In 2024, Alfa Romeo re-entered the B-segment with a stylish and compact crossover, the Alfa Romeo Junior—a car that signals both a nostalgic return and a daring leap into the future. Reviving the “Junior” name, once associated with the sporty GT 1300 Junior of the 1960s, Alfa Romeo now presents a car designed to capture younger drivers, urban dwellers, and brand enthusiasts eager for Italian flair in a small, electrified package.
A New Chapter for Alfa Romeo
The Alfa Romeo Junior marks the brand’s first foray into the subcompact SUV segment, sharing its underpinnings with other Stellantis models like the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600. Built on the CMP, the Junior is available in both electric and mild-hybrid petrol versions—reflecting Alfa Romeo’s push toward electrification without abandoning traditional performance values.
This car is also the first Alfa to be assembled outside of Italy in decades, built at the Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland. While this stirred some controversy among purists, Alfa Romeo insists the soul of the car remains proudly Italian—designed in Turin, and tuned to deliver the signature dynamics expected from the brand.
Design: Compact, but Pure Alfa
From the moment you lay eyes on the Junior, it’s unmistakably an Alfa Romeo. The signature Scudetto grille remains front and center, flanked by three-element LED headlamps reminiscent of the Tonale. Compact proportions give it an athletic stance, while sculpted lines and muscular haunches hint at sportiness beneath the surface.
At just over four meters long, the Junior is designed with European city life in mind. It’s nimble, easy to park, and surprisingly roomy for its size. Despite its compact frame, the car maintains a dynamic and assertive look—more hatchback than SUV in attitude.
The design team also paid homage to the classic GT 1300 Junior in subtle ways, particularly in the proportions and certain retro-inspired interior touches. The end result is a fresh and modern interpretation of Alfa’s heritage.
Interior: Modern, Driver-Focused, and Tech-Savvy
Inside, the Junior blends simplicity with technology. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind a race-inspired steering wheel, and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen handles media, navigation, and settings. The system is based on Stellantis’ Uconnect platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and a surprisingly snappy interface.
Materials are decent for the segment, with soft-touch elements where it matters. Alfa’s signature “Cannocchiale” (telescope-style) digital gauge cluster adds a sporty feel, while ambient lighting and customizable driving modes enhance the overall experience.
Despite its size, the Junior offers a practical cabin with a rear seat suitable for adults on shorter trips and a boot capacity of around 400 liters—very respectable for the class.
Powertrains: EV and Hybrid Options
The Junior is offered in two key variants:
- Junior Elettrica (EV)
The fully electric version comes in two power outputs:- 156 hp with a 54 kWh battery offering up to 410 km (WLTP) of range.
- A performance-focused Veloce version, delivering 240 hp, lowered suspension, wider track, and upgraded brakes and tires for more spirited driving.
- Junior Ibrida (Hybrid)
A mild-hybrid 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder paired with a 28-hp electric motor integrated into a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. It delivers 136 hp and allows short electric-only operation in certain conditions (e.g., parking, coasting). While not a plug-in hybrid, it improves efficiency and lowers emissions, targeting drivers not yet ready for full EVs.
Driving Experience: Fun in a Compact Package
Alfa Romeo promises that every car they make must offer a “fun-to-drive” experience—and the Junior is no exception. Even the hybrid model feels peppy and light on its feet, with direct steering and a well-sorted suspension that balances comfort with agility.
The electric version, especially the Veloce, adds serious performance credentials to the mix. With instant torque and a 0–100 km/h time under 6 seconds (in the Veloce), it turns what could have been a tame urban car into something truly exciting.
Target Market and Price
Alfa Romeo is clearly targeting younger buyers and city dwellers looking for something different from the usual urban crossover. With pricing expected to start around €29,000 for the hybrid and €35,000+ for the electric version, the Junior slots into a competitive niche, facing rivals like the Mini Cooper Electric, Peugeot 2008, and Renault Captur.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Urban Alfa
The Alfa Romeo Junior might be small, but it carries the weight of a brand trying to reinvent itself for a new generation. It’s stylish, engaging to drive, and packed with enough technology to satisfy modern demands—all while preserving that uniquely Italian character.