In large automotive groups, buying a model from another brand for another market is relatively common. You can think in particular about The era of Opel General Motors, with models available in various countries under the Chevrolet (US), Vauxhall (UK) or Holden (Australia) brands. Sometimes copies of models very obvious… And this also applies to our new item of the day, the Dodge Hornets.

Dodge Hornet vs. Alfa Romeo Tonale: minimal aesthetic differences

Alfa Romeo Tonale is instantly recognizable at first glance. Dodge Hornet, of course, took care of the modification of several aesthetic elements: optics parts, radiator grille, hood… But the similarity is obvious. Small changes, however, give this compact SUV with American sauce a slightly more muscular appearance. Inside, the modifications mainly concern the upper part of the instrument panel (vents, rack covers) and certain selection of materials.

Since the visual differences are relatively small, one would logically expect a general technique to both models. Especially since Alfa Romeo Tonale already has American genes, adopting the Jeep Compass platform. But no: Dodge was looking for complications. Or in any case, the American manufacturer wanted to seduce its traditional clientele, for which big engines and performance to match are essential.

Dodge Hornet: twice as powerful for €5000 cheaper!

Unexpectedly, while the Alfa Romeo Tonale is equipped with two hybrids with a capacity of 130 and 160 hp. and a battery hybrid with a capacity of 275 hp, the Dodge Hornet has become much further. Indeed, the base version of the Hornet GT runs on the base self-made four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 265 hp. This is enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 6.5 seconds. Impressive for a compact SUV, especially given that Dodge is touting an entry ticket for less than $30,000 (about 29,500 euros). It’s around €5,000 cheaper than its Italian cousin for twice the power!

For the high class, Dodge also plays with muscle. Hornet R/T announces “over 285 hp.”, taken from the plug-in hybrid. Here we imagine it’s the Tonale battery hybrid engine with a slight supercharger. Drivers will also be able to use ” PowerShot“, a surge of power of 25 hp. available for 15 seconds. Thanks to this mode, Dodge reports acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h just over 5.1 seconds !

Hornet-inspired Alfa Romeo Tonale Quadrifoglio coming soon?

And do you want even more of your American-style Tonale? Dodge presented Hornet GT GLH concept. GLH for Goes Like Hell shows possible upgrades that customers can purchase directly from Dodge. The program includes a more aggressive body kit, specific wheels and more horsepower with its own reprogramming and sports exhaust.

Can we imagine seeing these two engines in Europe? under the hood of the Alfa Romeo Tonale ? Yes and no. Unfortunately, the Dodge Hornet GT engine, thermal, would probably be too heavy on emissions to be viable. We imagine quite a catastrophic fine for this entry-level model. On the other hand, Alfa Romeo may, why not, decide to introduce a slightly more muscular version of the Tonale hybrid based on the improvements offered by the Hornet R/T. What to taste a Alfa Romeo Tonale Quadrifoglio with a capacity of more than 300 hp. in plug-in hybrid? To be continued…