Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV Q4 review

Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 review

We get to grips with Alfa Romeo’s first plug-in hybrid – the Tonale SUV…

Slotting in below the Stelvio in the Alfa range, the Tonale is arguably one of the best-looking mid-sized crossovers on the market.

It’s athletic and well proportioned, it features some delicious Alfa Romeo design cures, such as the narrow ‘triple’ headlights, trademark shield grille and offset number plate at the front, while its pert rear is endowed with a full-width light bar.

And as you can see, it looks especially good in Montreal Green, though sadly this is a £1,500 option.

Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 review

Inside, the dashboard design is a successful mix of the old and the new.

A retro-hooded 12.3-inch digital driver’s instrument cluster is standard, with graphics designed to replicate Alfa’s traditional analogue dials. This is complemented by a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa – which is integrated with a voice assistant.

Refreshingly, it’s not totally minimalist either, so there’s a sprinkling of dials and switches for essentials such as climate control.

Priced from £45,995, the Tonale’s PHEV family crossover’s rivals include the BMW X1, Volvo XC40, Audi Q3, Range Rover Evoque and Lexus NX.

Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 review

It’s worth noting that these competitors are all in the premium sector, which is exactly where Alfa Romeo is pitching the Tonale – so no pressure there then.

And frankly, the Tonale comes close. It’s well put together and interior quality is, for the most part, good, but it’s let down in a few areas – for instance, the use of harder plastics on the doors.

Overall, the cabin has a sporty feel, but it’s also fairly practical with plenty of space for two adults to sit comfortably in the back. A third can perch in the middle, but they will have to straddle the transmission tunnel. That said, unlike some cars, there is space to place your feet under the front seats.

Boot capacity is a modest 385 litres, expanding to 1,430 litres when the 60:40 split seats are folded, putting it on a par with an average family hatchback.

Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 review

The Tonale’s plug-in hybrid system is an upgraded version of the powertrain used in the Jeep Compass 4Xe (its Stellantis group cousin). In other words, there’s a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine mated to 15.5kWh battery.

Alfa Romeo claims this gives an EV range of up to 43 miles and CO2 emissions as low as 29g/km.

It’s four-wheel drive too, with the electric motor’s 121bhp going to the rear axle, while the petrol engine sends its 178bhp to the front.

A total of 276bhp is generated, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds. Top speed is 128mph, and (I’m told) it will happily stay in EV mode up until 84mph.

Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 review

I tested the Tonale Q4 in Veloce spec (£48,495), but there’s also an entry-level Ti.

The Ti version is externally distinguished by a satin chrome V front bezel, 18-inch dark finish diamond cut alloy wheels, a gloss-black body kit, with satin side and front inserts, privacy glass and black painted mirror caps. Inside, there’s black cloth upholstery, a driver’s seat with four-way lumbar adjustment and a leather steering wheel.

The Veloce has a darker V front bezel, Veloce badging and body kit, a gloss black window surround, 19-inch dark alloy wheels and red painted Brembo brake callipers. Inside, the Veloce features aluminium door sills, aluminium shift paddles, plus black and red Alcantara upholstery. Under the skin, it also gets Alfa Dual Stage Valve suspension (DSV).

Slip inside and the driving position is fashionably high and all-round visibility is good. The footwell is a tad cosy though, and I couldn’t find a comfortable place for my left foot on longer journeys.

Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 review

Press the start button on the steering wheel and you’ll more likely than not set off in silent EV mode.

A twist of Alfa Romeo’s ‘DNA’ drive mode selector dial enables you to tweak the engine, steering, suspension and transmission responses.

‘Dynamic’ mode uses both the electric motor and the internal combustion engine to deliver a sportier driving performance. ‘Natural’ optimises power and minimises fuel consumption, with the combined work of the internal combustion engine and electric motor, while ‘Advance Efficiency’ mode is electric-only driving mode, so ideal for low emissions zones.

You’ll spend most of your time in default Natural mode with the engine comfortably switching between electric and petrol power.

Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 review

The first thing you notice on the road is that the steering is very light and doesn’t offer much in the way of feedback. It’s not a deal breaker, but it takes a bit of getting used to.

Natural mode is absolutely fine for everyday driving. The ride is supple, it feels totally composed on the motorway and surprisingly little road and wind noise spoils the calm of the cabin.

If you want a little fun, then slip it into Dynamic. The whole car sharpens up, and it’s in its element on faster, flowing roads.

The only downside is that the little petrol engine becomes raspy at higher revs and the six-speed automatic gearbox is sometimes a little hesitant with its shifts.

Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 review

This can be remedied by using the aluminium paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, but these are not perfect either. They are enormous and protrude beyond the column stalks, which means they are invariably in the way when you want to indicate or operate the wipers.

There are various settings for regenerative braking (it’s always satisfying to watching the EV light pop up when you’re coasting, for instance), charging on the move and saving battery charge.

Overall, Alfa’s engineers have done a great job of disguising the Tonale’s weight (1,910kg), and it stays impressively flat in more challenging corners.

This is partly down to the superb 53:47 front/rear weight distribution, which is complemented by excellent grip levels.

Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 review

So, you can have some fun in the Tonale PHEV, but it will impact fuel economy. In theory it’s capable of 217.3mpg, but as with all plug-in hybrids, figures like that are only possible on shorter trips with a charged battery.

On longer journeys, expect fuel economy between 40-50mpg, because in effect you are driving around in a relatively small engined car with a depleted battery.

Talking of which, the Tonale’s charging speed maxes out at 7.4kW so it’ll take 2.5 hours to recharge the battery, home or away. With a full charge, Alfa Romeo claims the PHEV can travel 43 miles on electric power alone, but we found that 35 miles is more realistic.

Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 review

The Tonale earned an impressive five-star rating in Euro NCAP safety tests. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

And if you have cause to brake suddenly, there’s no missing the unique collision warning – a bizarre multi-track hooting sound.

So, ultimately the Tonale is an impressive start for Alfa Romeo on its electrification journey, and the plug-in hybrid’s all-electric range and low CO2 emissions should make it an attractive company car option.

Finally, it’s also worth considering other more affordable PHEVs in the hugely important family-sized SUV sector, such as the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Plus, the Tonale is also available as a slightly cheaper mild hybrid.

Verdict: If you’re in the market for a sporty family SUV but not quite ready to go fully electric, then the Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in hybrid should be on your shortlist. Not only does it ooze kerb appeal, but it’s practical and drives well.

Alfa Romeo UK

British-built Nissan Qashqai was UK’s bestselling car in 2022

Gareth Herincx

13 hours ago
Auto News

Gold-wrapped Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai was the UK’s most popular new car of 2022, and the first British-built model to top the annual sales charts for 24 years.

Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirm that the home-grown Qashqai – which was designed in Paddington, engineered in Cranfield and is built in Sunderland – was the nation’s best-selling car of the last 12 months.

A total of 42,704 new Qashqais were driven off dealership forecourts across the UK in 2022, reported the SMMT.

To celebrate the achievement, an exclusive gold-wrapped Qashqai was created in honour of the 7,000 Nissan employees from around the UK that have contributed to its success.

  1. Nissan Qashqai – 42,704
  2. Vauxhall Corsa – 35,910
  3. Tesla Model Y – 35,551
  4. Ford Puma – 35,088
  5. Mini – 32, 387
  6. Kia Sportage – 29,655
  7. Hyundai Tucson – 27,839
  8. Volkswagen Golf – 26,588
  9. Ford Kuga – 26,549
  10. Ford Fiesta – 25,070

Overall, 1.61 million new cars were registered in the UK in 2022 – the lowest level since 1992.

Although demand for new vehicles remained high, manufacturers struggled to get hold of parts. There were particularly serious problems obtaining semiconductors, which are used in a vast array of electronic systems, from infotainment systems to engine management.

Meanwhile, demand for electric vehicles continued to grow and they accounted for almost a fifth of new car sales.

Registrations rose from 190,700 to 267,000 – with the EV market share climbing from 11.6% to 16.6%.

The Tesla Model Y was the biggest-selling electric vehicle by far, nothing up 35,551 registrations, followed by the Tesla Model 3 (19,071) and Kia Niro (11,197).

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MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

The MG HS has gone from an also-ran to an affordable PHEV frontrunner, ideal for a family – read on to find out why…

Launched in 2019, the MG HS is a worthy mid-sized SUV that has the unenviable task of stealing sales from the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Kuga and Hyundai Tucson.

Sitting above the successful ZS in the fast-growing Chinese brand’s range, up until now the HS has only been available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that isn’t class-leading when it comes to pulling power, economy or refinement.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

On the plus side it’s offered big bang for your buck because it’s priced from just £22,995, and it delivers good looks, practicality, space, a pleasant driving experience and generous equipment levels.

Fast forward to 2022 and a plug-in hybrid version has been introduced. Suddenly the HS is a serious contender. Starting at £31,095, it’s one of the best value PHEVs on the market.

Like all plug-in hybrids, it offers the best of both worlds, delivering some of the experience of an EV without any of the associated range anxiety.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

MG has used the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the regular HS, but here it works in tandem with a 90KW electric motor (drawing power from a 16.6kWh battery) to give a combined output of 254bhp (and 273 lb ft of torque), enabling it to reach 0-60mph in just 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 118mph. 

Perhaps more importantly, it has an electric-only range of 32 miles (plenty for most commutes). 

On paper, it’s capable of as much as 155.8mpg if your journeys are modest and you keep your battery charged up, while CO2 emissions are as low as 43g/km. That last figure is crucial for business users because the lower the emissions the higher the tax benefits.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

The MG HS Plug-in Hybrid uses a new 10-speed automatic transmission which works with both the petrol and electric motors to optimise power delivery and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels only (unlike some rivals, an all-wheel drive version is not offered).

As for charging, the battery can be topped up to 100% in 4.5 hours using a 7kW home wallbox.

MG has kept things simple and there are just two trims levels – Excite and Exclusive.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

Standard equipment on the ‘entry-level’ Excite model includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10-1-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, plus a 360-degree camera system. 

Upgrade to the Exclusive and it brings upgraded LED headlights, smart leather sports seats and a panoramic sunroof.

MG Pilot – a suite of driver assistance systems that gives the MG HS one of the most comprehensive safety packages in its class (helping the HS achieve a maximum five-star rating) is also standard.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

In other words, driver assistance and safety aids include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Intelligent Headlight Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection.

MG is best known as a budget brand these days, but the HS is anything but cheap and cheerful.

The cabin is well put together with quality materials (the leather upholstery on the Exclusive model is especially good). It has a solid feel and the doors close with a satisfying clunk.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

The digital driver’s display works well, though the central infotainment screen is a little sluggish and unfortunately also includes the climate controls, which isn’t ideal in hot and cold weather.

There’s plenty of space. In fact, rear passengers have a superb amount of head and legroom. The boot is a decent 448 litres, expanding to 1,375 litres when the 60:40 rear seats are folded.

Like many plug-in hybrid SUVs, it’s at its best cruising along. Most are let down by their gearbox/engine combo which invariably sends the revs shooting up if you put your foot down.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

The MG HS is one of the better ones, but not perfect. More spirited drivers will find it a little hesitant, while the engine can become a little vocal if you floor it.

That said, it’s fine if you take it easy, offering pleasantly refined driving with ample power in reserve for overtaking.

It’s no performance SUV, so don’t go expecting massive amounts of driving engagement, but it covers its brief well and feels substantial and planted.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

The transition from electric to petrol and vice versa is fairly seamless, while running in electric-only mode is beautifully smooth.

The driving position is commanding (though I’d prefer the option to be able to lower the front seats a little more), visibility is good and the ride is comfortable.

Fuel economy will depend on keeping the battery charged up and the length of your journeys, so your visits to the service station for petrol will be few and far between if you complete most of your trips in EV mode.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

However, on long journeys where you’re almost totally reliant on the petrol engine, economy can dip below 40mpg.

The good thing about the PHEV system on the MG HS is that it will feed in the electrical assistance, leaving you with a little charge even at the end of a long trip.

Finally a quick mention for the factor which may swing it for many as the cost of living crisis bites – not only is it great value, but the HS offers peace of mind thanks to a generous seven-year warranty.

Verdict: With the introduction of plug-in hybrid technology, the MG HS is now the tempting family car it could always have been. Comfortable, safe, refined, well built and economical, it’s one of the most affordable PHEV SUVs on the market. 

MG UK

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

Kia Sportage PHEV review

Kia Sportage PHEV review

Earlier in 2022 Kia launched the superb fifth-generation Sportage – one of the most striking new crossovers on the road.

Rocking a bold, confident new design and hi-tech interior, it was initially available with a choice of petrol, diesel and hybrid (mild, self-charging) engines.

Now a plug-in hybrid version has joined the award-winning range – and the best just got better.

Kia Sportage PHEV review

But first the bad news. Whereas the Sportage line-up starts at £26,775, the PHEV variant debuts at £38,395, rising to £43,795.

The good news is that it has a theoretical fuel economy of 252mpg, and an emissions-free EV driving range of up to 43 miles.

And with official overall CO2 emissions of 25g/km and 8% benefit in kind (BIK), it’s particularly attractive to company car users.

Kia Sportage PHEV review

The Sportage is the South Korean brand’s best-selling car and the new model is already a firm fixture in the UK’s Top 10 most popular new cars.

The PHEV looks much the same as its conventional and lesser hybrid powered Sportage siblings, except for the extra ‘fuel’ flap for plugging it in (the battery can be fully charged in as little as 1hr 45m via a 7.2kW connection) and it has a slightly reduced boot capacity (down from 591 litres to 540 litres) because of the larger battery.

The Sportage Plug-in Hybrid features a 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, working in tandem with a 66.9kW electric motor and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack.

Kia Sportage PHEV review

This powertrain combination delivers a total of 261bhp, a 0-60mph time of just 7.9 seconds, and a top speed of 119mph. What’s more, all plug-in hybrid versions of the Sportage get all-wheel drive.

Elsewhere, the Sportage PHEV is much the same as the rest of the range. In other words, it has serious road presence, echoing some of the futuristic styling cues of its pure electric big brother, the EV6.

Inside, it’s just as radical with a smart two-screen infotainment set-up. As standard, there’s a an 8.0-inch main touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and additional digital driver’s display on the right. From GT-Line spec up there’s a larger 12.3-inch screen in the centre.

Kia Sportage PHEV review

The curved console is clear, bright, responsive and intuitive to use. There’s plenty of space for adults front and back, while the luggage capacity expands to a useful 1,715 litres when the 40:20:40 split rear seats are flipped.

On the road, the Sportage PHEV is easy to drive with light steering and a commanding driving position, delivering good all-round visibility.

Kia Sportage PHEV review

The overall ride is on the firm side, but not uncomfortably so, and there’s a bit of roll in more challenging corners, but overall it’s a relaxed cruiser.

Switching from Eco to Sport mode alters the throttle and steering responses of the car, but stay in the latter for too long and it will dent your fuel economy (which can dip into the late 40s on longer runs when the battery has depleted).

In addition, there are two main drive modes – EV (prioritises battery power) and HEV (blends power from the engine too, which is more efficient on longer journeys), plus AWD terrain modes for Snow, Mud and Sand.

Kia Sportage PHEV review

The PHEV powertrain delivers a surprising amount of poke and the switch from engine to electric and vice versa is seamless. The engine itself is refined, only becoming vocal if pushed hard.

A slick-shifting gearbox completes the picture. It’s a traditional automatic, as opposed to a high-revving CVT which so often blights hybrid driving experiences.

The PHEV is heavier than other Sportages, but it hides the extra battery weight well, while grip and traction are impressive, partly down to the AWD system.

Kia Sportage PHEV review

The Sportage is packed with the latest safety and driver assistance kit including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and, as with all Kia cars, it comes with a generous seven-year warranty.

Rivals in the family PHEV SUV sector include the Hyundai Tucson, Peugeot 3008, Ford Kuga and Vauxhall Grandland.

Rivals in the family PHEV SUV sector include the Hyundai Tucson, Peugeot 3008, Ford Kuga and Vauxhall Grandland.

Verdict: The plug-in hybrid version of the Kia Sportage is the highlight of an already fantastic family SUV line-up. Its blend of economy, striking looks, hi-tech interior, practicality, top safety features and peace of mind make it stand out from the crowd.

Kia UK

Kia Sportage PHEV review

Kia Sportage review

Kia Sportage review

Kia ended 2021 on a high with a record UK market share of 5.5% before getting off to a cracking start in 2022.

The South Korean brand finished January as the best-selling brand (9.1% share) – a first in its 30-year history.

This success was led by the Kia Sportage, which was January’s most popular car overall, having ended 2021 as the ninth best-selling popular new car.

Kia Sportage review

It’s remarkable that this family favourite was still flying out of the showrooms in 2021 and early 2022 because these were the last of the fourth generation Sportage (originally launched in 2016) models.

Which brings us to the all-new Mk 5 Sportage – one of the most striking new crossovers on the road.

Rocking a bold, confident new design, hi-tech interior and a range of petrol, diesel and hybrid (mild, self-charging) engines (with a plug-in to follow), the range is priced from £26,745 to £38,445.

Kia Sportage review

There are five trim levels (2, GT-Line, 3, 4 and GT-Line S) and it will do battle the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai and Suzuki S-Cross.

There’s no doubt that the new Sportage has serious road presence, echoing some of the futuristic styling cues of its pure electric big brother, the EV6.

Inside, the change is just as radical with a smart two-screen infotainment set-up. As standard, there’s a an 8.0-inch main touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and additional digital driver’s display on the right. From GT-Line spec up there’s a larger 12.3-inch screen in the centre.

Kia Sportage review

The curved console is clear, bright, responsive and intuitive to use, partly down to the short-cut buttons below the screen.

We tested three variants (all using a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine) – the entry-level with no electrical assistance, followed by the mild hybrid and the self-charging (or full) hybrid.

Four-wheel drive is available with any of the hybridised models, which are only fitted with automatic gearboxes, while the regular 1.6-litre car only comes with a manual box.

Kia Sportage review

Apart from the obvious kerb appeal, the first thing you notice about the new Sportage is that it’s a little longer, wider and taller than the outgoing car and there’s more room inside.

Overall, it has a more mature, sharper look, it’s well put together, has a quality feel and is generously equipped.

In fact, there’s plenty of space for adults front and back, while the luggage capacity is an impressive 587 litres, expanding to a huge 1,780 litres when the 40:20:40 split rear seats are flipped.

Kia Sportage review

On the road, the Sportage is easy to drive with light steering and good all-round visibility. It would be wrong to say it has the most sophisticated ride thanks to its firm suspension settings, but it does the job and remains reasonably flat when pushed in more challenging corners.

The only slight disappointment is the 1.6-litre T-GDi engine which isn’t the most engaging of units and can be vocal when pushed- a shame because the Sportage is a refined cruiser.

For the record, the conventional engine’s 148bhp is good enough for a 0-60mph sprint time of 9.9 seconds, while the mild hybrid (same engine power, but with 48V battery assistance) is slightly faster (9.4 seconds).

Kia Sportage review

What’s more, on paper the claimed fuel consumption of the basic petrol turbo is 41.5mpg, compared to 40.4mpg for the mild hybrid (though in real world driving you won’t get near 40mpg), so I’m not sure that the latter is worth the extra expense.

Puzzlingly, the CO2 emissions for the all-wheel-drive mild hybrid I drove were higher (158g/km) than the regular petrol (154g/km), so where’s the benefit?

The six-speed manual has an easy shift action, while the automatic options (seven-speed dual-clutch and traditional six-speed torque-converter) are suitably smooth for the mild and full hybrids.

Kia Sportage review

Obviously, if money is not the main concern, then the full hybrid is the most tempting model in the range (until the plug-in hybrid version comes along) – especially if your journeys tend to be longer. There’s extra poke, it’s a more relaxed drive generally and EV mode kicks in at low speeds or when manoeuvring.

The front-wheel drive version I tested delivers a combined 226bhp, a 0-60mph time of 7.7 seconds, fuel economy of up to 48.7mpg and emissions as low as 132g/km.

The Sportage is packed with the latest safety and driver assistance kit including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and, as with all Kia cars, it comes with a generous seven-year warranty.

Verdict: The all-new Kia Sportage goes straight to the top of the family SUV class with its blend of striking looks, hi-tech interior, practicality, top safety features and big bang for your bucks.

Kia UK