Cut price new luxury SUV headed to Oz

Alfa Romeo has revealed details of its new Tonale Hybrid SUV that blends good looks, hybrid performance and plenty of luxury and tech features.

Prices for the two-tier range start at $49,990 (before on-road costs) for the Ti and rise to $56,400 for the Veloce. This makes it the Italian brand’s cheapest model.

It’s pitched against popular small luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Volvo XC40.

Alfa Romeo Australia boss, Kevin Flynn, says the brand’s heritage shines through with the Tonale.

“We are very excited to see Alfa Romeo move towards electrification. The Tonale Hybrid is the ultimate blend of past, present and future, with its classic style, meticulous interior and driver-centric environment,” says Flynn.

Both models use a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that is paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid set-up for total outputs of 118kW and 240Nm.

The set-up drives the front wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic.

Alfa Romeo claims the Tonale sips 5.6L/100km.

The two models are expected to arrive in showrooms from February next year. A plug-in hybrid version is slated to join the line-up towards the end of 2023.

Tonale Ti buyers can expect flashy 18-inch alloy wheels and hi-tech matrix LED headlights. The exterior is kitted out with gloss black and chrome highlights.

Seats are a mix of cloth and faux leather and there is contrast beige stitching throughout the cabin.

A 10.25-inch central touchscreen is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Alfa sweetens the deal with in-built satnav, a wireless device charging pad and USB ports that service the front and rear seats.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument display elevates the cabin further.

Safety is lacking, with just the basics covered.

Jumping into the more expensive Tonale gets you 19-inch alloy wheels and Brembo brakes with red brake calipers.

Passengers are treated to Alcantara and faux leather seats with contrast red stitching.

Safety is boosted by blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and a bird’s eye view camera.

If you want heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats you’ll need to add the optional Lusso Pack that includes other opulent items such as a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo and heated steering wheel.