Alfa Romeo thumbs-up small SUV positioned below Tonale

Alfa Romeo has broken its silence on reports of a smaller SUV positioned below the long delayed Tonale, by confirming that it is indeed developing such a model.

According to a report by Automotive News Europe, Alfa boss Jean-Phillipe Imparato reportedly told UK media outlets that the rival for the Mini Countryman, rumoured to be called Brennero after an Italian mountain pass, needs to happen in order for the famed marque to return to profitability and capitalise on the small premium SUV boom.

“I can absolutely fight against Mini (with it). Premium-ness is not a question of size. I’m convinced if I want to put Alfa Romeo on the safe side of P&L [profit and loss] in 10 years, I must be in the biggest segments in the world,” the former pre-Stellantis era Peugeot boss was quoted as saying in response to the 10 year plan given all Stellantis brands by CEO Carlos Tavares.

“I need to be in the B-SUV segment [small] and C-SUV [compact]. Being in the corner doesn’t bring any results”.

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On the drawing board since 2019 when rumours first started emerging, the Brennero will reportedly ride on a PSA developed platform, though it could also feature partial if not full electrification as per Alfa’s move towards electric only propulsion by 2027.

Allegedly on course to debut in 2023 or 2024, the Brennero will be manufactuered at the Tychy Plant in Poland with its platform set to also underpin the replacement for the Jeep Renegade, which will be build at the same facility.

The apparent confirmation of the Brennero and unveiling of the Tonale in June next year comes on the back of reports last month that Alfa could be reviving the MiTo and possibly also the GTV and Spider that fell by the wayside as a result of PSA’s partnership with the former Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to create Stellantis at the beginning of this year.

Despite the limited details for now, expect a clearer image to emerge next year and possibly also after the unveiling of the Tonale.