First check of the Alfa Romeo Junior
Ingenious PR campaign or bad luck in finding a name? Either way, the new Alfa Romeo has already been a topic of conversation before the vehicle launch. Since it is not built in Milan, but in Tychy, Poland, the car had to do without the originally planned model designation "Milano" after intervention by the Italian government - and was instead christened "Junior". The reason: Products with Italian names must also be manufactured in Italy, according to Italian legislation, in order to avoid misleading. The name "Junior" is already a tradition at Alfa Romeo, as a look at the model history shows.
The most important things at a glance
- The new Alfa Romeo Junior is available as a combustion engine and as an electric variant.
- The Elettrica version is Alfa Romeo's first electric car.
- The power spectrum ranges from 136 to 280 hp.
- Available from 29,500 euros (Ibrida), the top model Elettrica 280 Veloce costs at least 48,500 euros.
What distinguishes the Alfa Romeo Junior?
The Alfa Romeo Junior is a small car SUV based on the CMP (Common Modular Platform) of the Stellantis Group. As a result, the spirited Italian has to share its powertrain with well-behaved vehicles such as the Opel Mokka or Peugeot 2008, but it remains independent not only because of its unmistakable dynamic design. Under the hood, the Italian lives up to its sporting heritage and delivers 280 hp and a whopping torque of up to 345 Newton meters to the front axle in the electric top version. The first electric car from the traditional Italian brand Alfa Romeo will be available in two versions - but combustion fans will also continue to be served with a mild hybrid, but in a much more civilian version with 136 hp.
Name with history
The model name "Junior" has a long tradition at Alfa Romeo. It was first used on the entry-level model of the legendary Giulia GT from the 1960s. And there was also a smaller junior version of the racing version of the legendary two-door called GTA, which achieved numerous successes in touring car racing. The design icon of the Milanese manufacturer is the Junior Zagato sports coupé, which was produced by the famous coachbuilder Zagato from 1969 to 1975. With a number of just 1,510 units, this Alfa is an absolute collector's item.
The exterior appearance and the sheet metal dress of the new Alfa clearly stand out from the already mentioned group siblings Mokka and 2008. Thanks to wide flanks, the little Junior looks more robust and beefier than you might expect from a cursory glance at the dimensions. The front lighting system, consisting of three LED daytime running lights and a matrix LED headlight underneath, is also striking. A treat for true Alfisti: the characteristic "Scudetto" radiator grille is available in two versions, namely "Leggenda" (with historic Alfa lettering in the basic version) and "Progresso" (with cross and the typical Alfa snake "Biscione").
This is how much the Alfa Romeo Junior costs
With the Junior, you have to dig quite deep into your pocket even in the basic version. Prices start at 29,500 euros for the hybrid, and at least 10,000 euros more must be planned for the electric variants. The top model Veloce is even priced at 48,500 euros in the base, and the market launch is scheduled for late summer 2024, according to the manufacturer.
The engines in detail
The Alfa Romeo Junior will be available in three engine versions, two electric variants and a mild hybrid. The performance entry is made by the Ibrida version. Under the hood is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder (136 hp) with electric support from a 21 kW electric motor. A six-speed dual-clutch transmission is on board as standard, which transmits the power to the front wheels. Alfa Romeo has already announced all-wheel drive for 2025. In addition, there are two all-electric drive options in the configurator: The Elettrica electric variant offers 156 hp, while the top model Veloce is said to provide driving pleasure with 280 hp. The 54 kWh battery, which both electric versions use, can be fast-charged with up to 100 kW. According to WLTP, the range is up to 410 kilometres.
| Motorization | Cylinder | Cubic capacity | Achievement | Torque | Transmission | Standard consumption (WLTP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibrida | 3 | 1.2 liters | 100 kW (136 hp) | 230 Newton meters | 6-speed DCT | 5.2 litres / 100 km |
| Elettrica | - | - | 115 kW (156 hp) | 260 Newton meters | 1-speed automatic | 54 kWh battery, 15 kWh / 100 km |
| Elettrica 280 | - | - | 207 kW (280 hp) | 345 Newton meters | 1-speed automatic | 54 kWh battery |
These are the dimensions of the Alfa Romeo Junior
- Length: 4.17 meters
- Width: 1.78 meters (without exterior mirrors)
- Height: 1.53 meters
- Wheelbase: 2.56 meters
How much luggage can I store in Alfa Romeo Junior?
Let's move on to the space conditions, which are surprisingly generous in view of the compact vehicle size: In the hybrid, the trunk with its electrically operated tailgate offers space for 415 to 1,280 liters, while in the two electric variants, there is slightly less space available at 400 to 1,265 liters. Practical detail: The load compartment floor can be adjusted in three heights. Also practical: The charging cable or small utensils can be stored in the optional frunk (mini trunk under the bonnet).
What standard equipment does the Alfa Romeo Junior offer?
In addition to the typical Alfa Romeo "Scudetto" radiator grille, full-LED headlights in 3+3 design, a flattened steering wheel with imitation leather, a digital display in the cockpit, automatic climate control and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors are standard on board. 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels are the standard, while the sports version Veloce is delivered with striking 20-inch wheels. In addition, the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce is equipped with a sports suspension with a 25-millimetre lowering, sportily tuned stabilisers at the front and rear, a reinforced brake system with 380-millimetre brake discs on the front axle and a Torsen limited-slip differential. If you like, you can equip the Junior with Sabelt sports seats at the front.
How is the interior of the Alfa Romeo Junior designed?
While the trunk offers plenty of space, it gets tight for passengers in the back seat. I still felt comfortable with my height of 1.71 meters, but for people over 1.80 meters it should be really tight because of the cramped knee room at the back. The leg rest is also (too) short and we missed an armrest. In addition, a lot of hard plastic was used - and only one USB-C socket.
The cockpit – also equipped with a lot of hard plastic – is lovingly and clearly designed. In the Veloce version, the look and feel are improved by partial leather and Alcantara. Only the driver and front passenger benefit from the panoramic roof, because occupants in the rear seat get less light. The ergonomic multifunction steering wheel (also with Alcantara in the Veloce version) provides pleasant haptic feedback.
The 10.25-inch touch display is slightly tilted towards the driver. The operation is logical and you also get enough feedback thanks to haptic buttons. Widgets can be sorted via drag-and-drop and controlled by voice command – ChatGPT has been integrated into an Alfa for the first time. Updates are carried out over-the-air. The smartphone can be connected wirelessly and can also be charged wirelessly in a shell at the front. Also worth mentioning is the so-called "EV Routing". It is used to calculate routes taking into account charging breaks.
My conclusion
The Junior is a stylish, but not quite cheap entry-level SUV from Alfa Romeo. The Stellantis platform is also used in other vehicles of the group, but fortunately the Junior has retained its character. You can choose between two electric drives and a hybrid. The charming interior and sporty appearance will appeal to both electric drivers and combustion engine fans. Despite its generous trunk volume, the Junior will not be a family vehicle – but the spirited Italian with sports DNA does not want to be that either.