But more important than the discussions surrounding the name, which you can read more about here, is that the Junior in Veloce version marks Alfa Romeo’s entry into the electric car market – their first ever fully electric car.
We have test driven a pre-series car on a track to find out if an electric car can deliver the typical Alfa Romeo feeling. The answer? Absolutely, for better or worse.
Junior had to change his name from Milano. (Photo: Alfa Rome)
DON’T MISS IT
The cars with the best chance of breaking the 500 km/h barrier
The new requirements for winter tires now apply – so you will be affected
Alfa Romeo Junior – a hot hatchback on stilts
As the name suggests, Junior is the smallest model in the manufacturer’s range. During the 60s, the same designation was used to signal that a Bertone coupé was a simpler entry-level model.
However, the new Junior is far from engine weak – at least in the electric Veloce version. The electric motor delivers a whopping 280 horsepower, which means that it definitely qualifies as a really hot hatchback.
The ambition is to attract new customers to the brand, and for Alfa Romeo that means attracting a target group that doesn’t just listen to their car-loving hearts.
Junior focuses a lot on driving pleasure. (Photo: Alfa Romeo)
DON’T MISS IT
Our podcast about cars – Under the Hood
Does it have the right numbers in the brochure?
In order to win over rational buyers who today choose German brands or Volvo, the specifications must impress.
Horsepower and acceleration in all glory, but for many B-segment car buyers, it is factors such as price tag, battery capacity and range that decide.
The Junior Veloce starts at just under SEK 470,000, but with options the price can rise by another SEK 100,000. It may be justifiable, but the question is what the buyer really gets for the money.
The 54 kWh battery gives a WLTP range of just over 33 miles, and the fastest possible charging takes place with 100 kW. For many Swedish car owners, this makes the Junior Veloce a less practical choice as their only car.
The range is nothing to write home about. (Photo: Alfa Rome)
DON’T MISS IT
Damages for SEK 79,000: The first car wash was a nightmare
Volvo’s best car ever? We test the new Volvo XC90
Top class driving dynamics
However, the smaller battery has its advantages in the form of lower weight – just under 1.6 tonnes, which is light for an electric car. And for driving enthusiasts there are many highlights to discover.
The Junior Veloce is equipped with stiffer anti-roll bars, lowered ground clearance by 25 millimeters, and Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers that really come into their own in the sport mode.
The heart of the driving experience, however, is the torsion differential, which gives the front wheels the ability to efficiently handle power and deliver impressive cornering performance. Despite the front-wheel drive, it’s hard not to be impressed by how smoothly and confidently Junior gets through the turns.
Even compared to the Giulia Q4, the Junior Veloce stands up well – something that the Tonale has not quite managed.
Junior acts playfully. (Photo: Alfa Romeo) An electric car for Alfa lovers
After a short test drive, it is clear that the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce delivers a genuine Alfa Romeo experience. In addition, it shows that electric cars can be really fun to drive – a rarity in today’s market.
At the same time, it also bears Alfa Romeo’s less flattering sides. The driving pleasure is impressive, but it is difficult to see how the overall package would attract a wider audience outside the already saved circle.
A more detailed review of how Junior works in everyday life will come as soon as we have the opportunity to take the car home for the longest time.
First impressions of Alfa Romeo Junior: 4/5
Engine: Front electric motor, 280 horsepower, 345 newton meters
Transmission: 1-speed automatic transmission, front wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.9 seconds
Top speed: 200 km/h
Scope: 334 km WLTP
Weight: 1,590 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4173/1781/1505 mm
Price: From SEK 469,900