Say hello to…
…the Alfa Romeo Junior is a supermini-sized SUV initially offered with a 156hp electric powertrain and 51kWh battery, but will gain a petrol hybrid version and a 280hp electric version in 2025.
Two trim levels will be available at launch.
- Standard
- Speciale
Equipment on the base level standard car includes 18-inch alloys, 10.25 inch infotainment screen, 10.25 inch driver’s display, wireless smartphone mirroring, adaptive cruise control, climate control, drive modes, heat pump, keyless start, auto wipers and rear parking sensors.
Speciale adds satnav, uprated stereo, powered driver’s seat, powered boot lid, reversing camera, heated front seats, keyless entry, tinted rear windows and a sports styling kit.
Is The Alfa Romeo Junior Suitable For My Fleet
The desirability of the Alfa brand will give the Junior added user-chooser appeal in the fleet market. The styling too is sharp and very ‘Alfa’, there’s no mistaking it for anything else. However, that styling has come at a cost. While the boot is a very healthy 400 litres, the rear seat leg and head room is tight for adults, especially if the driver is over six feet tall.
While supermini SUVs aren’t often selected for high mileage use, the maximum charge speed of 100kW is only average in the sector. And it’s a similar situation with the range. While Alfa claims a 255 mile range, our testing saw an average of 3.6 miles per kWh which combined with the 50.8 kWh battery would lead to a real-world range of just 183 miles.
Leasing An Alfa Romeo Junior
Intelligent Car leasing is offering the Alfa Romeo Junior in Speciale trim for a fairly hefty £481 a month on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles a year. According to Gensen Reports the forecast maintenance costs will come in at £27 a month with Class 1A NIC at £10 a month.
Driving An Alfa Romeo Junior
With the Junior, Alfa’s first full EV, the brand has attempted to make transition from petrol to electric as easy as possible, and has succeeded.
There are no surprises in the way the technology works and the car drives as you’d expect a small Alfa Romeo to.
The steering is light and precise while the suspension is compliant enough for the car not to jar the passengers yet retaining good body control on twistier roads. The result is that it would qualify as a fun drive; just what you want from an Alfa.
On paper the 0-60mph time doesn’t look quick at 9.0 seconds, but the instant shove you get with any electric car does a lot to hide the distinctly average acceleration time.
For those looking for a properly quick Alfa Junior, the Veloce version with 280hp is the one to wait for. A brief stint behind the wheel reveals near hot-hatch performance and fun. The Veloce even includes a limited front differential to aid grip when accelerating though tighter corners.
The infotainment system is straight from the Stellantis parts bin, but that’s not a bad thing, the software is easy to use with all the right shortcuts for deactivating speed warnings and lane keeping assist.
Overall, Alfa has nailed the brief when it comes to producing a small SUV. Rivals may go further and have more room inside and cost less, but few have the same level of driving and overall appeal.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Alfa Romeo Junior
A highly attractive small SUV package both to look at and to drive.
Alfa Romeo Junior
- Model: Junior Elettrica 156 Speciale
- Power: 156hp
- Torque: 260Nm
- Max speed: 93mph
- 0-62mph: 9.0s
- Official range: 255 miles
- Test range: 183 miles
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
- BIK tax band 2024/25: 2%