Alfa Romeo starts its EV mission with this car, the Junior. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Alfa Romeo's first EV, the Junior, brings a sporty vibe to the bulging segment for compact electrified crossovers. Shared Stellantis Group underpinnings have been given the Milanese maker's evocative spin here - and you might really like the aspirational end result.

Background

'Electric according to Alfa Romeo'; what might that mean? We have our initial answer with this car, the marque's very first EV, the Junior. It was born in controversy, the name changed from 'Milano' a week after launch, following complaints from government officials that a moniker designating Italy's second city was inappropriate for a car assembled in Poland. This model couldn't be more significant, the first design created as part of the brand's ambitious 'Zero-to-Zero' mission, which targets the marque to go from no EVs to 100% Zero-Emission sales by 2027. That still looks a far-off target; even the Junior can also be had with a fossil-fuelled Hybrid powerplant, though it launched in the UK in the summer of 2024 as an EV. The brand likes to see this car as a 'spiritual successor' to its old Giulietta and Mito compact hatchbacks 'to attract a new generation of Alfisti'. And its mission is apparently to help the brand 'go from exclusive to inclusive'; rough translation - the typical current Alfa buyer is over 50 and a petrol head. That can't continue. Is the Junior the car to break that trend? Let's see.

Driving Experience

Both this Junior model's most direct Stellantis Group cousins, the Jeep Avenger and the Fiat 600, were launched as EVs, with 1.2-litre Hybrid petrol power following shortly after. That trend has again been replicated again here - there's a combustion 'Ibrida' version as well as the 'Elettrica' EV - which was predictable given that the market still isn't quite ready to be completely electric. Whether it's ready for this Alfa EV will be interesting to see. To be honest, there's not much that's particularly 'Alfa'-like about the kind of ordinary Junior 'Elettrica' we're trying here, which gets the usual Stellantis Group set-up that sees a 156hp motor energised by 54kWh battery, delivering range in this case rated at up to 255 miles. 62mph from rest takes a relatively leisurely 9.0s and top speed is limited to just 93mph. Still, there's the brand's usual DNA driving mode system (the letters standing for 'Dynamic', 'Natural' and 'Advanced efficiency' settings). You'll want to avoid the eco 'Advanced efficiency' mode because it restricts power to a feeble 79bhp; even with 'Natural' engaged, you only get 109bhp. Only 'Dynamic' releases the motor's full output. With that top setting selected, it really does feel quite engaging to drive - and there are several reasons why. The e-CMP2 platform all Juniors are based on is engineered around a wider track than you'd see it use with another equivalent Stellantis brand model - for more involving handling. Nor does this car feel quite as ponderous as some other small EVs at speed through the turns - which is partly because its 1,560kg kerb weight is about 200kgs lighter than the class norm. On top of that, there's well controlled body roll, feelsome brakes and a level of steering feel that's the best we've ever experienced with a small EV. All of this wieldiness bodes well for the top 'Elettrica Veloce' version that any remaining true 'Alfisti' prepared to take this step with the Milanese maker into a new fully-electrified future will prefer to target. This is the version of this car that the company seems to have put much of its efforts into, using engineers who'd previously worked on the Giulia GTA super saloon. This flagship variant uses the same battery as the base model, but gets a front-mounted 280hp motor borrowed from the Abarth 600e hot hatch, which powers the 'Veloce' version to 62mph in just 5.9s. Earlier we mentioned the Hybrid version of this Junior - the Junior 'Ibrida'. This combustion model weighs 255kg less than this EV variant, which should make it even more 'chuckable' through the bends. And it uses the same 1.2-litre three cylinder mild hybrid 48 Volt petrol powertrain we've seen on multiple Stellantis Group models, which develops 136bhp and features a 28bhp electric motor built into a 6-speed dual clutch auto gearbox.

Design and Build

As an Alfa should, the Junior has a bit of pavement presence, though everything you can't see is pretty familiar Stellantis Group fare. Primarily the e-CMP2 platform, which allows for dimensions pretty typical for the kind of compact SUV this is, 4.17m long, 1.5m high and 1.78m wide. As you'd expect, lots of the usual brand styling cues feature - including C-shaped SZ-inspired ultra-slim '3+3' headlights, and of course the usual triangular Alfa 'scudetto' shield grille. A cut-off 'coda tronica' 'kamm-style tail references the classic Giulia TZ and there are minimal overhangs, strong wheel arches and big 18 or 20-inch wheels. The shared engineering is equally well disguised inside in the driver-focused cockpit with its telescopic cowled instrument panel and 'cloverleaf'-style air vents. The screen tech will be more familiar to Stellantis Group model regulars, a pair of 10.25-inch displays, respectively for the instruments and the infotainment. The latter set-up uses the usual tile-based widget arrangement, with cloud navigation and over-the-air updates. Back seat space isn't especially generous, not helped by the stylised centre tunnel and the thick plastic-backed front sports seats. But headroom is better than you might expect given the swept-back roofline. Boot space is fine too, rated at 400-litres, thanks to extra rear overhang length. There's an adjustable height floor and, in the EV version, storage for cables beneath the bonnet.

Market and Model

The Milanese maker is keen to point out its unique positioning in the market - "we're the only brand able to sell a car at 2 million euros and 30,000 euros" Alfa boss Jean-Phillipe Imparato boasted at the launch of this car. Pricing for the Ibrida Hybrid (offered in a single spec) starts from around £28,000. Pricing for the standard 156hp Elettrica EV version starts at just under £34,000. There's a mid-range 'Speciale' EV variant at just under £36,000. The EV derivative real 'Alfisti' customers will want though, is the high performance Junior 'Elettrica Veloce', with its more powerful 280hp motor. One of those was priced from launch at £42,295. Across the range, Alfa is offering a choice of three optional trim packs. The 'Technology' pack includes matrix-LED headlights, navigation and a powered tailgate with gesture control. The 'Premium' pack gives you an updated interior finish, plus a driver seat with electric adjustment and a massage function. The 'Sport' pack, gives you exterior styling tweaks, plus Sabelt sports seats with alcantara upholstery. The mid-level 154bhp 'Elettrica Speciale' limited edition model is expected to be popular. This borrows many of the key features from these three packs and included 18-inch alloy wheels, red paint, unique upholstery, 8-colour ambient lighting, keyless entry and a leather-covered steering wheel. That's priced from just under £36,000.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the driving range figure from the 54kWh battery (51kWh usable) in our driving section - 255 miles for the base 'Elettrica' and 208 miles for the more powerful 'Elettrica Veloce' version. These aren't anywhere near class-leading and, as with any EV, will obviously rise in urban driving conditions. The battery can charge at up to 100kW (again, not anywhere near class-leading) and can recharge from 10-80% in under 30 minutes via a 100kW cable when hooked up to a suitably rapid charger. Just 3 minutes on such a fast charger would add 80 miles of range and 24 minutes could get the battery from 20 to 80%. For home use, an 11kW AC charger is also included, allowing for faster three-phase charging, if your house has access to that. Energy efficiency is rated at around 5.0 miles per kWh. For the Ibrida Hybrid model, you're looking at a combined cycle fuel figure of 58.8mpg and a CO2 reading of 109g/km. As with other Alfas, depreciation values will be aided by this model's 'NFT' (or 'Non-Fungible Token') technology, which backs up the car's service history (stuff like maintenance records and battery pack condition) in a cloud, out of the vehicle. This means that no one should touch your car without it showing on the NFT record. Alfas claims that this makes it much harder to forge the vehicle's records, which in turn ought to preserve residuals. Unfortunately though, the standard warranty offering remains the usual unremarkable three year / 60,000 mile package. There's a separate eight year / 93,000 mile battery warranty.

Summary

It's a hard thing to translate Alfa Romeo values into this electrified era - we saw that with the Plug-in Hybrid Tonale. But this Junior makes a decent attempt to do just that - and quite effectively disguises its generic Stellantis Group engineering. Which is just as well given the importance of this car to the brand; it could end up accounting for over 40% of the company's sales. The hastily added replacement name of this model is borrowed from the 1966 GT 1300 Junior version of the Giulia, just one of the cues intended to allow this car to trade on its maker's famous history. In reality though, the Junior shares nothing with Alfa's past; that's the whole point. Whether the result is a dilation or an expansion in brand values will be up to you to decide.

Body Glass

Front and rear power windows with auto up/down

Rear wiper

Rain sensing wipers

Dark tinted rear windows

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Electric parking brake with autohold

Electronic Stability Programme

Hill descent control

Red painted brake calipers

Traction control

Automatic emergency braking pedestrian and vulnerable road users - interurban

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floor mats

Communication

Apple car play/Android Auto

Driver Aids

Rear parking sensors

Drive mode selector

Alfa connect services

Adaptive cruise control

Power assisted steering

Driver Convenience

Quick guide in english

Tailgate

Driver Information

e-Call (emergency call)

10.25" TFT reconfigurable instrument cluster

Trip computer

Driving Mirrors

Electrically adjustable door mirrors

Gloss black mirror cover

Manual day/night rearview mirror

Entertainment

Front USB connection

DAB radio

10.25" Radio without navigation with wireless smartphone mirroring

4 Speakers sound system

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Door sill kick plates

Sport styling kit (diamond black scudetto)

Body colour door handles

Exterior Lights

Auto high beam

LED headlamps

LED 3rd brake light

LED Day time running light

Automatic headlights

LED rear lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic climate control

Interior Features

Cargo Flex Kit

Front central armrest

Sports pedals

Interior Lights

Front and rear dome lamp

Ambient lighting in air vents, instrument cluster and central tunnel

Safety

Driver and front passenger airbags

Front airbag deactivation on passenger side

Front seatbelt reminder

Manual rear child locks

Rear seatbelt reminder

Front side airbags

3x3 point rear seat belts

Child locks on rear doors

Seats

Isofix child seat

Rear head restraints

Front head restraints

Single front passenger seat

60/40 split folding rear seat

Front seat back pockets

Premium seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Security

Vehicle anti-theft volummetric alarm

Immobiliser

Keyless engine start

Remote central locking

Locking wheel nuts

Vehicle Charging

Ev/Phev Quick charging

Ev/Phev Fast charging

EV/Phev Second Life Ready Battery

Ev/Phev Electrically Driven Temperature Control

Ev/Phev Smart Charging Port

Ev/Phev Smart Charging

11kW on board charger

Mode 3 charging cable

EV/PHEV Vehicle to Grid/Home

Wheels - Alloy

20" Venti diamond cut alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Fix and go predisposition

Fix and go

Electric Vehicle Data

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1585

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 495

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 345

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 27

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 20-100

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Battery Capacity in kWh: 54

Usable Battery Capacity: 51

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 200.1

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 269.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.3

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 18.6

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 322

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 433

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Battery Leased: 0

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Emissions - ICE

NOx: N

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

HC: N

CO: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Layout: N

CC: 1

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Engine Code: N

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Fuel Delivery: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Service Interval Mileage: 16000

Coin Series: Elettrica Veloce

Coin Description: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Badge Power: 280

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 34E

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Performance

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - BHP: 280

Engine Power - KW: 207

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 254

Engine Torque - NM: 345

Engine Torque - MKG: 35.2

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 225/40 R20

Wheel Style: VENTI DIAMOND CUT

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 225/40 R20

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4173

Width (including mirrors): 1981

Height: 1505

Height (including roof rails): N

Width: 1781

Wheelbase: 2557

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1980

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1265

Minimum Kerbweight: 1485

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 400

Max. Loading Weight: 495

Body Glass

Heated windshield

Exterior Body Features

Special solid paint

Bi-colour roof

Electrically operated sunroof

Bi-colour metallic paint with black roof

Bi-colour special paint with black roof

Packs

Sport pack - Junior Veloce

Paint - Special

Bi-colour metallic - Arese grey with black roof

Bi-colour metallic - Scala ivory with black roof

Bi-colour solid - Sempione white with black roof

Bi-colour special paint - Brera red with black roof

Special solid - Tortona black

Trim - Cloth

Spiga cloth - Shaded twill chevron with feeltek black bolsters

Sport pack - Corsa alcantara - Cannelloni with feeltek bolsters