For almost half a century, it has been one of the world’s most enduring sports car breeds - now the Italian stallion has really put us all back on our heels.
We’re talking about the sometimes brilliant, sometimes inspiring Alfa Romeo, but not as we know it.
Sometimes iconic, sometimes lost in the crowd, but rarely overlooked. Until the arrival in Australia of this fetching little machine.
What else might you expect from a vehicle whose uncle is a Ferrari and mum a Maserati. It’s a bit like being born as the third Waugh brother (cricket fans will relate).
It’s a head-turner, with impressive looks and lines all round - but might not claim your affections quite as quickly as other models from the same factory.
The Tonale (named after an Italian mountain range) is the latest offering by iconic Italian Alfa Romeo. Did we mention it’s an SUV?
Will the fast-changing world of the motor car ever stop surprising us?
Perhaps this one isn’t such a mystery.
It is actually the second SUV to be developed and released to the market - after the bigger, more powerful Stelvio (named after an even more famous mountain range).
The sporty, high-performance wagon has been part of the Alfa line-up for the best part of a decade.
But it’s all part of the Alfa Romeo story, a tale played out on the Italian market for more than five decades and still one of the most adored models around, particularly in Europe.
So, how did this spunky little machine turn into one of the newest SUVs on sale in Australia?
Well, its family didn’t hurt when it comes to introducing a fresh personality to the soft-reader category.
The bigger Stelvio and its sedan-shaped sibling, the Giulia, have each built a reputation on their handsome looks and thunderous performance.
Those cars use a twin-turbocharger to extract V8-like acceleration from its V6 powerplant.
That’s not really the Tonale’s forte.
Instead, the compact baby soft-roader will be seen parked outside the fashion houses of Milan, or buzzing around the famous roundabouts of Rome.
Two versions of the Tonale have been launched in the Australian market - the first a more conventional take on the baby SUV tested here about a year ago - the second a plug-in hybrid which, despite its puny 1.3-litre engine, delivers a rather impressive 208 kilowatts.
The latter, tested here, produces a 0-100km/h sprint of just over 6 seconds which is respectable.
It’s also pleasing to have a new machine that ignores the rather vanilla styling of many cars in this segment.
The styling is pure Alfa - the signature badge in the big, V-shaped grille; a beautiful array of headlights and indicators are set off by its glorious dark alloy wheels.
It all highlights the elegant silhouette and unmistakeable artistry that helped build the Alfa legend.
Alfa hasn't always enjoy the best reputation for trouble-free motoring - probably why designers and engineers have always added a bit of extra zing into their vehicles by way of compensation.
The Tonale - in either form - didn't miss a beat during a combined two-week test.
What’s a little harder to explain is the yawning gap of almost $20,000 between the cost of the basic model and the high-spec, higher-speed Veloce.
The joys of “mild hybrid” - giving additional electric power at times of need, have performed miracles with this car - giving the Tonale an extra 60.5km of driving range and a useful 15kW of battery to keep you moving up and down those mountains.
The Tonale’s interior is an indulgent, impressive space which helps justify its eye-watering $78,500 price tag.
But keep in mind most plug-In hybrids are claiming at least $10,000 to have that cutting-edge technology (and to ensure we help protect the planet), so they will find a market.
The Ferrari influence can be found on the chunky, leather-clad steering wheel where the ignition stop-start button can be found (how Ferrari) and the hardware brings an up-market, generously appointed cockpit.
Performance was a mixed bag in the Tonale. The Veloce variant was the most engaging option and the high-quality finishes and luxury presentation helped ease the whack from the high-end version.
What it misses in flat-out acceleration the Tonale gives back in its beautiful road balance, forgiving sharp road manners and the inescapable feel that you’re driving something “special”.
Which brings us to one final question: there was little evidence of this car’s promise to have off-road capability.
It remained a mystery until the final day of the test, when two capital letters were spotted almost hidden behind the arch of the chunky, leather steering wheel.
The letters were NW - and yes, they changed every time the Tonale changed direction.
It was a compass of sorts, which was apparently there to ensure no one becomes lost on off-roading adventures.
Who says the Alfa Romeo’s days are numbered?
ALFA ROMEO TONALE 1.3 PLUG-IN HYBRID
How big? The Tonale’s sleek lines belie a useful little wagon - impressive rear-seat leg room plus a fair whack of cargo.
How fast? It will reach the speed limit in six seconds which is fairly quick.
How thirsty? Despite the smallish four-cylinder engine, the Tonale
guzzles a slightly thirsty 7.4L/100km.
How much? The only thing disappointing about the Tonale was the pricetag - $78,500 as tested.
