The history of Alfa Romeo is littered with supposedly promising new starts that didn't quite come off, but the one offered by the Tonale seems particularly significant, marking the brand's entry into the none-more-competitive medium SUV segment. From a fleet point of view, the plug-in hybrid version of this car is of particular interest, and we've now had the chance to sample it on UK roads. It certainly makes a good first impression - while appearances are of course subjective, it's difficult to imagine many wouldn't agree this is one of the best-looking SUVs on the market.

The Tonale is based on underpinnings we've previously seen with its Stellantis group cousin, the Jeep Compass. However, compared with the Jeep, the Alfa's plug-in hybrid powertrain (a mild hybrid petrol is also available) is more powerful. It combines a 1.3-litre petrol engine with a rear-mounted electric motor (allowing all-wheel drive), for a combined maximum of 280hp - though this is only fully accessible when Dynamic mode is selected on the car's 'DNA' drive mode controller. This does deliver hot hatch-style acceleration, which we found particularly welcome as in the other available modes (Natural, and EV-only Advanced Efficiency) it feels a bit lethargic, which has the effect of making you opt for either rapid or ponderous acceleration without a nicely balanced option in between. The sound of the petrol engine working hard also isn't too pleasant.

On a more positive note, a 40-mile official EV driving range means the Tonale PHEV just squeaks into the 8% BIK company car tax bracket.

In line with Alfa's reputation, the Tonale features sporty handling for the segment, with accurate if light steering. The cost of this is a ride on the firm side for a family SUV, though it isn't harsh, and might have been exacerbated by extreme undulations on our test route in the Yorkshire Dales. The range-topping Veloce equipment grade tested here does come as standard with Alfa's dual stage valve suspension system, which allows the softness of the dampers to be adjusted.

The steering wheel itself is a well-sized item, but we found the large gear change paddles fitted as standard with the Veloce grade to be an annoyance, getting in the way when we went to operate the indicators. The paddles do work pretty well in conjunction with the six-speed automatic gearbox, but it's difficult to see most drivers bothering to use them very often instead of just relying on automatic shifts.

The Tonale's interior features some nice leather materials, but also some disappointingly cheap-feeling plastics for a range-topping car targeting the premium market, and interior fixtures such as the front armrest feel a bit flimsy. The seats are better though, offering a good blend of comfort and support. The 10.25in infotainment touchscreen works well, but requires a bit of a reach to operate from the driver's seat.

Space in the rear seats is only average, and a 385-litre boot is 115 litres smaller than that on offer with mild hybrid Tonales, and features a fairly high lip, although the floor is flat from that point.

Elsewhere in this issue you can find a review of another Stellantis SUV - the DS 7 - which is let down as a fleet car by poor expected residual values. This is not a fate shared by the Tonale, with a reasonably robust 48.7% projection from Kee Resources, and overall on the cost front it stands up reasonably well to rivals, coming in only 3p more expensive than an equivalent (and less powerful) BMW X1 on a cost-per-mile basis. That, combined with those stylish looks and a sporty drive may be enough for some, but for us there are too many flaws for the Tonale to challenge the best in this fiercely fought segment.