Alfa Romeo Junior

It took less than a week for Alfa Romeo Milano to change its name. Despite a little controversy at the beginning of its career, the compact SUV, renamed Junior, operates in a richly populated segment. To stand out, the Junior relies on a sensual line, typical Alfa gimmicks and promises a sporting philosophy.

The look and dimensions of the Alfa Romeo Junior SUV

The Junior is the ticket to the world of Alfa Romeo SUVs. This is not the first time that the Milanese brand has used this name to designate an entry-level vehicle. In 1966, the most accessible variant of the Giulia GT was called the 1300 Junior. But back to our SUV, named Milano before its name change. Like its big brothers Tonale and Stelvio, it relies on a sensual line signed by the brand's style center based in Turin. The curved fenders combine with the plunging hood to create a flowing look. The sporty appearance is marked by a generous front bumper with a generous inlet as well as thin, gathered, two-stage headlamps. The mythical "Scudetto" grille is naturally present and can, at your choice, enjoy a traditional presentation with the Leggenda trim, or sport a modernized version of the Biscione with the Progresso livery. The rear is in line with the "Coda Tronca" models, i.e. cutaway, and has a black strip incorporating the lights.

The "cannocchial" instrument cluster and small steering wheel are among the traditional elements of an Alfa Romeo interior. The exterior vents in the shape of a Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover) do not fail to remind us which car the occupants are in. These details, echoing the history of the manufacturer, rub shoulders with very modern systems such as the digital meters (12.3 inches) and the 10.25-inch central screen. The latter, slightly oriented towards the driver (BMW style), is joined by a few customizable shortcuts. This panoply has not relegated physical controls, including those of the air conditioning, to oblivion. Ergonomics are therefore preserved. Despite correct assemblies, the finish disappoints with the quality of some plastics. In this universe with its sleek presentation, passengers have a decent amount of space compared to the compact dimensions of the model. Depending on the trims, front-seat occupants benefit from Sabelt sports seats. The trunk announces 415 dm3 and 400 dm3 on the electric versions.

The micro-hybrid version of the Alfa Romeo Junior SUV

Gone are the days of the small sparkling four-cylinder or the thunderous V6 Busso. The Junior does not offer 100% combustion engines. To take advantage of a mechanics still driven by super, you have to turn to the 1.2 three-cylinder engine with 100 hp combined with a 28 hp electric motor and a 48V lithium-ion battery placed in the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. All this little world offers 136 hp sent to the front wheels. Unlike the other models of the Stellantis group equipped with this system, the Italian SUV offers an optional all-wheel drive (Q4 version) thanks to the addition of an electric unit (41 hp) on the rear axle.

The electric versions of the Alfa Romeo Junior SUV

A technical cousin of the DS3 E-Tense and Opel Mokka-e, the Junior benefits from the 156 hp electric variant shared with other models of the Stellantis group. The 54 kWh lithium-ion battery announces 410 km of combined cycle travel. The Italian also benefits from a "Veloce" version bringing the cavalry to 280 hp. Regardless of the version, the "fill-up" of 10 to 80% of the battery is announced in 30 minutes with the support of a fast charging station. Note that the SUV has a maximum charging power of 100 kW. Both electric versions will have an integrated route planner as standard.