What is it?

The Alfa Romeo Junior, particularly in its sporty Veloce variant, aims to inject some Italian excitement into the compact crossover segment. Positioned as a small, stylish option with electric and mild-hybrid options, it blends unique Alfa design cues with Stellantis group components. But is it enough to stand out in the competitive small SUV market?

Design and Styling

The Alfa Romeo Junior is unmistakably Alfa yet grounded, with design choices that strike a balance between style and compact practicality. Up front, the car wears Alfa’s iconic “shield” grille, embedded within a streamlined nose that’s less about flash and more about function. It’s joined by a subtle groove under the bonnet—a detail that hints at the 1960s Alfa GT Junior, a nod to heritage rather than an outright showpiece. This groove serves a purpose too, helping reduce drag without any over-the-top embellishments.

From the side, the Junior’s shape is practical yet balanced, landing somewhere between a hatch and a crossover. It’s not too high, not too low—distinctive but not overstated. Slightly flared wheel arches add a hint of sportiness without pushing it, a sensible touch that reflects Alfa’s attempt to create something that looks sharp but stays functional.

Around the back, the “ski-jump” tail design adds an edgy look and gives the car a modern twist. It’s also functional, improving aerodynamics by smoothing airflow. There’s a nod to tradition with taillights reminiscent of Alfa’s older models, but they’re slim LEDs, streamlined rather than flashy.

Overall, It doesn’t shout for attention but has enough individuality to stand out in a crowded segment, showing Alfa’s more down-to-earth approach in a practical crossover.

Interior and Technology

The interior design is a nod to Alfa’s focus on the driver, with a cockpit that’s driver-focused, featuring a chunky, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. The 10.25-inch touchscreen, intuitive to use and quick to respond, dominates the centre console. The seats, especially in the Veloce trim, offer an Alcantara finish and bucket-style bolstering that holds you firmly in place. The materials are mostly functional, though some areas fall short of the premium feel expected from an Alfa, with visible Stellantis parts and harder plastics in certain areas. Despite that, the Junior does deliver thoughtful touches, such as the ambient lighting that shifts colours based on driving modes, adding a bit of flair.

Powertrain and Electric Range

Behind the wheel, the Alfa Romeo Junior offers an intriguing mix of performance, especially in the punchier Veloce trim, making it more than just a city-friendly runabout. Alfa has equipped the Junior with two powertrain options to cater to a broader audience: a 136bhp mild-hybrid petrol engine and a fully electric version with 276bhp, exclusive to the Veloce model. While the mild-hybrid feels well-suited for everyday city driving, offering a smooth and predictable response, the Veloce version packs enough power to put a smile on your face, setting it apart from most small electric crossovers.

In the Veloce, the electric motor’s instant torque makes it particularly nimble, shooting from 0 to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds. It’s more than adequate for zipping around town, but it still feels lively on the motorway, handling quick overtakes with ease.

One of the Junior’s strong points is its weight, especially for an EV. At 1,560 kg, it’s lighter than many electric crossovers, which is evident in how the car feels on the road. The lightness enhances agility, especially noticeable in urban settings, making the Junior feel nimbler than its size suggests. Despite the lower weight, the Junior manages to maintain a comfortable, compliant ride thanks to its stiffer springs and dampers, specifically tuned for each variant. The Veloce’s steering is quick and precise, with a quick steering rack that communicates well with the driver, but without feeling overly heavy or burdensome at lower speeds. This makes the Junior feel more like a sporty hatchback than a crossover.

For all its punch, the Junior Veloce does come with a trade-off: limited range. With a smaller battery focused on keeping weight down, the Veloce manages just over 200 miles on a full charge, which realistically translates to about 150 miles in real-world conditions—perhaps even less if you’re driving with gusto or the weather turns cold. This means the Junior isn’t designed for long road trips but rather as a lively urban companion or a second car for shorter journeys.

Practicality

For a car its size, the Alfa Romeo Junior manages to strike a reasonable balance between style and practicality, making it viable for daily urban use, although it has its limits when it comes to accommodating a larger load or longer trips. Inside, the Junior feels deceptively spacious, especially up front. The driver and front passenger have ample leg and headroom, while a low seating position and driver-focused cockpit give it a more immersive, sporty feel. The seats, particularly in the Veloce trim, offer good support and are snugly bolstered—though some may find them a bit narrow for a crossover.

In the back, space is more of a mixed bag. Rear-seat passengers will find decent legroom, but taller occupants may feel slightly confined on longer journeys due to the car’s compact proportions. The small side windows and rising beltline can also make the rear feel a bit closed off, creating a somewhat claustrophobic atmosphere, especially on longer drives.

The Junior’s boot space is competitive within the small crossover category, offering 400 litres of room—sufficient for a weekly shop or a weekend getaway’s worth of luggage. While the space itself is fairly practical, the boot opening isn’t the widest, and a pronounced load lip can make it tricky to load bulkier items. Still, the boot floor is adjustable, with three different height levels for easier loading, and can hide a dedicated charge cable storage bay—useful for keeping the interior clutter-free in the electric models. With the rear seats folded in a 40:60 split, the boot expands to 1,265 litres, though this falls short of some rivals that offer flatter and wider storage areas for bulkier loads.

Verdict

The Alfa Romeo Junior is a stylish, driver-focused compact crossover that brings Italian flair to the small SUV segment, with plenty of character for those who prioritise fun and design over outright practicality. The Veloce trim stands out with sharp handling and engaging performance, making it a lively choice for urban drivers, though its limited range and modest rear-seat space mean it may not be ideal as a one-car solution for families or frequent road trippers. Inside, the Junior’s driver-centric setup and unique styling touches create an enjoyable atmosphere, though some materials and cabin storage fall short of premium expectations. For those willing to accept a few trade-offs, the Junior provides a refreshing alternative to more predictable crossovers, delivering a spirited Alfa experience in a city-friendly package.