CAR OF THE WEEK

The Spirit of Italy on Wheels

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Alfa Romeo has always stood for more than just cars. Since its founding in Milan in 1910 by entrepreneurs including Ugo Stella and later engineer-entrepreneur Nicola Romeo, the marque has embodied Italian passion, art, and engineering flair. Over a century later, the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5 MHEV Speciale 5dr Auto carries that legacy forward — proof that even in the age of hybrid technology, Italian design heritage remains at the heart of automotive excellence.

Here are the top five features that make the Tonale Speciale not just a compact SUV, but a rolling piece of Italian culture.

1.A Design Language Rooted in Italian Elegance

At first glance, the Tonale announces itself with unmistakable Italian flair. Its sculpted bodywork, sensual curves, and balanced proportions echo the timeless design principles that Alfa Romeo has championed for decades.

The front end features a three-dimensional ‘Scudetto’ grille — a modern reinterpretation of the classic Alfa Romeo shield first introduced in the brand’s early racing era — and distinctive “3+3” LED headlightts that trace their lineage back to iconic concept cars and historic Alfa models.

This isn’t just styling for styling’s sake: like the Milanese fashion houses that inspire it, Tonale’s design is about proportion, emotion, and harmony — qualities that have defined Italian cars from the Giulietta Spider of the 1950s to today’s modern lineup.

2.Italian Craftsmanship Meets Modern Hybrid Efficiency

Under the bonnet of the 1.5 MHEV Speciale sits a mild-hybrid setup matched to a smooth automatic gearbox — a practical yet elegant step into electrification that doesn’t dilute the soul of Alfa Romeo.

Rather than chasing maximum power figures, this system reflects a distinctly Italian ethos: efficient performance without compromise. It’s a car that whispers heritage, even when embracing the future.

3.A Cabin Inspired by Italian Motorsports Heritage

Open the door and you step into an interior that blends luxury with driver-centric dynamics. Alfa Romeo has always placed the driver at the centre of the experience — from early racing machines to road cars — and Tonale’s cockpit carries that tradition forward with a sleek, ergonomic design and premium materials.

Details like the Alcantara and leather trim, and a telescopic-styled instrument panel, reflect a careful balance of sportiness and comfort — a reminder that even everyday driving can feel like a grand tour.

4.Technological Brilliance with an Italian Touch

Tonale’s infotainment and connectivity systems are among the most advanced in its class, featuring intuitive interfaces and modern connectivity with over-the-air updates.

But it’s not just about technology for technology’s sake. Alfa Romeo’s designers have ensured that these systems are seamlessly integrated into the interior’s aesthetic rhythm — another sign of how Italian design philosophy blends beauty with function.

5.Born in Italy, Shaped by Tradition

The Tonale isn’t merely inspired by Alfa Romeo heritage — it’s built in Italy, at the historic Giambattista Vico plant in Pomigliano d’Arco, near Naples. This facility itself is a testament to Italian industrial excellence, having produced millions of cars and won awards for quality and craftsmanship.

That Italian DNA runs through every Tonale. It’s a nod to the long lineage that began with hand-built machines like the 24 HP and evolved through icons such as the 8C supercars, the racing P2 Grand Prix cars, and legendary road cars designed by masters like Giuseppe Merosi and Vittorio Jano.

Conclusion: Tradition Meets Tomorrow

In the 2023 Tonale 1.5 MHEV Speciale, Alfa Romeo offers more than efficiency, technology, or Italian panache. It delivers a cultural experience — a vehicle shaped by over a century of design innovation, racing success, and automotive artistry. For owners and enthusiasts alike, the Tonale is a reminder that true heritage doesn’t rest in the past — it evolves, much like Italy’s enduring influence on design and craftsmanship.

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