ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE ALFA ROMEO JUNIOR

The Alfa Romeo Junior is in the small SUV sector of the market, currently one of the most competitive and is currently the smallest model on offer from this renowned Italian carmaker.

When it was introduced last year and for only a few days it was known as the Milano; however that resulted in a name being brought back, Junior. The reason the government claimed that it was not legal to name a product not manufactured in Italy. This new Alfa Romeo is manufactured in Poland alongside the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600 and shares the same platform. As many fans of the brand will know the name Junior adorned some Giulia coupes as well as Zagota bodied Giulias. Many who follow the brand will observe that the traditional offset number plate is now centrally mounted, this I am informed is to meet new pedestrian safety regulations. The overall design of this new Alfa Romeo is certainly pleasing to the eye with elements taken from the Giulia TZ with the scudetto shield front grille, the Elettrica version has a logo placed in it while the hybrid version has the traditional grille. While full LED matrix headlights are a feature. Providing a generous helping of on road presence, 17 inch diamond cut alloy wheels, gloss black mirror covers, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors and keyless go.

Moving to a well-appointed interior, Icona seats with black/blue cloth, eight-colour ambient lighting marking out the air vents, central tunnel, 10.25 inch configurable Cannocchiale instrument cluster, 10.2 inch driver oriented central screen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Standard safety systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, e-Call and Alfa Romeo Connected Services. There is ample customer choice of variants, of course depending on individual market requirements, with the Ibrida the latest model to join the Junior line-up, available with a choice of electric powertrains, which combines a 48v battery with a 21kW electric motor to offer a mix of performance and efficiency. With the electric motor integrated into a six speed dual-clutch gearbox; this combination allows for efficient city driving, with the option to operate in electric-only mode at low speeds or under light load, while also delivering additional performance for longer journeys.

Casting an eye at dimensions, length of 4.1m and 1.5m height, which makes the Junior well-suited for city driving. The boot is the largest in its segment with 415 litres of cargo space offering everyday practicality and there are 60/40 split rear seats. Again depending on the market, a choice of packs. These packs bring additional features such as, a wireless charging pad, front and rear parking sensors, a cargo flex kit, dark tinted rear windows, leather steering wheel etc.

Being an Alfa Romeo, performance is certainly not left out with the 280bhp Elettrica Veloce with a Torsen diff, lowered suspension and a sports styling kit; I would expect nothing less from this brand. With this version the range stated by the manufacturer is 402km (250m) and when it comes to charging, under thirty minutes from 20-80 percent and the sprint from rest to 100kph (62mph) is under six seconds.

Ian Lynas