Alfa Romeo Junior hybrid review reveals ample style over racy substance
Stunning European design is the primary selling point for Alfa Romeo’s latest creation, the Junior. Once you hit the start button, things aren’t as attractive ...
In an old-school Alfa Romeo, the journey was always better than the destination. Mostly because reaching the destination was never guaranteed.
But oh, the Italian passion resonated through every gear change that you remembered fondly while waiting for the tow truck.
Fast-forward a generation and we arrive at the Junior. It’s the famed Italian marque’s latest creation.
The SUV may appear small on the outside yet is breathtakingly big on style.
It’s an Alfa Romeo exterior, but Stellantis once you press the start button.
Amsterdam-based Stellantis is the love child of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles that came to fruition in 2021. The umbrella now covers everything from Jeep and Maserati to Ram and Peugeot, as well as Alfa.
Available as a hybrid, called Ibrida, or full electric named Elettrica, the new Junior starts from just over $50,000 once on-roads are settled.
Similar in size to a Mazda CX-3, which has a feature-packed Akari version for $42,770 on the road, the Junior’s price means it’s punching more against prestige rivals such as the slightly larger Audi Q2 (from $55,255) or Lexus LBX (from $53,700).
What do you get?
To ensure you don’t mistake it for one of its dozen corporate cousins, “Alfa Romeo” is boldly featured across that classic shield-shaped grille. It’s a nod to Alfa sports cars of the 1920s and ’30s … it looks the goods, too.
The overall proportions are gorgeous, along with dual pipes out the back, making it a genuine standout in today’s sea of bland SUV blobs.
Inside, the subtle branding continues with elegant logos on the dash, vents, seats, and even the wireless charging pad that delivers a genuine touch of class.
Among the features list is a massaging driver seat, dual 10.25-inch central touchscreen and driver instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth and man-made leather trim with red details, power tailgate, along with a six-speaker stereo.
Servicing is expensive by mainstream standards, alternating between $465 and $854 with maintenance visits required annually or every 15,000km.
White with a black roof is standard, but combine red, blue, black, steel or light grey with a black roof and it’s an extra $1990. Opt for the sunroof and it will also set you back another $1990.
Alfas are backed by a five-year warranty, which is now the industry standard. Further peace of mind is roadside assist for the same period, which is better than many manufacturers who often restrict that coverage.
It was supposed to be called the “Milano”, until Italy’s government threw a wobbly about a Polish-built car bearing an Italian city’s name. After a spectacularly bitchy press release, Alfa relented with Junior. Apparently, the Polish passport saves $16,500 per car – proving even Italian passion has a price tag.
How was the drive?
Mamma mia, it seems they blew the budget on the looks. The three-cylinder mild hybrid engine that’s also found in some smaller Peugeots is no firecracker, leaving speed records safe with a leisurely nine-second 0-100km/h time.
Surprisingly, it feels quicker. Stiff suspension and sharp steering make it fun to hustle through corners. It’s noisy at speed – let’s call it “acoustic sportiness” with the three-potter soundtrack as you push up into the rev range – but it weaves through city traffic with ease. You even get a “DNA” driving mode selector that alters steering and engine performance, with Dynamic delivering the most fun.
The dual-clutch automatic is glorious when you’re pushing hard. Slow things down, however, and it battles for cohesive gear changes as if insulted by your lack of speed.
The Junior will automatically operate in pure EV mode at slow speeds, and the motor chimes in to help the engine when required.
Hybrids are all the rage at the moment for efficiency results and during our test we averaged 6.9 litres/100km on the 98 premium unleaded, more than two litres heavier than the official Alfa figure.
Would you buy one?
Kel: On looks alone the Junior has the ability to woo people to the brand. I loved the design, but I couldn’t live with the below-par seat heaters and the console design which lacks everyday storage commonsense.
Grant: I remember driving the Alfa Brera nearly 20 years ago. It wasn’t perfect, but it was an aphrodisiac on wheels. The Junior is like going out with Miranda Kerr only to remove her mask Scooby Doo-style to reveal your local librarian. Those who want style won’t be disappointed, just don’t expect seat-of-your-pants thrills.
Originally published as Alfa Romeo Junior hybrid review reveals ample style over racy substance
