On one side, a fully pumped up BMW X1, ready to reclaim its No. 1 spot among premium compact SUVs. On the other, a new Tonale, which should allow Alfa Romeo to finally have its share of the cake. German avant-gardism meets Italian tradition here. Two different spirits but which come together in terms of dynamism. A promise that is sometimes difficult to keep.
Reasons to choose the X1…
If it has long officiated at the top of sales of premium compact SUVs, the BMW X1 has gradually bowed to a brand-new Mercedes GLA. The metamorphosis of the model at the Propeller was highly anticipated. And what a transformation! This third generation of X1 could almost make X3 owners hesitate. Longer, higher, wider, the compact plays the big arms, a fortiori in this M Sport finish with more marked armholes. On board, same revolution. A unique arrangement that he takes over from his brother the Series 2 Active Tourer. A horizontal dashboard overlooked by a large, beautifully crafted digital panel and a floating center console housing the mini gear selector and a few controls. It’s beautiful, and well made. Ergonomics again bear the brunt, however, with air conditioning and adaptive cruise control settings that are complicated to manipulate without taking your eyes off the road. On this subject, the Tonale shows much more common sense. We will come back to it. The X1 makes up for it with remarkable living space for an SUV of this size. Rear passengers benefit from a comfortable bench seat, more legroom and satisfactory headroom, even on models fitted with the panoramic roof. Special mention also to this very large glazed and opening surface. The good points continue in the second row with a sliding seat in two parts (option at 310 €), and equipped with reclining files. In short, it’s good to travel in the back of this X1, which will also be able to accommodate luggage with respect thanks to its respectable 540-litre cargo volume. On this chapter, the Tonale is not outdone, but the legroom is not as generous, the absence of a glass roof imposes a more cramped atmosphere and the trunk volume is limited to 500 liters. Well seen, on the other hand, the rear shelf finding its place under the trunk floor if necessary.
X1s, there will be something for all tastes and all uses. The German once again offers a remarkably wide range with three petrol engines (136, 192 and 218 hp), two diesels (150 and 211 hp), two plug-in hybrids (245 and 326 hp) and an unprecedented 100% electric version iX1 gratified of 313 hp. The sDrive18i in our match is the entry-level petrol version
(and probably the one that will find favor with buyers). A version powered by a small 3-cylinder 1.5 turbo of 136 hp. Figures that can make you smile in an SUV that has become so sturdy, until you take the wheel. This block reveals excellent health with constant availability, a good extension and delivers astonishing performance (accelerations and pick-ups), superior to that of the Tonale, even in its Hybrid 160 version. Here too, we will come back to this.
This new generation of X1 was imagined on the platform of the old one. The in-house engineers have mainly worked to improve this technical base while refining the running gear. Very good work for this rather dynamic X1. The front axle, easy and precise, drives a chassis demonstrating great efficiency. A road behavior here sharpened by the M Sport finish with a lowered chassis and equipped with a firmer two-law shock absorber. A more sporty spirit which, on the other hand, imposes frankly firm walking comfort (and almost useless for a 136 hp family SUV). In terms of disappointments, we will also note the ubiquitous road noise (our model was equipped with the optional 19-inch mounts), still silent steering and often intrusive driving aids.
The balance sheet ends on a rather positive note with consumption raised to 7.4 l/100 km in mixed use. A very good value in view of the services offered.
WE love
- Technological and spacious cabin
- Dynamic behavior
- Powerful and efficient engine
We love less
- Comfort too firm in M Sport
- Option prices
- Complicated ergonomics
… or choose the Tonale
For the Tonale, the work is colossal. To find its place in a segment reputed to be very difficult, to rekindle the desire of buyers who wish to ride differently and to inflate the company’s bank accounts. A certain pressure for this model which wants to stand out above all by its style, much more sensual, curved and refined than that of the X1 which makes tons of it. The Tonale sits on a highly modified Jeep Compass base. A lesser evil for this Alfa which promises a dynamic behavior up to the coat of arms… A newcomer in the premium category therefore, but which keeps a certain decency on the price side against its more established rivals. Indeed, for the price of an entry-level X1 (sDrive18i, 136 hp), you can go up a level in the Tonale range to take advantage of the second level of power, at 160 hp. A very good thing, as the access version to 130 ch, is shown… limited in performance as in approval. Thus equipped, our Tonale in Ti finish is displayed at €43,400, or €400 less than its German competitor, which is also more sparing in terms of staffing. With equivalent equipment, the price difference is around €2,000. For this amount, the Italian also offers a somewhat special hybridization. Without being a full-hybrid, the Tonale in this 160 hp version has a very small electric motor housed in the transmission. Enough to perform a few reverse gears in all-electric, and take off – sometimes – without activating the thermal block.
Let’s answer the legitimate question right away: does this Tonale keep its promises on the pleasure side? No way. First because its hybrid powertrain lacks transparency in its operation, then because the dynamism promised by the brand remains absent subscribers. Admittedly, the 30 hp more bring extra punch, but you have to get them high in the revs by crushing the right pedal. Enough to heckle a slow and unresponsive automatic transmission, make an engine scream that does not sing very well and panic a front axle quickly overtaken in the wet. Its hybridization also brings no interest in the face of an X1 that is both less powerful, more efficient and more sober: 8.2 l/100 km noted during our test. So yes, the damping, here also with two laws, is firm (less than that of the X1 all the same), and allows a rather authoritative body support (the superb 20-inch rims, on the other hand, are a nightmare for the back and ears), and the innards of the Jeep Compass have been cleverly camouflaged. But the Tonale has nothing sporty about it. Its direction is too light and is not centered in the middle point, its chassis does not display the same lightness as that of the X1 and the brake pedal lacks naturalness in its feeling (hybridization requires). It’s a bit better if you select DNA’s Dual mode, but the transmission then pulls cartoonishly through every gear. In summary, this Tonale offers everything you would expect from a modern compact SUV, but not enough for an Alfa Romeo.
Because for the rest, the Tonale does its job very well. The well-finished cabin, spacious behind and in the trunk, offers a very different ambience to that of the X1. It’s more traditional and more loaded, but definitely sportier. With a digital dashboard that still imitates real counters, a steering wheel that’s pleasant to hold and proudly bears the start button, and a driving position that’s still typical of a saloon. The ergonomics are also successful on board the Tonale, much more than in a resolutely more techno X1. The physical air conditioning controls, the responsive and intuitive infotainment system, the position of the storage compartments, the driving mode selector… everything is well thought out and reminds us that tradition is good.
WE love
- Differentiating style
- Successful ergonomics
- Rich Equipment
We love less
- Slow transmission
- Performance and dynamism behind
- Avoid 20-inch rims
Verdict
The Giulia and Stelvio were designed for true Alfa enthusiasts. However, they never met with success. Can we therefore reproach this Tonale for not having more temperament? Probably not. Especially since this SUV remains a successful family and pleasant to look at. Perhaps not enough for a demanding premium clientele who will find in the X1 a job that is generally better executed, a very successful interior and a much greater pleasure.
©Fabrice Bolusset
