Junior Kicked Alfa’s Tonale So Hard It's Getting a Makeover to Bounce Back | Carscoops

      Alfa Romeo experienced a 20 percent increase in European sales in the first quarter, primarily due to the Junior model rather than the Tonale.

      In 2024, Alfa Romeo produced 82,000 units of the Tonale and recently surpassed the 100,000-unit milestone. However, in the first quarter of 2025, only 5,000 units were sold in Europe, marking a significant decline. Currently, the Junior is outpacing the Tonale in sales, but Alfa plans another refresh towards the end of the year.

      The company has been striving to regain its former glory, with the Tonale intended to be the crossover that changes its fortunes. Yet, it seems the new Junior is shouldering most of the responsibility in Europe while the Tonale seeks to establish its place.

      It’s true that total sales increased significantly by 20 percent in Q1 compared to 2024, but the Tonale's contribution to that growth is questionable. While it crossed the 100,000 sales threshold recently, only 5,000 models were produced in Q1 2025. For context, Alfa manufactured 82,000 last year, compared to just 36,000 in 2023, suggesting a bright outlook at that time.

      The question arises: how did the Tonale's sales decline after performing well just a few months ago? For now, Alfa Romeo must give its compact crossover a substantial boost to help it regain momentum.

      A Facelift is On the Way

      The Tonale, introduced in 2022 and receiving a minor update for the 2025 model year, will undergo another facelift by year’s end. Alain Descat, the Director of Alfa Romeo France, emphasized this in an interview with Journal Auto.

      “We must revitalize the Tonale, as it is central to our lineup,” he stated. “It will undergo a revamp towards the year’s end. Currently, the Tonale is struggling due to our focus on PHEVs, which are now declining for tax reasons. Our priority is to strengthen the brand and maintain sales beyond just the Junior.”

      Junior Takes the Lead

      The solution appears straightforward; sometimes, a sibling can outshine another. In this case, that sibling is the Junior.

      The Tonale was expected to be Alfa’s key model, the one to lead its revival, possessing all the right features. Its design marks it clearly as an Alfa Romeo, updated with slim LED lights and the latest safety and infotainment technology.

      Furthermore, it’s classified as an SUV, or more accurately a crossover. While it’s not suited for serious off-roading, the terms are generally viewed as synonymous by consumers, and SUVs/crossovers are currently the favored body style.

      Despite the Tonale’s sharp sales drop in Q1, the newer Junior EV is trending upwards. According to Italpassion, it comprises 51 percent of all Alfa registrations in Italy, 68 percent in France, 59 percent in Germany, and 64 percent in Spain. That’s a significant achievement for a new model.

      What About North America?

      However, some may argue it’s too small for the U.S. market. Surely Stellantis wouldn't bring it here; Americans prefer larger vehicles, and what’s considered mid-size in Europe is regarded as compact in the U.S. Nevertheless, the company appears to be contemplating this possibility, although nothing is confirmed and it may never materialize.

      For now, Alfa Romeo is optimistic that the facelifted Tonale will rebound by 2026, aligning with its objectives. Alternatively, if it finds a way to replicate the Junior’s success in Europe, there’s potential for the Junior to make its way to the U.S. But that remains a significant “if.”