Alfa Romeo’s new crossover Junior is the brand’s first fully-electric vehicle.
Due for release here this month, it also has the distinction of being renamed just five days after launch last year.
Initially called Milano, the Italian Government did not like the use of the name Milano because it argued the car was not Italian.
So, rather than face a legal challenge, Alfa’s parent company Stellantis opted to change the name.
The nameplate was used previously for entry level 105- and 115-series Giulia coupes as well as Zagato-bodied Giulias in the 1960s and 1970s.
Milano was also the name used by the brand for the Alfa Romeo 75 sedan in the United States.
Fast forward and Junior most definitely does not sound Italian.
The crossover is a replacement for Mito and Giulietta, and shares a platform with the Fiat 600 and Jeep Avenger, as well as the Peugeot 2008.
It is manufactured alongside them in Tychy, Poland.
The Alfa Junior will be offered in hybrid and EV forms as the Ibrida and Elettrica respectively.
A single interior trim called Spiga is offered, consisting of a cloth and leatherette combo with a black and red pattern on the seats.
Alfa says Junior marks a big milestone in the brand’s electrification journey, with a mission to win over a new generation, through a new design language, while still appealing to traditional Alfisti.
Designed by Alfa Romeo Centro Stile in Turin, Junior reinterprets the brand’s styling.
At a compact 4.17m in length, it includes several links to Alfa Romeo heritage.
An updated version of the distinctive triangular grille is accentuated by a black grille with Alfa Romeo signature in acrylic, paying homage to the Alfa Romeo sports cars of the 1920s and ’30s.
Inside the driver-centric design delivers a unique and sporty driving experience.
The 10.25-inch instrument cluster and its historical “cannocchiale” (telescope) design creates a direct visual connection between driver and machine.
In the middle of the dashboard and oriented towards the driver, a 10.25-inch infotainment display has been developed to work with widgets, graphic components designed for intuitive interaction with all the features, which can be customised via quick and easy drag and drop.
The infotainment system supports the latest in “My Alfa Connect” connected services as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
From the stitching on the seats to the placement of controls, every detail reflects Alfa’s dedication to creating a vehicle that is not only beautiful, but also a joy to drive.
The self-charging Ibrida mild hybrid features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Miller cycle engine with variable-geometry turbo and distribution chain for maximum reliability, together with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and 21kW electric motor.
Producing 107kW of power and 230Nm of torque, drive is to the front wheels through six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The dash from 0 to 100 km/h takes 8.9 seconds with fuel consumption a claimed 4.9L/100km (WLTP).
Elettrica features a front-mounted electric motor that produces 115kW of power and 260Nm of torque, coupled with a 54 kWh battery pack.
It does the dash in 9.0 seconds and has a driving range of up to 407km (WLTP).
Recharging from 10 to 80 per cent takes about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.
The team that coordinated development of the driving dynamics is the same one that developed the Giulia GTA at the Balocco testing centre in Vercelli province.
The target was to achieve best-in-class road holding, with direct steering calibrated to be extremely precise, to enhance road holding.
Prices for the Alfa Romeo Junior start from $45,900 (Ibrida) and $57,900 (Elettrica) plus on-road costs.
All colours except white add $1,990, with the only option a sunroof at $1990.
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