Geraldine Herbert test drives the new Alfa Romeo Junior
Alfa Romeo enters the electric era with the all-new Junior — a head-turning compact EV that blends Italian design, modern tech, and everyday usability.
What Is It?
Alfa Romeo’s first all-electric car, the Junior, is the Italian marque’s compact answer to urban electric motoring. Unlike your typical EV, the Junior arrives not just with battery power, but with a dose of genuine charisma. It’s already turning heads — and winning design awards — for blending classic Alfa styling with 21st-century tech.
Styling
Still unmistakably Alfa, the Junior borrows its silhouette from the legendary Giulia TZ, boasting clean lines, balanced proportions, and just enough flair to stand out in a sea of soulless crossovers. It’s a car that will have you glancing back at it in a car park — not because you forgot where you parked, but because you actually admire it.
Under the Bonnet
The entry-level Junior Elettrica delivers 156hp to the front wheels, offering a WLTP range of 406km. Acceleration is smooth, and charging is quick — a 20-80% top-up in just 24 minutes on a fast charger. For those craving a bit more oomph, the Junior Veloce ramps things up to 278hp, sprinting from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds. The sparkle? Still very much there.
What About Inside?
Step in and you’ll find a cabin that’s sporty, modern, and ever so slightly tight on space. There’s a 10.25-inch digital display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and standard automatic air conditioning. The 400-litre boot is more than respectable for a car this size, complete with a variable-height floor to stow charging cables neatly. Rear legroom is modest and there’s no rear armrest, so elbow wars may ensue.
And Safety?
While it hasn’t yet been crash-tested by Euro NCAP, the Junior comes standard with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and driver attention assist. Opt for the Technology Pack and you’ll also get adaptive cruise control and lane centring, handy for long-haul comfort.
Pricing and Options
The Alfa Romeo Junior comes with a variety of trims and powertrains — both Ibrida (hybrid) and Elettrica (fully electric) — giving buyers plenty of choice depending on driving style and budget. Pricing starts at €34,995 for both the Junior Ibrida and the Junior Elettrica, Step up to the Junior Elettrica Speciale at €38,950, and you’ll get more premium touches like a hands-free liftgate and massage seats. For driving enthusiasts, the Junior Veloce is the range-topper — a 280hp performance EV priced at €51,495 after grants.
Optional packs let you dial up the spec even further:
The Technology Pack (€3,500) adds LED Matrix headlights, wireless charging, and advanced driver assists.
The Premium Pack (€3,000) brings heated massage seats, ambient lighting, and a leather steering wheel.
And the Sport Pack (€4,100) adds racing flair with Alcantara Sabelt seats, a black body kit, and sporty interior details.
Rivals
The Junior goes head-to-head with compact EVs like the Jeep Avenger (€29,995), MINI Aceman (€33,896), Renault Megane E-Tech Electric (€34,495), Smart #1 (€34,249), and Volkswagen ID.3 (€31,780) — all capable contenders, but few match its Italian flair.
Verdict
The Alfa Romeo Junior handles beautifully, looks like a proper Alfa, and feels more alive than most of its EV peers. It might not convert the hardcore petrolheads overnight, but this is no empty marketing pitch. It’s the real deal. No gimmicks, no buzzword bingo — just an electric Alfa that’s actually fun to drive. And for Alfa Romeo, that’s what matters most.
Facts
Model: Alfa Romeo Junior 156HP BEV
Starting Price: €34,995
Engine: Electric
Transmission: Automatic
CO₂/Motor Tax: 0g/km / €120
Battery: 54 kWh
Range: 406 km (WLTP)
Charging: 20–80% in 24 minutes (fast charger)
Boot Space: 400 litres
Geraldine Herbert
