The 2025 Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida and Elettrica are being released in Australia in July, priced at $45,900 and $57,900 before on-road costs respectively. This marks a significant milestone for the Italian automaker as their first electric vehicle and most affordable model since the Giulietta’s discontinuation. The Junior represents Alfa Romeo’s bold entry into the competitive small SUV segment, offering both electric and mild-hybrid powertrains to cater to diverse customer preferences.
A Tale of Two Names and New Beginnings
The Junior – which is Alfa Romeo’s first electric SUV – had been unveiled a few months earlier, but as the Alfa Romeo Milano. It was renamed the Junior after the Italian government objected to a car built in Poland being named after the city of Milan. The new Junior name pays homage to the 1966 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior, reflecting the brand’s intention to create an attainable and fun compact car for modern drivers.
Built in Tychy, Poland – something that necessitated a name change from Milano after an uproar from the Italian government – the Junior shares its underpinnings with the Jeep Avenger. This shared platform strategy allows Alfa Romeo to offer competitive pricing while maintaining distinctive Italian styling and character.
Powertrain Options: Electric Excellence and Hybrid Efficiency
Electric Variants: From Practical to Performance
The Junior Elettrica comes in multiple configurations, each targeting different driving needs. Entry level Juniors are simply called the Junior Elettrica, or electric in English, with the mid-range Speciale model and the range-topping Veloce rounding out the bunch.
Most Juniors get a familiar 154bhp set-up, which gives you an official 0-62mph sprint time of nine seconds. The standard electric motor delivers adequate performance for daily driving while maintaining impressive efficiency ratings.
However, the crown jewel is the Veloce variant. If you want real excitement, the Junior Veloce is the model to go for. It features a 276bhp electric motor and a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential (inspired by the one on the mid-2000s Alfa Romeo 147 Q2, no less) to help get power to the road. Altogether that means 0-62mph is completed in 5.9 seconds, and the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce has a top speed of 200km/h (120mph).
Mild-Hybrid Technology: The Ibrida Experience
The Ibrida features a 21kW electric motor built into its gearbox, and Alfa Romeo says this mild-hybrid technology allows it to run purely on electric power for certain low-speed manoeuvres like parking. This system provides enhanced fuel efficiency while maintaining the familiar driving experience of a traditional internal combustion engine.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Battery and Charging Capabilities
At the core of the Alfa Romeo Junior is a 54kWh battery pack (51kWh useable), sending power to a front-mounted electric motor across both the standard Elettrica and high-performance Veloce variants. Alfa Romeo claims the Elettrica takes 27 minutes to charge from 20 to 80 per cent using a 100kW DC charger.
Charging speeds are not particularly quick, with all versions offering a maximum charging rate of 100kW – that’s the same as a Puma Gen-E but some way behind the Smart #1 Pro (130kW) and Cupra Born VZ (185kW). While not the fastest in its class, the charging capabilities remain practical for most users’ daily needs.
Range and Efficiency
In terms of range, the 154bhp models have the greatest stamina, with a WLTP-measured 250 miles between charges. The greater energy demands of the Veloce’s more powerful motor mean that it has a claimed 208 miles between charges. The Junior Elettrica manages a WLTP combined range of 255 miles in its most efficient form, with an efficiency figure of 4.2mi/kWh recorded on our mixed 30-mile test.
Driving Dynamics and Character
Standard Models: Refined and Composed
The good news is that lower-powered Junior Elettricas are pretty fun and sharp to drive too. They manage body lean well and the steering is more accurate than on an equivalent Jeep Avenger Electric, Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Mokka Electric or Volvo EX30. The standard models provide a balanced driving experience suitable for both urban commuting and longer journeys.
Veloce: The Enthusiast’s Choice
The Veloce transforms the Junior’s character entirely. As you turn in to a corner, you find that the steering is quick, direct and well-weighted, allowing you to place the nose right where you want it. The Junior Veloce takes things up several notches by adding not just the more powerful e-motor and limited-slip differential, but also a faster steering ratio, retuned dampers, four-piston brake calipers on the front, and very aggressive camber on the 20-inch wheels at both ends, which are wrapped in wider 225-section Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres.
Interior and Technology Features
The Junior’s cabin reflects modern Stellantis design philosophy while incorporating distinctive Alfa Romeo elements. The Junior Ibrida and Elettrica have essentially the same level of standard equipment. The interior features contemporary infotainment systems with smartphone integration capabilities, ensuring connectivity and convenience for modern drivers.
Market Positioning and Competition
The Alfa Junior range kicks off at just under £34,000, which makes it pricier to buy than the Citroen e-C4 or Vauxhall Mokka Electric but cheaper than the DS 3 E-Tense or Peugeot E-2008. This positioning places the Junior in a competitive sweet spot within the premium small SUV segment.
That makes the Junior the cheapest Alfa Romeo offered locally since the Giulietta hatch was discontinued. This affordability opens Alfa Romeo ownership to a broader audience while maintaining the brand’s distinctive character and styling.
Warranty and Ownership
The Alfa Romeo Junior is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assistance for the same period. Additionally, Enjoy peace of mind with our 8 year/100,000-mile EV battery warranty. The warranty is transferable and guarantees at least 70% charging capacity throughout the period.
| Specification | Junior Elettrica | Junior Veloce | Junior Ibrida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 154 bhp | 276 bhp | 134 bhp (mild-hybrid) |
| 0-62 mph | 9.0 seconds | 5.9 seconds | TBA |
| Range | 250 miles | 208 miles | N/A |
| Battery | 54 kWh | 54 kWh | N/A |
| Charging (DC) | 100 kW | 100 kW | N/A |
| Price (Australia) | A$57,900 | TBA | A$45,900 |
| Price (UK est.) | £33,905+ | £42,295+ | TBA |
The Alfa Romeo Junior represents a pivotal moment for the Italian brand, successfully balancing affordability with desirability. While the standard electric variants provide practical daily transportation with distinctive styling, the Veloce variant proves that Alfa Romeo hasn’t forgotten its sporting heritage. The inclusion of mild-hybrid technology broadens appeal to customers not yet ready for full electrification. With competitive pricing, comprehensive warranties, and genuine Italian flair, the Junior positions Alfa Romeo well for the evolving automotive landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between Junior Elettrica and Veloce? A: The Veloce features a more powerful 276bhp motor, limited-slip differential, lowered suspension, and enhanced performance components, while the standard Elettrica has 154bhp and focuses on efficiency.
Q: How long does the Junior take to charge? A: Using a 100kW DC fast charger, the Junior charges from 20-80% in approximately 27 minutes, or 0-100% in about 5 hours 45 minutes with 11kW AC charging.
Q: Why was the Milano name changed to Junior? A: The Italian government objected to a car built in Poland being named after Milan, so Alfa Romeo renamed it Junior, referencing the 1966 GT 1300 Junior.