2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale jumps on the NFT bandwagon to stand out from the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3

The Tonale is Alfa Romeo's version of the small SUV that will compete against the Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3.

Alfa Romeo has finally lifted the lid on its all-important Tonale small SUV, and it will feature new technology to set itself apart from rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

For the first time in the automotive industry, Alfa Romeo will include non-fungible token (NFT) technology in its Tonale.

“This technology is based on the concept of a ‘blockchain map’, a confidential and unalterable record of the milestones in an individual car’s life,” Alfa Romeo said in a statement.

“With the consent of the customer, NFT will record vehicle data, creating a certificate that can be used as a guarantee that the vehicle has been properly maintained, which will positively affect its residual value.

“In the used car market, NFT certification represents an additional source of trust for owners or dealers. In the meantime, buyers will be confident in their choice of vehicle.”

Essentially, Tonale owners can opt for a digital certificate showing that their vehicles are properly maintained.

Cars Guide contacted Alfa Romeo Australia to determine if the feature would appear in Australian vehicles or if it would be available exclusively for overseas markets.

However, a key new Tonale has been confirmed to arrive in Australia in 2023.

Presented with three engine options, each with some form of electrification to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Let's start with the 1.5-liter turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology developing 97 kW/240 Nm.

The more powerful hybrid version uses the same size engine with a variable geometry turbocharger delivering 119kW.

Both of the aforementioned Tonales send drive to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Tonale's flagship (currently) plug-in hybrid combines a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 15.5kWh battery pack for a total output of 205kW, as well as an exhaust-free range of up to 80km.

With all-wheel drive, the Tonale PHEV can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds.

On the outside, the Tonale features Alfa Romeo's signature triangular grille flanked by slim, three-segment headlights.

The lower part of the bumper also features prominent air intakes, similar to the Giulia and Stelvio.

The rear of the Tonale features connected taillights, and the use of colored wheel arch cladding instead of black plastic creates a more premium feel.

Inside, Alfa Romeo says the Tonale will be equipped with the latest version of its proprietary 10.25-inch Uconnect infotainment system, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity.

Safety is also key to Tonale with technologies such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, driver attention alert, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and surround view monitor.

Expect to see full pricing and specs closer to Tonale's Australian launch in 2023.