Road tests of the Alfa Romeo Donale, compact SUV

First faceAlfa Romeo Donale It is dated March 2019. It was the Geneva Motor Show, where Piscion presented its third model, the Giulia and Stelvio, with a very different style of plug-in hybrid engine and compact SUV. 2020.

The story then went differently with various postponements and a calendar marking 2022 as the good year to see the final version of the Alpha Romeo Donald. A version that takes its first steps with some forklifts, one of which was photographed by our friend near Turin.

This is the first time an Italian compact SUV has been spotted on the road and the heavy camouflage extended above the alloy wheels do their job, covering the body lines exactly. However, this does not mean that we stop creating a summary of what is known about technology and engines (between confirmed and corridor rumors) and trying to understand what his style is.

Before any?

Dell ‘Comment by Alfa Romeo Donale Thin LEDs hit the front side very much to frame with optical groups Classic Alpha Armor. A style that seems to fit into the production model, with a classic body that doesn’t embrace it Coupe style, But as happens to competitors (Audi Q3, BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC) it is not certain that the variant with a downhill roof will not come tomorrow.

Unlike the concept, the rear handles are positioned on the doors and “do not sink”. On the rear pillars like Giulietta.

Revolution in the cockpit

Another element that made people talk about the Donale seen in Geneva 2019 – not a little Passenger compartment, With its minimal and high-tech layout. Donale is a common concept style we don’t see in stocks, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be material innovations.

Most of the work that has been done so far is really focused on interiors, not only welcoming them, but also completely updating the infotainment from a hardware perspective and software perspective.

Dashboard for Alfa Romeo Donale concept

In fact, the game for premium brands will no longer be played not only on the quality of the products, but also on the sophisticated technology offer, with integrated systems, air updates and more.

It remains to be seen who will sign Donale Software: Lots of options in the table e They include Uconnect 5 of FCA origin – Used by the most recent innovations of the former Italian-American group – e Google signs PSA 2020 agreement In order to adopt the car operating system in future models. Now that the FCA and PSA are one of the stellar, it is difficult to say which solution will be accepted.

The fruit is very hard to see Collaboration between the team and Foxconn, Innovative from partnerships to create a technological ecosystem capable of managing every aspect of the car.

Totoplatform

But the mother of all questions regarding the Alfa Romeo Donale is one: Any site Will we use? In 2019, adoption Same dynamics as Jeep Compass, I.e. the possibility of loading front-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Alfa Romeo Donale, presentation

Now an unconfirmed idea, with the birth of Stellandis, is bringing to the table new options for PSA derivation. Except for the various CMPs Peugeot 2008 e Opel Mocha (No plug-in versions, but 100% endodermic or 100% electric only) EMP2, which already serves many SUVs Citroen C5 Aircross, Peugeot 3008 e 5008.

Peugeot 3008 hybrid

Electrification is a platform that “chews” for some time, not only reducing emissions, but also increasing efficiency (and not just a little). Basic performance for release postponement, Initially planned for 2021 to 2022. According to many rumors, in fact, CEO Jean-Philippe Imprado would not have been satisfied. Plugin hybrid tone Would have demanded extra performance from the SUV and its engineers.

But where do they come from? Looking at the house, EMP2 is the No. 1 suspect BSE version of Peugeot 508 At 360 hp, 520 Nm of torque, the 5.2 is capable of 0-100 “and all-wheel drive.

Peugeot 508 BSE

Alfa Romeo Donale, when it comes

After 2022, but in what month will the Alfa Romeo Donale be offered? We are talking about the end of the first quarter, when (but the condition here is more than mandatory) can open its doors again after 2 years Geneva Motor Show. This will be a kind of “homecoming” for Piscion’s SUV, which will close the loop and become a production model.

The launch comes just weeks after production begins at the Pomigiliano de Arco plant (where Fiat Panda is currently being manufactured), while dealerships are being repaired (according to Jean-Philippe Imprado) June 4, 2022. In less than a year, the Alfa Romeo Donale will finally be a reality.