Anna Hartz
Officers complain of serious handling issues in Alfa Romeo Tonale models used for patrol.
When you’re a police officer chasing suspects at high speed, you need a car that responds quickly.
You also need to feel safe behind the wheel. That’s not how many officers in Italy feel right now.
The Italian military police force, Carabinieri, is fed up with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, reports Boosted.
The officers have been driving this model since summer 2023. Now, they’re taking legal action.
According to their union, the car simply doesn’t meet the demands of modern police work.
The union says the Tonale is hard to control at high speeds. Officers also report problems with suspension, steering, and brakes.
Alfa Romeo Disagrees with the Complaints
These issues make the cars risky to use, especially on rough roads or in fast turns.
Alfa Romeo and its parent company, Stellantis, disagree. They insist the vehicles meet all contract requirements.
The company says thousands of the same cars have been sold without complaints. Only the police have raised issues, according to them.
But the union isn’t backing down. Their spokesperson, Antonio Nicolosi, says it’s not just about comfort.
Officers need to act fast and safely in high-pressure situations. He believes the current cars don’t allow that.
Each Tonale police car is custom-made. It has armor, a secure rear cage, and a 163-horsepower engine.
It also includes automatic transmission and a police radio. Still, that’s not enough, say the officers.
The case is now in court in Rome. Judges will decide if the cars are truly suitable for emergency police use.
Calls on the Government for Help
Nicolosi says the issue must be taken seriously. He wants the cars either fixed or replaced.
He also calls on the government to step in. A police force, he argues, shouldn’t be forced to drive vehicles that feel unsafe.
The case has gained attention in Italian media. Some citizens agree with the police.
They see the case as a sign of bigger problems with public contracts.
Stellantis stands by the Tonale. They continue to market it as a modern hybrid SUV, sold across Europe without major issues.