TONALE SHIFT

I wasn’t even born when Bob Dylan went electric – but I do know that when the world’s best loved acoustic musician dared to plug in an amplifier in 1965, people went mad. Fans even shouted ‘Judas’ at concerts. I’ve often wondered if there’d be a similar reaction when Alfa Romeo went electric.

We’re about to find out. Certainly, Alfa owes a lot of its loyal following to its extraordinary acoustics – I myself owned one of its recent Quadrifoglio models largely on the strength of the basso rumble from its finely tuned exhausts. But I also think, like most sentient beings, that (1) we need to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, and (2) Alfas happen to be among the best-looking vehicles ever designed.

So, I reckon this new Tonale plug-in hybrid Q4 deserves to do well. Bob Dylan stood the test of time and with design like this, so should Alfa.

It’s the most efficient Alfa Romeo ever, with CO2 emissions of 29g/km and over 49 miles of battery life in full-electric mode and more than 372 miles of total range in non-urban use.

The model with which the brand made its entrance into the world of electrification combines maximum efficiency and sportiness. Its 280hp hybrid powertrain gets it from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.2 seconds and onto a top speed of 84 mph in full-electric mode and 128 mph in hybrid mode, with the e-AWD system providing in stantaneous deployment of 100 per cent of available torque from the electric motor on the rear axle.

The advanced 4x4 hybrid system guarantees maximum stability both off-road and on. It does not physically connect the two propulsion systems, but rather coordinates them, making the Tonale Plug-In even lighter and unmatched in its handling.

There are clever features from the cutting edge of EV technology: E-Save allows drivers to recharge or maintain the battery level when the internal combustion engine is on; and the regenerative braking system allows drivers to recover energy during the phases of deceleration and braking, storing it in the battery pack, and by activating E-Coasting, energy recovery takes place even when slowing down without a foot on the brake pedal.

So, what about us dinosaurs that still care how a car sounds? I’ve not heard the Tonale yet, but I have to respect the cheeky name: an Italian word that’s literally used to describe the tone of musical notes. I’m happy to accept that a tuneful exhaust is a relic of the past, but I’m guessing that the sound system – which integrates with Amazon Alexa for instant access to all your playlists – gives your ears more than enough to enjoy.

Fact file / Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Veloce

Range: 372 miles (total cycle) / Acceleration: 0-62 in 6.2 seconds / Peak power: 280 hp

Seating capacity: 5 / Price: from £48,495

By Oliver Chesher