Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica

FIRST UK DRIVE Brand's first EV provides a tempting sporty alternative to Stellantis siblings and rival compact crossovers

- Alastair Crooks

ALFA Romeo's first all-electric car, the Junior, marks a significant step for the Italian marque. The small electric crossover has plenty of rivals, not least from fellow Stellantis offerings including the Vauxhall Mokka Electric, Fiat 600e, Peugeot E-2008 and Jeep Avenger EV.

The brand says the entry-level model in its line-up should appeal to buyers of the old Giulietta and MiTo supermini. The Junior is available to order now, but there's an 'Ibrida' version coming in mid-2025 as well, using the 136bhp mild-hybrid set-up found in a swathe of Stellantis products.

Despite the Alfa Romeo badge, the Junior EV is keenly priced. It starts from £33,895 in Elettrica form, rising to £35,695 for the Speciale. Beyond this is the flagship 276bhp Veloce that costs from £42,295, has a top speed of 124mph and will sprint from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds.

The Junior will be available with a choice of three trim packs. The 'Technology Pack' brings matrix-LED headlights, a wireless smartphone charger, a powered tailgate with gesture control, and sat-nav, while the 'Premium Pack' gets an uprated interior finish plus electric adjustment and a massaging function on the driver's seat. The 'Sport Pack' delivers exterior styling tweaks, plus some glorious Sabelt sports seats and Alcantara upholstery.

The Elettrica Speciale we're driving is considered to be the 'launch edition'. It mixes key elements from the three packs, with red paint and 18-inch alloy wheels, plus a unique upholstery finish, a leather-covered steering wheel and keyless entry and start.

All versions have the same 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 10.25-inch driver display. A heat pump, a Mode 3 charging cable and an 11kW on-board charger are standard.