The Tonale’s interior leans into instantly recognisable Alfa brand elements, like the two-level dash, circular ventilation outlets and dramatic double-cowl instrument binnacle. Details include a digital instrument display that can be configured to a heritage mode with old-school Alfa numerals, and the start button on the steering wheel is a nice touch. The Tonale looks and feels driver-focused inside, with high-quality trim materials and hardware enhancing the cool vibe.

The Tonale is a mild hybrid, primarily powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine sending 118kW/240Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed, dual-clutch auto transmission. And it’s supported by a 48-volt propulsion system built around a 15kW/55Nm electric motor integrated into the transmission.

Alfa’s official fuel economy number for the Tonale on the combined cycle is an impressively thrifty 5.6L/100km. The fuel tank requires 55 litres of 95 RON premium unleaded to fill it which translates to a theoretical range of close to 1000km.

Both Tonale grades feature dual-zone climate control, LED Matrix headlights, LED tail-lights, LED DRLs, alloy pedal covers, ambient lighting, 18-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, cloth and synthetic leather trim, digital radio, keyless entry and start, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen display (with voice recognition) ,‘Connected Services’ (through the ‘MyAlfa’ mobile app), a power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera, leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, six-speaker audio, wireless device charging as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The top-spec Veloce  adds 19-inch alloys, Brembo brakes, active cruise control, Alcantara and synthetic leather seats, a limited-slip diff as well as additional safety tech (blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, side parking sensors and a 360-degree camera view).

At just over four and half metres long the Tonale is a full five-seater but sits squarely within the small SUV footprint.

Alfa says the Tonale will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.8sec before reaching a top speed of 210km/h.