Alfa Romeo has not been a brand that leads with technology and interior quality first; it’s always been adequate, but the brand wants its design and driving experience to do most of the talking. For a subcompact model, the Tonale is at least on par with its competition – depending on the trim level. We had a chance to drive a Veloce trim, which can be equipped with either perforated leather or Alcantara seats. Those seats can even have ventilation, a rare option in this segment. The lower two trims come standard with what Alfa calls ‘Sport Cloth’ upholstery, which feels premium to us, but may not appeal to the leather-obsessed US market.
As for the technology suite, we have zero complaints there. All Tonale trims include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 Nav, a system we enjoy using, paired with a 12.3-inch color digital gauge cluster. The gauge cluster features different themes, including a classic one that replicates a retro Alfa Romeo. We wish more automakers would copy this idea.
Alfa Romeo doesn’t nickel and dime its customers like some of the other European brands, and instead, the automaker bundles adaptive cruise control, collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, park assist front and rear, and lane-keeping assist – all as standard. A $1,850 Active Assist Package on the top two trims adds active driving assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera.