So, 18 months in and my RS3 8Y had to go. I had always wanted a 5 cylinder Audi and ordered the car on the first day it was possible to do so. Then COVID happened, and then Ukraine, but eventually I took delivery and I loved the car. However, the state of roads/ pot holes, stiff suspension and ultra low profile tyres are a poor combination - as 7 tyres in 17 months (13,000 miles) testified - and the tyres do not come cheap. Add to this an insurance quote increasing from £890 to £3,995 (I’m nearly 58 with full no claims, the vehicle had a ghost fitted, was parked off road etc etc), and my elderly Father’s and Mother in law’s health both taking a turn for the worse and it became clear to me I needed something slightly more sensible.
I looked at full electric - particularly the Smart #1 Brabus - but couldn’t convince myself to go ‘full electric’.
I wanted something different and then came upon the new Alfa Romeo Tonale Q4 PHev, perhaps now was my time to take the Alfa plunge. I know Alfa purists will scream and gnash but to me the car just looks ‘prettier’ than other crossovers in its class. Test drive arranged, same with wife in tow, and car bought. Very different to the RS3 but still plenty of grunt for overtaking and a nippy initial take off.
There were two ‘options’ that were in my mind obligatory - Alfa Competizione Red colour and Tele-dial alloys.
I know it’s no McLaren but it ticks the practicality and different boxes for me. Also my running costs have fallen by a ridiculous amount and (most importantly) it is still a fun car - albeit in a different fashion.