The Tonale, which will start being delivered to customers in Italy next month, is built on the FCA Small Wide platform, which also underpins the Jeep Compass and Renegade. The Tonale is assembled at Stellantis' factory in Pomigliano, southern Italy.
The Tonale will debut with a choice of two mild hybrid powertrains, one with 128 hp and the other with 158 hp. Both feature a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, in which a 48-volt electric motor is integrated.
The 158-hp version features a variable-geometry turbocharger, a first for Stellantis, said Maria Grazia Lisbona, who is a propulsion systems engineer with the brand. Some benefits of a variable-geometry turbocharger include improved low-speed torque and less turbo lag and a much cleaner burning engine to help reduce emissions.
In a two-hour test drive of the 158-hp version, the Tonale's electric motor was able to propel the car during low-speed maneuvers, but it is too small to offer significant help during acceleration.
A 128-hp diesel will be available later this year in some European markets, including Italy.
Production rhythm of the Tonale was recently doubled to 250 units per week (50 a day), Imparato said. Head of marketing Francesco Calcara said 1,200 orders have already been placed for the 128-hp mild-hybrid version.