally as possible. The Tonale versions equipped with front-wheel drive use the excellent balance of masses to optimise torque delivery on the ground and handling on corners, the latter is further emphasised in the Q4 all-wheel drive version by the torque available on the ground for each axle.

 In any situation and at any speed, driving the Tonale C-SUV is always natural and instinctive, partly down to the most direct steering ratio in the segment (13.6). The steering feeling, as precise and direct as can be expected from an Alfa Romeo, is emphasised by the adoption of the geometry in the independent front suspension. Rebound is reduced in the most genuine way, limiting the application of software filtering and optimising control of front wheel steering. The sportiness is further enhanced by the aluminium shift paddles: a hallmark of the brand and unique in this class.

The new Alfa Romeo Tonale adopts the Integrated Brake System (IBS), an innovative electromechanical system that combines stability control with conventional servo brakes. The integration between electronics and mechanics, significant weight optimisation, optimal feeling and the total absence of pedal vibrations guarantee the system an instantaneous brake response. The adoption of fixed calipers by Brembo, with four pistons and self-ventilated discs at the front and full discs at the rear, contributes to the improved braking performance.

The Dual Stage Valve electronic suspension provides a choice between performance and comfort. Developed in conjunction with Marelli – a historic technology partner of Alfa Romeo, the electronic shock absorbers feature a special electroactuated valve within the shock absorber that provides independent damping curves. Two modes are available, Comfort and Sport. The former is the preset calibration in the D.N.A. Advanced Efficiency and Normal selections, to ensure the smoothest performance on uneven roads. Conversely, Sport mode predominates in the D.N.A. Dynamic and ESC Off modes, which reduces body movement and increases vertical rigidity, aimed at improved vehicle dynamics on corners. Finally, by pressing the dedicated button on the DNA selector, the calibration of Dynamic mode can be activated or deactivated.

On the hybrid (130hp and 160hp) versions, all with front-wheel drive, the Alfa Romeo electronic self-locking differential comes as standard, to guarantee perfect traction for a smooth driving experience, emphasising the agility and sporty character of the car, with a further positive impact in terms of safety. Built into the DNA selector, the system exploits the effect of the braking system by simulating a limited mechanical differential. Combined with the MacPherson front suspension, it ensures sporty and effective driving dynamics by controlling the vehicle stability and by redirecting the power to the wheels when accelerating from corners. The system also provides improved control on slippery surfaces, as well as greatly reducing understeer, transferring torque from the inner to the outer wheel, so as to ensure longitudinal acceleration and consequently better road holding.

 The plug-in hybrid Q4 version of the Tonale is equipped with Alfa Romeo Q4 hybrid all-wheel drive, to ensure ideal traction for safe travel on snow and ice. The combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, on which Q4 traction is based, provides higher torque than a car with a conventional combustion engine. It also offers the option of high-precision adjustments at both startup and in four-wheel drive mode on more demanding terrain, when a lower transmission ratio is required. When road surface conditions are wet, slippery or icy and more traction is needed, the plug-in hybrid Q4 version of the Tonale becomes an authentic 4x4, with all the safety advantages that go with it. The system automatically activates the internal combustion engine on the front axle, which starts to drive the front wheels. At the same time, the electric motor in the rear starts up, delivering up to 275hp for a high-performance, fun and safe drive.

The suspension scheme, suitably customised for the Alfa Romeo DNA, provides for a MacPherson-type architecture. The geometry on the front axle is optimised for rapid and precise changes of direction, emphasising the steering feeling typical of Alfa Romeo. This reduces steering distortion, limiting the application of software filtering and optimising control of front wheel steering. In the rear, the exclusive three-arm geometry ensures rapid response when engaging and the highest level of lateral acceleration on corners. Last but not least, the suspension in the Tonale uses Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology – developed in collaboration with Koni, a historic technology partner of Alfa Romeo – to improve performance by ensuring perfect road holding and simultaneously improving comfort in all driving conditions.

The Tonale is equipped with new Alfa Romeo Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for Level 2 autonomous driving, for automatic handling of acceleration, braking and remaining within lane while maintaining maximum driving safety and leaving the pleasure of sitting at the wheel intact.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale enables Level 2 autonomous driving by combining the forward-facing camera, which longitudinally and laterally monitors all the car’s surroundings, and the Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) and Lane Centering (LC) systems. The IACC system makes use of Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which automatically adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicles in front, and the Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Control systems. The former uses the on-board camera to recognise traffic signs, reports them on the display, and alerts the driver of the current speed limit. The latter suggests the driver reduce their speed to the limit detected. If the driver accepts, the cruise control settings are automatically adjusted. Conversely, the LC system controls the sideways movement of the car to keep the vehicle in the center of the lane, even in heavy traffic conditions.

The new Alfa Romeo Tonale comes with active and passive safety features, suitable for everyday driving needs. As well as front, side and curtain airbags, innovative devices and technologies that perfect the interaction between the driver, the vehicle and the road come as standard across the range. Examples include Autonomous Emergency Braking with Vulnerable Road Users, to alert the driver of danger and bring the vehicle to a complete stop tor mitigate a collision with and recognise the presence of a pedestrian or cyclist and Drowsy Driver Detection, which checks the vehicle’s movements to detect any driver fatigue. Once a certain threshold has been exceeded, the system emits beeps and/or visual warnings, recommending the driver stop for a break. The Tonale’s features are enhanced by Rear Seat Reminder Alert, to detect an item placed on the rear seat through the tailgate. When the car is turned off, the device alerts and reminds the driver that the item is there. Optionally available are Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Path Detection, and 360° View Camera.

 The Alfa Romeo Tonale guarantees well-being for everyone on board, with its dual-zone air conditioning, sophisticated infotainment system, ventilated and heated front seats, ambient lighting and a 14-speaker sound system by Harman Kardon. The Alfa Romeo Tonale is one of the few models in its class to offer the Semi-Automatic Parking system, which indicates the space available to park in and completes the car's entry and exit manoeuvres itself. The new model includes an electric tailgate and a wireless charging pad, in front of the gear stick, to place and charge your smartphone in safety and comfort.

In the Tonale, the Alfa D.N.A. driving mode selector features, for the first time, specific functions related to the electrified powertrain. Dynamic mode is designed with a specific calibration of the accelerator pedal, ensuring more effective braking and a more direct steering response. Natural mode continues to maintain the best performance optimisation and automatically manages the compromise between the use of the electric motor and the internal combustion engine. In everyday use, energy savings and consumption are not therefore at the expense of performance. Advanced Efficiency (AE) mode is calibrated for maximum energy efficiency in the hybrid version, while AE mode in the PHEV configuration runs the model in full-electric.
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