Alfa Romeo is dipping its toes into the electrified mainstream with the all-new Junior, a compact SUV set to arrive in Australia this July. With pricing starting at $45,900 plus on-roads for the hybrid “Ibrida” and $57,900 for the all-electric “Elettrica,” the Junior aims to woo a younger generation without alienating the Alfisti faithful.
Compact in size—at just 4.17 metres long—but packed with signature Italian flair, the Junior brings classic Alfa styling cues like the trilobo grille, coda tronca tail, and scudetto nose into a segment often lacking emotion. There’s a sharp “3+3” headlight setup and black chrome detailing that nods to the brand’s design heritage, while a low-slung stance and clean surfacing aim to deliver both style and aerodynamic efficiency.
Inside, the Junior continues the Alfa tradition of putting the driver at the centre of the experience. A digital “cannocchiale” instrument cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment display with custom widgets, and spiga-patterned seats all lend a premium feel to the compact interior. Even the steering wheel shape and dash profile have been shaped to enhance visibility and control. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with Alfa’s latest connected services.
Under the bonnet, the hybrid Junior pairs a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a 48-volt system and a 21kW electric motor integrated into a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result? A respectable 0–100 km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds and fuel use of just 4.1L/100km. It’ll even creep along in traffic or park entirely on electric power.
For those leaning electric, the Elettrica delivers 115kW and 260Nm through a front-mounted motor powered by a 54kWh battery. Range is a solid 407km (WLTP), and with 100kW DC charging, 100km of range can be added in just 10 minutes.
While the power figures won’t startle a Tesla, Alfa’s engineers—many drawn from the Giulia GTA project—have focused on road feel. Steering is quick at 15.8:1, the mass is kept in check at 1,545kg, and the reworked DNA drive modes now cater for dynamic, natural, and efficiency-oriented styles of driving.
Safety has been brought up to spec too, with Level 2 driver assistance, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, and a full set of airbags rounding out the package.
In a world full of sensible electric crossovers, the Junior offers a rare dose of character. It’s not aiming to be the fastest or flashiest, but it may just be the most charming way to plug in without going bland. And with Alfa’s 5-year warranty and 8-year battery coverage on the Elettrica, the Junior adds some peace of mind to its emotional appeal.
