THE FAMILY GEKKO MOBILE
It has been a year since I first had the exhilarating experience of driving the Alfa Romeo Tonale on the winding hairpins around Lake Como. Now, I find myself behind the wheel of Alfa Romeo’s compact SUV once again, embarking on a longer weekend journey from my home in Southern Germany to the legendary Mugello Circuit in Italy.
This time, the trip holds an added significance as we will witness our friends at OKP Racing make their debut in the 2023 Alfa Revival Cup. And because the best rodtrips are those shared with loved ones, joining me in this escapade is my family, eager to reconnect with the grandparents in Bologna, though perhaps not as excited as I am to witness vintage Alfas battling it out on the circuit. As they say, you can't choose your family, but you can choose the perfect car for an unforgettable road trip.
First things first: the Tonale I’m holding the key of is a 160 HP Veloce courtesy of Alfa Romeo Germany, in the stunning Verde Montreal hue. It's my son's favorite color, and he believes it transforms the Tonale into a true Gekko Mobile, much like his beloved Paw Patrol cartoon hero's vehicle. Although somewhat unwillingly I have to act maturely this time and temper his expectations, I am confident that the Tonale's capabilities extend beyond climbing vertical walls and venturing underwater. It's time to see how this bewitching SUV performs in the real world…
The scenographic tech is there: digital cockpit, touch screen infotainment, and all the smartphone apps in my pocket available on the dash. Operating a phone’s menu has become second nature for all of us, and getting behind the wheel of the Tonale and fiddling through the car’s own menu is just as straighforward. The cabin space is generous, even more than one would expect when looking at the Tonale from outside. Cars have been growing with each generation, but coming from a 159 myself, it’s still surprising to see that a C category SUV offers more interior space than a D category SW. The 500 litre of the boot neatly filled with a few suitcases in lego style perfectly filling the square-ish space under the parcel shelf, kids installed in their (distantly appearing) ISO fixed seats and wifey happy to be able to fully stretch her legs at my right, we’re ready to hit the road.
The handling’s defining feature in my opinion is its finesse, something that as an Alfa owner one might take for granted, but when passing to a newer generation vehicle still impresses with its continuous refinement. Especially in a somewhat bulkier Alfa like the Tonale, its agility and quick responsiveness might come across as counterintuitive, and unquestionably are the car’s best attributes. It’s true, the Tonale is a new generation Alfa, a Biscione for everyone, but it stays true to the Alfa essence and no alfista will be disappointed after driving it. It doesn't mean the driving assistance systems are out of place or disturbing either, on motorway driving the lane assistant or speed limits shown in real time are making up for even the slightest moment when the attention might be distracted by something else, and in a full car there’s always something to distract one’s attention.
The Tonale confidently showcases its elegance as it glides along the road. I realise that as I glimpse sometimes pedestrians or other drivers in traffic having a second look as I’m passing by. With 160 horses under the hood, it may not be the topic of pub conversations on pure power, but what this Alfa Romeo accomplishes in delivering a comfortable and worry-free journey for the entire family is truly commendable. The serenity in the backseats, where the kids remain quietly asleep for the majority of the trip—something rarely seen during our countless journeys between Germany and Italy—and the fact that my wife only had to remind me to slow down on a couple of occasions, brings me a different kind of satisfaction. Different, but no less fulfilling.
Speaking of quietness, the Tonale's ability to execute speed maneuvers in electric power mode alone feels like a delightful party trick. As the world evolves, Alfa Romeo effortlessly adapts, even if it means embracing a quieter approach to it while still retaining its undeniable bravado.
As one year reunions go, I’m happy to realise the initial excitement of driving for the first time the Alfa Romeo Tonale has not worn off. From its advanced technology aligned to what this class has best to offer, to its agile characteristic handling and family-friendly comfort, the Tonale strikes all the right notes. Alfa Romeo has indeed created a compact SUV that embodies the spirit of the brand while embracing the changing landscape of the automotive industry. With the Tonale, Alfa Romeo does what it has always excelled at - providing an engaging and commendatory driving experience, but without compromising on practicality and even sophistication. It's an extraordinary vehicle that leaves a lasting impression on drivers and passengers alike - my sons keeps asking where is his Gekko Mobile gone…
I am confident it has taken on a special mission: to captivate automotive enthusiasts worldwide and turn them into a new generation of alfisti!
Photos by Sevian Daupi.
