Alfa Romeo’s system name ‘Active Driving Assist’ accurately portrays system functionality. However, the promotional material makes several misleading references to automation. The Tonale does not offer a head-up display showing the system status in the driver’s direct line of sight. Alfa Romeo did not equip the Tonale with an internal camera and the system relies only on steering wheel input for Driver Monitoring. The system balances driver steering input with lane guidance, promoting co-operative driving.

The Tonale combines map-based speed limit information with real time camera inputs to manage fixed, variable and temporary speed limit signs. The system does not adapt speed for upcoming road features such as corners, junctions or roundabouts. The Tonale responds to avoid a collision in most of the ACC test scenarios and requires AEB interventions in the more critical stopped vehicle, cut-in and cut-out tests. The driver is supported through the S-Bend, staying centred in the lane at all test speeds. The vehicle does not have an Active Blindspot system designed to prevent lane changing into adjacent vehicles. A lane-change assist function is not available. In the case of an unresponsive driver, the maintains steering control and brings the car to a controlled halt. If either the camera or radar is blocked the car provides a timely warning and prevents system activation.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale provides modest levels of Vehicle Assistance and Driver Engagement but good Safety Back-up resulting in a Moderate but balanced system.