First Drive: Alfa Romeo Junior
The story of the Alfa Romeo Junior almost never happened. Back in 2024, Alfa pulled the wraps off its first fully electric compact SUV and proudly called it the Milano. But just five days later, the Italian government stepped in and said, ‘Not so fast.’ Turns out, you can’t call it Milano if it’s built in Poland. The name was deemed misleading, and Alfa had to go back to the drawing board. Enter the Junior.
Now, don’t let its size fool you. The Junior isn’t some petite crossover, as it’s gunning straight for the Volvo EX30 and serves as the new entry point into the Alfa lineup. Traditionally, Alfa Romeos have been the kind of cars that get petrolheads weak at the knees; think Giulia, Stelvio, 156, and Giulietta. Gorgeous, emotional pieces of kit built for enthusiasts. But the world’s changing, and Alfa knows it.
The Junior is the latest example of the brand wanting to broaden its appeal and build something for everyone, not just petrolheads. And honestly? It’s long overdue. It comes in two variants: the Elettrica and the Veloce, and it’s one of the most striking compact crossovers on the road right now. The moment I first saw it at the launch event, I couldn’t help but wonder what could have been had it been equipped with a proper engine. Maybe a V6? Even a punchy little 2.0-litre turbo could transform it into a riot.
Anyway, let’s not dwell on that since the Junior is fully electric, powered by a 54kWh battery that feeds a single electric motor up front. On paper, it’s slightly smaller than the Volvo EX30, think 4,173mm long, 1,781mm wide, and with a 2,562mm wheelbase, compared to the EX30’s 4,233mm length, 1,850mm width, and 2,650mm wheelbase. So yes, the Alfa’s the more compact of the two. Where the Volvo might better distinguish itself, though, depending on what you’re after, is in drivetrain options. The EX30 offers an all-wheel-drive variant, while the Junior sticks to front-wheel-drive only. It’s a bit of a shame, really, because with Alfa’s DNA, you can’t help but wonder how much more exciting an AWD setup could’ve made it.
At the launch, I only got behind the wheel of the range-topping Veloce, and as far as first impressions go, it’s a seriously solid crossover with all the right ingredients to stand out in this crowded segment. For starters, it rides on gorgeous 20-inch alloys that scream Alfa Romeo. Inside, you get a crisp 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, a wireless charger, two USB ports up front, one at the back, and a massive panoramic roof.
Space inside the Junior is surprisingly practical. With all seats in place, you receive 400 litres of boot space, and if you fold the rear seats down, it opens up to 1,265 litres. Compare that to the Volvo EX30: it is similar with all seats up, but when folded flat, the EX30 offers just 1,000 litres. So, if practicality matters, the Junior actually has the edge.
The entry-level Elettrica, on the other hand, skips a few of those niceties: no panoramic roof, smaller 18-inch wheels, blue-and-black fabric seats, and a more basic sound system. The Veloce also gets a sportier setup: it sits 25mm lower, features a limited-slip differential, and wears more aggressive styling, courtesy of Alfa’s Progresso grille, a contrasting black roof, red brake callipers, and subtle Veloce decals.
As for the driving part, the launch route was short but fitting, especially considering that most Junior buyers will use it for quick commutes rather than long-distance treks. Sure, the claimed ranges of 410km for the Elettrica and 350km for the Veloce sound respectable, but as with most EVs, you’ll rarely see those numbers in the real world. Still, 118kW and 260Nm in the Elettrica are perfectly adequate if you’re not chasing performance. The Veloce, though, is the one that really gets your attention with 207kW/345Nm, and a 0-100km/h sprint of 5.9 seconds; it’s got some proper punch.
Out on the road, the Junior Veloce feels eager and composed, with that instant electric shove we’ve come to expect. But here’s the thing: most EVs tend to sound, well… the same: quiet and a bit soulless. Not the Junior. Alfa’s given it its own voice, thanks to a specially tuned sound designed to reflect the brand’s sporty DNA. It’s artificial, sure, but it’s done with character, a sort of electric growl that’s enjoyable.
Ride comfort is decent, too. The suspension strikes a good balance, firm enough to keep things sharp in the corners but still compliant enough for daily driving. You do notice a bit of wind noise at cruising speeds, though it’s not a dealbreaker. What impressed me most was how light the Junior feels. At 1,590kg, it’s actually the lightest in its segment, a rare feat considering how heavy most EVs tend to be. That lightness really shows in the way it handles; it’s nimble, responsive, and carries itself with that classic Alfa agility that makes you want to push it just slightly harder through the bends.
When it comes to recharging the battery pack, the Junior accepts AC and DC charging, with the latter up to 100kW, which will recharge the battery pack from 20-80% in 27 minutes.
In essence, the Junior is an incredible little crossover; it nails what it sets out to do. But I have to be honest: the pricing feels a bit steep. I get it, EVs in South Africa are expensive, and government support is insufficient, but R799,900 for the Elettrica hardly feels like an entry-level price. Step up to the Veloce, and you’re flirting with a million bucks at R999,900. Even with that, it’s still cheaper than the entry-level Volvo EX30 Core single motor and slightly pricier than the extended-range variant.
Personally, I feel Alfa could’ve eased into the market with a hybrid version first. The mild-hybrid variant is currently only available in the UK, but for SA, where EV infrastructure is still catching up, that would have made a lot more sense. A more accessible, versatile Junior could have drawn in buyers who are curious about electrification without committing to a full-blown EV right away.
That said, overall, it’s a wonderful car. It is stylish, enjoyable to drive, and brimming with personality. It’s the kind of crossover that could appeal to almost anyone, from younger drivers looking for something distinctive to anyone who just wants to add some Alfa Romeo flair to their daily drive.
