It looks as though the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the brand’s new entry-level crossover, won’t be making its debut this year.
A source has told Automotive News Europe Alfa’s boss Jean-Philippe Imparato has requested improved performance from the crossover’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
It’s unclear if this means the Tonale PHEV will have more range, power or both compared to its Jeep siblings.
Imparato was appointed as Alfa Romeo’s CEO in January after the PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler officially merged to become Stellantis, and reportedly only saw the new crossover for the first time that month.
Above and top: Leaked images of the Alfa Romeo Tonale
A representative from Italy’s metalworkers’ union confirmed the delay, and the changes will seemingly push the car’s launch from September this year to early 2022.
A Stellantis spokesperson has told Reuters: “We want to be on the market with the most updated electrified offer [for the Tonale], leveraging on the Stellantis technology and know-how. Our teams in Pomigliano are strongly working to update the production line.”
The Tonale was revealed as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019. Photos of an undisguised prototype of the production model leaked later that year.
Tonale concept 
The Tonale is thought to be based on the same platform as the Jeep Compass or Jeep Renegade.
In Europe, these models are available with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain featuring a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 45kW/250Nm electric motor for the rear axle.
Depending on the trim level, this setup develops either a total of 97kW or 134kW. Torque is rated at 260Nm on all models.
There’s a 11.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s good for 40km of pure electric driving according to the WLTP test standard.
