“You are not a real car enthusiast if you have not owned an Alfa Romeo,” said the famous motor journalist Jeremy Clarkson once, and it sums up the brand’s soul quite well. But investing in passion and detail focus has not always been a profit machine for Alfa. With Junior Ibrida Q4, they want to combine driving pleasure with a more profit -making strategy.
Our test brought us to Turin, where we got to know the new mild hybrid with four -wheel drive.
The electric car variant, Junior Velocehas already been tested by my colleague Karl Cajmatz, who was pleasantly surprised at how much Alfa feel was left despite the electrification.
Now it was time to see if the hybrid version can live up to the same heritage.
The interior is functional. (Photo: Alfa Romeo)
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Hybrid with four -wheel drive
Junior Ibrida Q4 combines a three -cylinder internal combustion engine with an electric motor on the front axle and another electric motor on the rear axle.
It provides a total system power of 145 hp. No rocket, but more interesting is how the system works in practice. Under optimal conditions, you can drive about a kilometer on electricity alone, but do not expect any longer emission -free distances.
On the highway, Junior felt larger than it is and the steering has a nice weight that contributes to stability.
A little wind and road sounds look into the compartment at higher speeds, but it does not interfere with conversations or telephone calls via blue tooth.
Junior is hugely important for the Italian brand. (Photo: Alfa Romeo)
On curvy roads and muddy paths
When we left the highway for the curvy country roads in Piedmont, it became clear that Alfa placed weight on the driving feeling. Junior Ibrida Q4 feels smooth and fun to drive, although the gearbox can be slightly tough for more inspiring driving.
To test on this, the test route contained miles of gravel and clay roads where some rainfall had made accessibility uncertain than Alfa Romeo might have predicted.
A couple of industry colleagues from Poland slipped into a ditch and the car needed to be salvaged, something you saw on the varnish.
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Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida is just sporty
Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4 enters a hard competitive segment, but succeeds in its mission-to offer a car that both alpha enthusiasts and more pragmatic drivers can appreciate.
It is a charming, playful car that is not the fastest in class, but which offers a genuine Alfa feeling. A longer test at home can show how it takes on everyday life.
First impression of Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrid: 3.5/5
Engine: 1.2-liter third, electric motor, 145 horsepower, 230 newtons
Transmission: 6-step automatic box, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9.1 seconds
Top speed: 200 km/h
Weight: 1,500 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4173/1781/1540 mm
Price: Estimated price from SEK 429,000