LEGENDARY sporting brand Alfa Romeo is joining the race to electrification and rolled out a concept for its' first plug-in hybrid model at the Geneva motor show.

The Italian brand may be late joining the party but if the final production model looks anything like this sexy design concept for a mid-sized SUV then it could well be the centre of plenty of attention.

Called the Tonale, the production car will mark Alfa's debut in the mid-size utility vehicle segment and will sit below the Stelvio in the company's SUV line-up. As well as a hybrid option, petrol and diesel versions will probably be included in the line-up.

It is expected to go into production next year and while details are scant at the moment we can tell you that the hybrid will have a rear mounted electric motor which, the company says, "opens the way to new technological solutions that offer enhanced driving dynamics, to maximise the pleasure of sporty driving."