When Alfa Romeo unveiled its compact SUV concept, the Tonale, at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show in March, it created quite a stir. The alluring design language and inspired interior, combined with the promised plug-in hybrid capability of the crossover made many take notice. But alas that was several months ago, and much has changed in the interim. Let’s see what's in store for this small Italian SUV.

Merger Acquisition

Via Alfa Romeo

Originally, Alfa Romeo had announced that the Tonale would be built on the Jeep Compass/Renegade platform. Now, after the blockbuster recent merger of FCA Group with PSA, Europe’s second largest automaker, some changes are afoot. The  company's just announced that they'll adopt two distinct platforms for their vehicles, and that is bound to affect the Tonale’s fate. However, that may not be a bad thing.

A Platform for Success

Via Motor Authority

The 2 platforms are likely the ones currently used by PSA, namely the EMP2 for subcompact vehicles and the CMP for compact to midsize models. This seems to make more sense since they are more advanced than anything FCA currently employs due to their ability to accept hybrid and plug-in technologies. PSA presently uses the CMP platform for several vehicles overseas, including hybrid models. This would indeed be a step forward in keeping the Tonale competitive in a crowded market segment.

Positive Outlook

Via Motor Authority

It would be exciting to see what the product lineup will look like for each of the individual companies under the new FCA/PSA umbrella once the merger is completed. There are bound to be platform sharing woes as well as other growing pains that invariably result from a union of 2 large companies, but they will surely be overcome. Although no delays are anticipated for the launch of the Tonale, according to Alfa Romeo, it will be interesting to see how the new platforms would affect the end products. We are hoping for an even more capable and cutting-edge compact SUV for the new decade.

Sources: Motor Authority, Car and Driver