Alfa Romeo Tonale was launched earlier this year with two powertrain options for the US. However, it will only have one when it goes on sale here early next year. The automaker has decided to offer the crossover only with a plug-in hybrid powertrain option, dropping the turbocharged 2.0-liter option from the lineup.
The plug-in powertrain pairs a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels with a rear-mounted electric motor. Both produce a total system output of 272 horsepower (203 kilowatts). This is Tonale’s premium powertrain option, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 256 hp (191 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.
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An Alfa Romeo spokesperson confirmed European Automotive Newsreport with Motor1.com, adding that the company’s future is electric and only offering hybrids is helping to propel the automaker in that direction. The PHEV’s greater performance and electric range of more than 30 miles resonates better with the brand’s customers, company representatives said.
The Dodge Hornet, very similar to the Tonale and also available in the US, will come with a 2.0 liter turbo. The engine produced 265 hp (198 kW) in the Dodge, more than the Alfa made. The automaker will also offer the Hornet with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but it will produce 285 hp (213 kW) in this application.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a much needed model in the automaker’s lineup. It sits below the larger Stelvio in the hierarchy, with the Giulia sedan rounding out its portfolio. Alfa has plans to go electric in just a few years, so it makes sense to focus on the battery instead of the 2.0-liter turbo engine.
Alfa Romeo Tonale will go on sale early next year. The automaker hasn’t released pricing information yet, but rumors suggest that price will start in the high $30,000 range. However, with Alfa discontinuing the 2.0-liter engine, Tonale’s starting price will probably go up. We’ll have to wait for official pricing information, which will likely arrive closer to its on-sale date. The Hornet is expected to go on sale soon.
