The Junior: Alfa Romeo’s Best Move and Alfisti’s Worst Nightmare

Alfa Romeohas long sought a volume seller, the type of model that could ensure the brand’s success in an ever more competitive market. The Tonale compact SUV was never expected to bear that responsibility alone, while the aging Giulia and Stelvio gradually faded into the background without meeting the sales targets the Italian brand had anticipated.

As part of a larger realignment, the Stellantis-owned brand is now focusing on a subcompact SUV, stepping into Europe’s most popular category.

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The Alfa Romeo Junior, briefly (and controversially) called the Milano, arrived in 2024 featuring both mild-hybrid and fully electric power options. We recently evaluated the Junior Ibrida, the mild-hybrid variant, to determine if it can satisfy Alfisti’s expectations and, more importantly, support the company’s future through increased sales.

Alfa’s first compact SUV is marketed as the spiritual continuation of the now-defunctMiTohatchback, which shares its platform with Stellantis siblings such as the Fiat 600,Jeep Avenger, Opel Mokka, and Peugeot 2008. Our test vehicle was the base-level Junior Ibrida, the model expected to draw more buyers compared to the top-tier Junior Veloce EV. For those seeking a middle option, the Ibrida Q4 provides a more powerful mild-hybrid system and four-wheel drive.

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Appearing Like a Genuine Alfa

Creating an Alfa Romeo is both a privilege and a difficulty, considering the brand’s rich history. The Junior is the initial production model to introduce the company’s new design style under Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, who previously worked at Seat, and this fresh aesthetic will be progressively integrated across the Italian brand’s full range.

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Among the standout features is the new Scudetto grille, which incorporates the Alfa Romeo emblem’s graphics and is more compact, enabling the companyto remove the offset placement of the front license plateas required by pedestrian safety regulations.

I’ll confess that my initial reaction to the Junior wasn’t completely favorable. I don’t care for the excessively intricate design elements on its front and certain other aspects like the elevated beltline that looks similar to thePeugeot 2008To the untrained eye. Still, I must acknowledge that the Italian SUV appears more distinctive when viewed up close, as you can examine the powerful contours of the hood, the dynamic bumper inlets, and how the rear glass frame emphasizes the rear shoulders.

I would still lean towards a neater and more simple design for the LEDs and front visuals – more similar tothe Tonale. However, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the Junior distinguishes itself from the competition in the small SUV segment, appearing more unique than most of its competitors, including all of its Stellantis counterparts.

Our media vehicle is the Speciale model, equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels that have a three-spoke configuration and includes red details on the side skirts and the rear spoiler. This particular unit also offers the optional two-tone paint scheme, featuring a silver exterior with a black roof.

Athletic and Up-to-Date, Yet Not Fully Luxurious Cabin

Entering the interior, the dashboard features a modern design with a 10.1-inch infotainment system positioned towards the driver, along with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel that maintains the binocular form from traditional analog setups. The ergonomics are well-designed, and the inclusion of physical controls on the center console and steering wheel enhances the overall feel. The ambient lighting adds a pleasant element, there is a wide range of ADAS features available, and the six-speaker audio system delivers impressive sound quality for its size.

Although the touch points are made with a slightly softer fabric, the majority of the interior features hard plastics that detract from the luxurious feel. However, it is more functional than anticipated, providing sufficient space for backseat passengers and a spacious cargo area of 415 liters (14.7 cubic feet). Disadvantages include the lack of rear air conditioning vents, a typical oversight in this category, and the absence of rear door pockets. This means rear passengers only have access to one USB port and power windows.

Driving Experience

This brings us to the driving experience, which is one of the main factors considered by Alfa Romeo customers, along with the styling.

The base Junior Ibrida model we tested features a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), which is commonly utilized in theStellantisstable. The mill is connected to a 28 hp (21 kW / 29 PS) electric motor, which is installed in the standard six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (no manual available), delivering power to the front wheels. Themild-hybridSetup makes the small engine feel a bit more powerful, closing the gaps when necessary and extending the operation of the start-stop system for improved efficiency.

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Regrettably, the steering wheel feels too light and doesn’t provide the feedback one would anticipate from a driver-focused brand such as Alfa Romeo. However, the suspension is thoughtfully designed, being more rigid than a typical SUV without causing discomfort.

In general, the Junior is agile and simple to maneuver through the city, and it also demonstrated itself as a peaceful driver on the highway. Nevertheless, even though it has some unique characteristics compared to the similar Stellantis SUVs, it is not as thrilling to drive as the competitor.Ford Puma, at minimum in the standard setup.

It’s important to mention that the Junior Ibrida Q4 trim features a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive, and a multi-link rear suspension, which should enhance the driving experience. As for thefully electric Junior VeloceEquipped with 278 hp (207 kW / 280 PS), this model features a distinct steering ratio and a special suspension configuration, acting as the top performance variant in the range. However, we will need to test both before forming a conclusion.

Pricing and Competition

The Junior Ibrida, which is the most affordable model, starts at €28,500 ($33,200) in Greece, marking the beginning of Alfa’s range. At the higher end, the all-electric Junior Veloce is priced at €46,900 ($54,600) or €40,400 ($47,100) when local electric vehicle incentives are applied.

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The Junior is fairly costly within the small SUV category, indicating that Alfa Romeo aims to present it as a high-end option. If you aren’t particularly concerned about the Biscione emblem on the front, theFiat 600The twin model begins at €23,390 ($27,300), whereas the mild-hybrid Peugeot 2008 is available for €23,900 ($27,900). The primary competitor outside the Stellantis Group is likely the driver-focused Ford Puma, which starts at €23,647 ($27,500) in the same region.

If you’re looking for the top-tier small SUV, theLexus LBXsurpasses the baby Alfa starting at €31,300 ($36,500), and includes a full-hybrid system as standard. Eventually, there is some internal competition from the bigger modelAlfa Romeo Tonalewhich is currently priced at €36,900 ($43,000),

Verdict

With the Junior, Alfa Romeo has designed a fashionable compact SUV that offers ample technology and sufficient functionality to expand the brand’s appeal. It may not thrill traditionalists in the same way aGiuliaOr Stelvio can, but it fulfills the task Alfa requires most: drawing in new customers.

Nevertheless, car aficionados will find that the smallest Alfa Romeo ever produced has sacrificed some of the essence of the Biscione emblem in favor of broader popularity. We were aware that the Junior Ibrida would not even approach the larger Giulia andStelvioRegarding driving engagement, we had hoped for more than just its positive suspension configuration to excite us. This could potentially be achieved by the fully electric Junior Veloce, which we have yet to experience.

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At the close of the day (and the fiscal year), the most important thing is providing customers with what they desire instead of catering to a small group of enthusiasts. In this sense, the Junior hits the right note. For Alfisti, the entry-level crossover could seem like a chart-topping pop song from their favorite indie band. Here’s hoping the next “album” – beginning with the brand-new Stelvio in 2026 – returnsthe excellence of Alfa’s most popular tracks.

Images and Recordings: Thanos Pappas for Muara Digital Team