Alfa Romeo Tonale vs Hyundai Staria

What's the difference?

This is the first hybrid Alfa Romeo, and its most efficient model yet - two things those historically loyal to the brand might be hesitant to embrace - but like the Giulia and Stelvio it joins in the line-up, this plug-in hybrid Tonale is extremely important to the Milanese brand.

The Tonale, still a relatively new nameplate, must establish itself as a new ‘accessible’ point to the brand in the popular small SUV segment. 

But this, the Veloce plug-in hybrid (PHEV), must prove that even in the more attainable small SUV segment, the brand can still produce something to gain the tick of approval from the rusted-on ‘Alfisti’ - Alfa Romeo’s loyalists.

On top of keeping Alfa’s existing fans happy, the Tonale must also contend with existing segment favourites like the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3.

Alfa surely knows it won’t reach sales figures to contend with those mentioned, but what the brand can aim for is to be a sexier, desirable alternative.

So, is the Tonale PHEV the right piece of kit for the job?

Hyundai has recently launched an updated Staria Load range, with the most significant addition for buyers of mid-size (2.5 tonne-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial vans being the first-time availability of a hybrid drivetrain.

On paper this new HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) option brings numerous advantages over its diesel sibling, so we recently spent a week at the wheel to see if they are sufficient to win over traditional diesel van buyers.