Alfa Romeo Junior
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about an electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on Italian style? The Alfa Romeo Junior might be exactly what you’re looking for. This compact crossover marks Alfa Romeo’s first serious entry into the electric vehicle market, bringing sporty Italian flair to the increasingly crowded small SUV segment. It’s designed for drivers who want the prestige of the Alfa Romeo badge combined with modern electric technology in an urban-friendly package.

From the moment you see it, the Junior stands out with its distinctive Alfa Romeo styling cues and bold proportions. The familiar triangular grille and sleek LED headlights give it an unmistakable presence on the road that sets it apart from rivals like the Jeep Avenger or Peugeot 2008. The interior continues the premium theme with modern touchscreen technology and quality materials that feel more expensive than many competitors in this price bracket.

Driving the Junior offers a glimpse into Alfa Romeo’s electric future. The electric powertrain delivers instant torque and quiet refinement, making city driving effortless while still providing enough performance for motorway journeys. The hybrid Ibrida version with its 1.2-litre petrol engine offers a compelling alternative for those not ready to go fully electric. While it commands a premium price compared to some mainstream rivals, you’re paying for distinctive Italian design, advanced technology, and that special Alfa Romeo character that makes every journey feel a little more exciting.

What's the Alfa Romeo Junior Like to Drive?

The Alfa Romeo Junior comes in two distinct flavours, each tuned for different driving needs. The Ibrida mild hybrid uses a spirited 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine producing 134bhp, getting the Junior from 0-62mph in a respectable 8.9 seconds. This makes it notably quicker off the line than competitors like the Jeep Avenger or Peugeot 2008, giving it a genuinely sporty feel around town. The range topping Veloce electric version delivers 280bhp for serious performance credentials.

Where the Junior really impresses is in its driving dynamics. The steering feels precise and well weighted, offering proper feedback that reminds you this is an Alfa Romeo. The compact crossover suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and control, absorbing most road imperfections while keeping the car composed through corners. The electric version provides instant torque delivery for effortless overtaking, while the hybrid maintains that characterful Italian engine note. Both versions feel more engaging to drive than many rivals in this competitive segment.

How Comfortable Is the Alfa Romeo Junior?

Step inside the Junior and you’re greeted by an interior that successfully blends Italian style with modern technology. The dashboard features clean lines and premium materials, with soft touch surfaces where they matter most. The central touchscreen handles most functions intuitively, while physical controls for climate and volume ensure you’re not hunting through menus while driving. The digital instrument cluster is crisp and informative, displaying all the information you need clearly.

The front seats offer good support for longer journeys, with plenty of adjustment to find your ideal driving position. What impresses most is how quiet the cabin is, especially in the electric version where road and wind noise are well suppressed. Standard equipment includes smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to integrate your phone seamlessly. Higher specification models add features like premium audio systems and ambient lighting that enhance the upmarket feel even further.

The Alfa Romeo Junior represents a bold and largely successful entry into the competitive small SUV market. It delivers on the promise of bringing Italian style and flair to the electric vehicle segment, with genuinely attractive design both inside and out. The driving experience feels more engaging than many rivals, maintaining that special Alfa Romeo character while embracing modern electric technology. The trade offs include a premium price tag and slightly less rear seat space than some competitors. The electric version in particular asks serious money, though the technology and performance justify much of the cost. It’s not the most practical choice if you regularly carry rear passengers, but for its target audience of style conscious drivers who want something different, the Junior succeeds admirably. If you value distinctive design and Italian character over maximum practicality, the Junior deserves serious consideration.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Alfa Romeo Junior?

As a premium electric vehicle, the Junior’s running costs vary significantly depending on which version you choose. The electric model offers excellent efficiency with a real world range of over 250 miles, meaning lower fuel costs if you can charge at home or work regularly. Public charging costs vary, but electricity is generally cheaper than petrol per mile. The hybrid Ibrida version achieves around 55mpg in mixed driving, which is competitive for this class of vehicle.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, starting from around £33,000 for the hybrid and £42,000 for the electric Veloce. This positions it as a premium choice compared to mainstream alternatives, but you’re paying for Italian design flair and advanced technology. Insurance costs are moderate for the class, though the electric version may attract higher premiums. Car finance options help spread the cost, making the Junior more accessible than the headline price suggests.

Is the Alfa Romeo Junior Practical for Everyday Use?

For a compact SUV, the Alfa Romeo Junior offers surprising practicality for everyday use. The 400-litre boot provides ample space for weekly shopping trips or holiday luggage, with a reasonable loading lip making it easy to lift heavy items. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo capacity significantly, accommodating longer items like flat pack furniture or sports equipment when needed. Interior storage includes useful door pockets, cup holders, and a decent sized centre console.

Where the Junior shows its compact SUV credentials is in passenger space. The rear seats are fine for children or occasional adult passengers on shorter journeys, but taller adults might find legroom tight on longer trips. For couples or small families, however, the Junior strikes an excellent balance between city friendly dimensions and practical space. Its higher driving position compared to other used Alfa Romeo cars gives you a commanding view of traffic while remaining easy to park in tight urban spaces.

The Alfa Romeo Junior stands out in the crowded small SUV market by offering genuine Italian style combined with modern electric technology. It successfully packages Alfa Romeo’s design DNA, advanced hybrid and electric powertrains, and engaging driving dynamics into a compact and city friendly crossover. While it may not offer the most rear seat space or the lowest running costs in its class, it excels in areas that matter to discerning drivers.

You choose the Junior because you want a small SUV that doesn’t feel ordinary. Its distinctive looks, quality interior, and engaging drive make every journey more special than the average school run or commute. It’s perfectly suited for modern urban life while offering enough capability for longer trips. For drivers seeking best used electric cars uk or stylish hybrids, the Junior represents Alfa Romeo’s compelling vision of the future.