Road Tested by Hugh Maguire.
The new Alfa Romeo Junior is a compact SUV that is available as an EV or plug in hybrid and despite my many misgivings about the push to get us all in EV’s it is a rather nice newcomer. I am glad to say despite its Stellantis underpinnings where it shares many components with other cars in the group such as Peugeot, Citroen etc, the new Alfa Romeo Junior manages to display some real Alfa DNA!
The Junior is the first fully electric model from Alfa Romeo and as I mentioned will also be available as a hybrid.
First Impressions.
In my opinion they really got the styling of the new Alfa Junior just right. It stands out from what is becoming a crowed EV market of rather bland designs. This new car looks like an Alfa Romeo and not like an EV and its all the better for that. The gorgeous metallic red “Brera”paintwork is highlighted by a black glass sunroof and lovely two tone alloys. The front grille has the traditional Alfa Romeo shape though I wish they had put some chrome in it instead of just black plastic.When all is said and done the new Alfa Romeo Junior cracks it in the style department.
What is it like inside?
Slip into the deeply contoured body hugging sports seats (made by Sabelt racing equipment suppliers) embossed in red with the Alfa logo, grip the alcantara covered steering wheel and you instantly feel you are in a car of real character. The instruments are digital but in a lovely analogue design and the central touchscreen is not some huge monstrosity dominating the cabin but a neatly sized one that is canted towards the driver for ease of use. Credit must go to Alfa Romeo too for the use of a row of real buttons for the climate control functions as well as real buttons for the drive mode. I like that. It all goes to create the feeling that this is a car for drivers!
Standard kit on the “Speciale” tested is really comprehensive with particular touches such as the alcantara trim, tinted electric glass roof and sports seats and steering wheel making the car feel special or “Speciale” as they say in Italy.
Accomadation up from is perfect with an excellent driving position, the rear however is tight for most adults though the contoured backrests of the front seats do open up some legroom. The boot is shallow but about adequate for a car in this class.
Whats powering this new Alfa EV?
The full EV “ELETTRICA,” Speciale tested here comes with 156 hp and a range of up to 410 km WLTP. However my real world range was substantially less. I started at 85% charge and a predicted range of 336km. I waited until down to just 30km remaining before I recharged and had covered just 206 km by then. So as always EV’s don’t match claimed range. It will charge from 20% to 80% on a high power charger in about 25 minutes.
What’s it like to drive?
The ride is quite firm over less good road surfaces or about town but once out on the open road it rides quite nicely. The handling is good with lots of grip whether on wet or dry roads and overall I would have to say it feels a bit more involving than most other EV’s. The fake engine noise is actually nice too. Overall then the new Junior gets good marks for driver involvement.
Hugh’s verdict
As an EV the new Alfa Romeo Junior is one of the more interesting ones. It scores highly on style and quality if a bit constrained on real world range.
Prices start at €34,995 the “Speciale” model tested costs €43,768.
I can really give this new Alfa my recommendation, its got flair and character, and it drives and handles well but I think I would wait to drive the hybrid version due here soon if range is a priority for you.