Alfa Romeo Junior: A New Electric Hatchback Eyeing the US Market
The Alfa Romeo Junior, an entry-level electric hatchback, has made its debut in 2023 and is now beginning to arrive at dealerships in Europe. Initially, it was uncertain whether the Junior would make its way to the United States. However, Alfa Romeo has now confirmed that it is exploring the possibility and is seeking feedback from its US dealers. Daniele Tiago Guzzafame, Alfa Romeo’s head of product, explained that they are specifically asking dealers in select markets like California, Florida, and other CARB (California Air Resources Board) states for their thoughts.
The decision to potentially bring the Junior to the US comes at a time when electric vehicle (EV) sales are not growing as quickly as expected, leading to many automakers adjusting their EV targets. However, Alfa Romeo believes that the Junior, previously known as the Milano until a name change was requested by the Italian government, can attract a niche group of buyers. To evaluate its competition, the Junior would be in direct rivalry with the recently delayed Volvo EX30 and the electric version of the new Mini Cooper, both of which are currently manufactured in China. Importing these EVs to the US would be subject to a hefty 102.5% tariff. In contrast, the Alfa Romeo Junior, produced in Poland, would only face a 2.5% tariff.
By beating its key rivals to the market and avoiding substantial tariffs, Alfa Romeo sees a unique “window of opportunity” for the Junior. However, the key question that remains is whether the car can truly appeal to the American audience. Described as more of a tall hatchback than an SUV, the Junior’s dimensions measure approximately 164.2 inches in length, 70.1 inches in width, and 59.1 inches in height. Comparatively, it is about 14 inches shorter than the Tonale, a compact SUV that is already considered small by many American drivers. Alfa Romeo’s statement emphasizes their focus on the Veloce EV variant of the Junior, which features a heritage-laced Veloce nameplate and is powered by a 281-horsepower electric motor paired with a 54-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Accelerating from 0 to 62 mph takes just 5.9 seconds, but the driving range is estimated to be around 205 miles when tested on the European cycle, which tends to yield higher figures than the American testing cycle. The EPA range in the US may fall slightly below 200 miles.
As of now, Alfa Romeo has not provided a timeline for when a decision will be made regarding the potential introduction of the Junior to the United States. Nonetheless, with its distinctive design, competitive pricing, and the opportunity to avoid hefty import tariffs, the Alfa Romeo Junior has the potential to find a niche audience looking for a small, fun-to-drive electric hatchback.