It seems that even sporty-orientated brands are opting for the popular SUV route as vehicle buyers worldwide are still turning away from sedans and hatchbacks to this body style and most importantly with lower emission drivetrains.
Even class-leading players in the ultra-luxurious and top performance marques have SUVs these days. Think of the Rolls Royce Cullinan, Porsche’s Macan and Cayenne, Bentley’s Bentayga to mention only a few at the top end of the market.
Add to that, hybrid-driven and electric power trains and the Tonale, as the first hybrid from Alfa, is an important part of the manufacturer’s zero to zero strategy to electrify all Alfas.
For the once struggling Italian manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, the international launch of the bigger SUV Stelvio during 2017 and the smaller Tonale seems to be doing the trick in terms of driving sales and growth. Alfa Romeo is part of the Stellantis empire.
In South Africa, the bigger Stelvio began to put the iconic brand back on the sales map with 103 vehicles finding owners locally. The smaller Tonale might only have achieved sales of 20 units last year, but keep in mind it was only launched locally towards the end of November 2022.
Last year, Alfa Romeo’s total local sales were a mere 190 units (Giulia – 67, Stelvio - 103 and the Tonale – 20). With the addition of the Tonale, the sales figures will surely change for the better in 2023.
Internationally, Alfa Romeo vehicles’ registrations have increased to 22% vs 2021 in Europe (in a region that is dropping by -11% vs 2021).
The Tonale, Alfa’s first hybrid, has been the star of the year. Welcomed by the media with 8 international awards, it represents the first milestone in the “zero to zero” strategy: -40% of CO2 emissions.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale has a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine with an output of 118 kW and 240 Nm. It is paired to a TCT 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. The Tonale is also powered by a 48 Volt 15 kW electric motor, which makes it possible for the 1.5L engine to propel the wheels even when the combustion engine is turned off. Alfa Romeo claims the Tonale has a fuel consumption of 5.7l/100 km.
Pricing:
Tonale Ti (R739 900), Tonale Special (R799 900) and the Tonale Veloce (R819 900).
The South African motor industry has lost one of its longstanding business figures following the passing of Jebb McIntosh, the group chief executive of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), on Monday, 2 November 2026.
“South Africa’s automotive industry has been AGOA’s largest user, but for the sector the preference has already been largely overridden by the 25% Section 232 tariffs applied on vehicles and components. Losing AGOA adds a further cost to an industry that has already absorbed a significant shock.”
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
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