Overview

The Junior had a rocky start. It was launched as the Milano, but was renamed within days after the Italian government objected to an Italian-named car being built in Poland. Controversy aside, it's an important car for Alfa Romeo. It's the brand's first fully electric model, and its smallest car since the MiTo.

Underneath, the Junior shares its platform, battery and motors with the Peugeot e-2008, Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600e. That's no bad thing, as the Stellantis hardware is proven and efficient. Alfa has worked hard to give the Junior its own character, with retuned steering and suspension and a high-performance Veloce version.

Two electric versions are offered. The Junior Elettrica has 154bhp. The Junior Elettrica Veloce has 278bhp, a limited-slip differential and a lowered, stiffened chassis. A mild-hybrid Ibrida is also available if you're not ready to go fully electric. Rivals include the Smart #1, Volvo EX30, Mini Aceman and Kia EV3.

Driving

The standard Junior Elettrica produces 154bhp and 192lb-ft of torque from a front-mounted motor. That's enough for 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds, which is brisk enough for most drivers. Power delivery is smooth and eager around town, though it runs out of energy at motorway speeds.

What sets the Junior apart from its siblings is how it steers. Alfa has given it a quicker steering rack, and it feels noticeably keener to turn in than a Peugeot e-2008 or Jeep Avenger. It's not quite a hot hatch, but the Junior has a playfulness you won't find in many small electric SUVs. The Alfa DNA drive selector offers three modes: Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency. Dynamic sharpens the throttle and adds weight to the steering.

The ride is on the firm side, particularly on larger wheels, and sharp potholes can thud through the cabin. It settles down at speed, though, and wind and road noise are well controlled on the motorway.

The Veloce is the one enthusiasts will want. It has 278bhp and 254lb-ft of torque, which takes it from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds. Alfa has also fitted a Torsen limited-slip differential, a 25mm lower ride height, stiffer springs and bigger brakes. The differential really works, pulling the nose into corners and helping the Junior find traction where a regular front-wheel-drive EV would spin its inside wheel. It's one of the most entertaining small electric cars on sale. The trade-off is a stiffer ride and a noticeable dent in range.

Range and running costs

Both electric Juniors use a 54kWh battery, of which around 51kWh is usable. The standard Elettrica has an official WLTP range of up to 254 miles, while the more powerful Veloce manages around 208 miles.

In real-world driving, we'd expect the standard car to cover around 210 to 220 miles in mild weather. That figure is likely to fall to around 180 miles in winter, or on long motorway runs. The Veloce will realistically return between 170 and 180 miles, and less if you make regular use of its performance. Those figures are fine for most daily driving, but some rivals, such as the Kia EV3, go considerably further on a charge.

Charging speeds are respectable, if not class-leading. The Junior can charge at up to 100kW on a DC rapid charger, taking around 27 minutes to go from 10-80%. With an 11kW home or public AC charger, a full charge from empty takes around five and three-quarter hours. Most owners will simply plug in overnight at home.

Running costs should be low if you can charge at home on an off-peak EV tariff. A full charge will cost just a few pounds, compared with around £14 at the standard domestic rate. Company car drivers will also benefit from the low Benefit-in-Kind rates for electric cars.

Design

The Junior is unmistakably an Alfa Romeo. The front end is dominated by the traditional 'Scudetto' shield grille, which comes in a choice of designs, with slim three-segment LED headlights either side. The profile is compact and chunky, and the rear door handles are hidden in the C-pillars for a sleeker, coupe-like look. At the back, a sharply cut-off 'Coda Tronca' tail pays homage to classic Alfas such as the Giulia TZ. It's not to everyone's taste, but it certainly stands out in a crowded market full of anonymous small SUVs. The Veloce adds larger 20-inch wheels, a lower stance and sportier bumpers.

The interior is less successful. Alfa has made an effort with the design details. The digital instrument display sits in a 'cannocchiale' (telescope) style binnacle, a nod to classic Alfa dashboards, and the circular air vents are borrowed from the Tonale. However, there's no hiding the car's Stellantis roots. Switchgear such as the gear selector buttons and climate controls will be familiar to anyone who has driven a Peugeot or Jeep. There are also plenty of hard, scratchy plastics lower down the cabin, which is disappointing at this price. The Veloce feels more special thanks to its supportive Sabelt sports seats and Alcantara trim.

Comfort and practicality

The Junior's infotainment system is housed in a 10.25-inch touchscreen, alongside a 10.25-inch digital driver's display. The system is straightforward to use, and responds quickly enough, although the graphics look a little dated next to rivals from Kia and Volvo. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and most drivers will use them instead. Thankfully, Alfa has kept physical buttons for the climate controls, making them easy to adjust on the move.

Up front, there's plenty of space, and the driving position is good, with lots of seat and steering wheel adjustment. The front seats are comfortable on longer journeys, and the Veloce's sports seats offer excellent support.

The rear seats are less accommodating. Legroom is tight for adults, and the sloping roofline eats into headroom. The small rear windows can also make the back feel dark and claustrophobic, which might not suit children prone to car sickness. The Junior is best thought of as a car for couples or small families with young children.

The boot measures 400 litres, which is competitive for the class and larger than you'll find in the Smart #1 or Volvo EX30. Fold the rear seats down and that rises to 1,265 litres. There's a two-level boot floor, but no front boot, so charging cables need to be stored under the floor.

Verdict

The Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica succeeds in one important area: it feels like an Alfa. It's more stylish and more engaging to drive than the closely related Stellantis models, and the Veloce is one of the most fun small electric cars you can buy.

However, it has clear weaknesses. The cramped rear seats, ordinary cabin quality and average range mean it's hard to justify the extra cost over its siblings on practical grounds alone. If you value style and driving enjoyment above all else, the Junior is well worth a look. Buyers wanting the most range and practicality for their money will find better options elsewhere.

Key Specs

Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica

Price (RRP OTR): From £33,995 (Elettrica), £42,295 (Elettrica Veloce)
Top speed: 93mph (Elettrica), 124mph (Veloce)
0-62mph: 9.0 seconds (Elettrica), 5.9 seconds (Veloce)
Power: 115kW (154bhp) / 207kW (278bhp)
Torque: 192lb-ft / 254lb-ft
Driving range (combined): Up to 254 miles (Elettrica), 208 miles (Veloce)
Charging time: 5.75hrs (11kW, 0-100%), 27min (100kW, 10-80%)
Insurance group: 23E–26 (Elettrica, dependant on trim) 34E (Veloce)
Vehicle warranty: 3 years / 60,000 miles (unlimited mileage for first two years)
Battery warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles