Alfa Romeo is set to release its first electric car, the Alfa Romeo Junior, this summer. The Polish-built crossover was originally named the Milano but faced political controversy, prompting a name change. The Junior comes with a 54kWh battery and can achieve a range of 250 miles in its most efficient form. The base models, Elettrica and Speciale launch edition, offer 154bhp, while the top-of-the-line Veloce provides 237bhp but only has a range of 215 miles.
The Elettrica model comes with standard features such as 18-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, black gloss mirror covers, and LED lights. Inside, it features a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The Veloce model, priced at £42,295, includes 20-inch diamond-cut alloys, red brake callipers, a blacked-out roof and grille, electrically adjustable Sabelt sports seats upholstered in black and red suede, sat-nav, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-view camera.
All Junior EVs are equipped with a heat pump and an 11kW on-board AC charger. They also offer a 400-litre boot and a cable storage bay at the front, inspired by the front storage areas in Alfa’s old rear-engined supercars. The Junior is positioned as the spiritual successor to the Giulietta and Mito compact hatchbacks, aiming to attract a new generation of Alfisti. Alfa Romeo’s CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato, emphasized the brand’s shift from exclusivity to inclusivity with the Junior, stating that it would sit alongside the ultra-exclusive 33 Stradale supercar.
The Junior’s design incorporates bold new elements while paying homage to Alfa Romeo’s heritage. It features swollen wheel arches, a bluff rear end, and SZ-inspired headlights. The most notable design feature is the new interpretation of Alfa’s traditional ‘scudetto’ front grille, which includes stylized elements from the brand’s logo.
Alfa Romeo emphasizes the Junior’s driving dynamics, claiming it has the lowest weight in its segment and optimal mass distribution. The chassis was tuned by the same team responsible for the hardcore Giulia GTA super-saloon. The Veloce variant, positioned as the most driver-focused model, includes a Torsen limited-slip differential, front and rear anti-roll bars, and “the most direct steering in the segment” with a ratio of 14:1. It also features a 25mm suspension drop, stiffer anti-roll bars, high-performance tires, and chunky 380mm front brake discs clamped by four-piston calipers.
The Junior is built on a platform shared with the Citroën C4, Fiat 600, Jeep Avenger, and Peugeot 2008. It offers a choice between electric or mild-hybrid petrol power. The Junior Ibrida combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V starter-generator and a 28bhp electric motor for a total output of 134bhp. A four-wheel-drive version will also be available later, making it the first in the premium segment to offer this feature. There is no confirmation yet on whether a high-performance Quadrifoglio version will be produced.
The Alfa Romeo Junior will be available in the UK later this month and will be launched in 28 markets over the next six months. With its stylish design, range of features, and focus on driving dynamics, the Junior aims to appeal to both Alfa Romeo enthusiasts and a new generation of car buyers looking for a premium and engaging electric crossover.
