54 <strong>Magazine</strong> | Promotion Red is the new black The ultimate fashion accessory for <strong>2024</strong>? A new Alfa Romeo Tonale hybrid in signature Alfa Red, according to <strong>03</strong>’s editor Josie Steenhart. If you’re looking for a new-car write-up that’s heavy on reviewing revs, speaking specs and talking torque, this is maybe not the piece for you (though there will still be some serious car chat – I’m not completely superficial). But yes, I am focusing this feature around my recommendation that a luxe red car – and specifically this one – might be just the ticket to elevate not just your lifestyle but also your mood, your driveway and your wardrobe. Red cars are obviously not revolutionary, in fact it’s a paint colour that’s probably considered the ultimate classic automobile hue, especially for those with a need for speed, but I personally care pretty much not at all about pretending I’m in a race car, and instead I’m vibing on what is, in my opinion, the colour of <strong>2024</strong> (Pantone be damned). Ultimate style bible Vogue recently encouraged readers to embrace this “vibrant and joyful” shade, which it catalogues under “dopamine dressing” – so perhaps this is dopamine driving? Side note: anyone that knows me will know I’m really going out on a limb with this colour call, as someone who previously, when it came to clothing and cars, would almost always have said “black is best”. Side side note: the new Tonale does have a gorgeous all-black interior, so still goes a long way to appease that aesthetic attitude, and some would argue that true beauty is on the inside anyway, right?! And side side side note: it does also come in a spectrum of other still very chic tones (including black), from rich Montreal Green to metallic Misano Blue and Vesuvio Grey. But back to my new red whip (for the weekend, anyway, thanks to Euromarque), there is actually a lot more to it than fabulous good looks. The first thing of note? The price point. I’m quite clearly not a car guru, but a starting point of $59,990 (+ ORC) for a shiny new Italian hybrid SUV strikes me as surprisingly accessible. The excellent Euromarque team, who patiently answer my patently uninformed questions, inform me that the Tonale is new territory for Alfa Romeo – its first-ever hybrid model and its first compact SUV to market – highly desirable qualities in the current climate (in both senses of the word), and beautifully done without compromising on all the things (aesthetically and under the hood) that the Italian powerhouse is renowned for. The Tonale is what’s known in the biz as a “mild hybrid”, but unlike others in that category, this baby can run on electric power alone for short distances, low speeds of up to approximately 20kph and when coasting – perfect when circling Christchurch’s super trendy SALT district looking for a park so you can pop into Estelle for maritozzi (cream-filled brioche buns, you’re welcome) or Paleta for gelato (they have Nutella on tap, again, you’re welcome). It has three drive modes – D (Dynamic), N (Natural) and A (Advanced efficiency). I stay largely in the sportyfeeling Dynamic because I like the va-va-voom, but it’s nice to have options – especially an eco one. The steering is light and agile (made extra luxe with a leather steering wheel cover) and the myriad driver assistance features include intelligent adaptive cruise control and nifty lane keeping. While the interior is spacious, this is unashamedly a driver’s car, with a high-tech environment that has been designed around the driver. The telescopic digital instrument panel Alfa Romeo calls its ‘Cannocchiale’ showcases a diamond-sharp 12.3” fully digital screen and the 10.25” touchscreen provides an engaging driving experience that works wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Four high-definition cameras positioned on the front grille, rearview mirrors and tailgate and 12 sensors assure easier parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces (a dream for the parallel-park-challenged such as myself). And whether you choose to heed my advice and go for on-trend red or prefer another pick from the palette (there’s really no wrong choice), you’ll still get some seriously stylish exterior details that set the Tonale apart from the rest of the SUV pack, from the striking ‘Scudetto’ (that’s Alfa Romeo’s signature grill) and diamond-cut alloy teledial wheels to its covetable wave-shaped lights both front and back that will have you admiring your indiciating in the reflections of the cars around you. The Alfa Romeo Tonale is available now at Euromarque in two models, Ti (from $59,990 + ORC) and Veloce (from $66,990 + ORC). A Lusso pack with additional features such as heated seats, steering wheel and washer nozzle, perforated leather seating and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system can be added for $5000. Contact Euromarque for more information. 120 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch. euromarque.co.nz
Promotion | <strong>Magazine</strong> 55