As a contender in the ‘B’ segment of the South African market the new Alfa Romeo Junior is specifically designed – on a global level – to attract new buyers to the brand and to build a new generation of ‘Alfisti’ that will show the 115-year-old nameplate the same love and affection as the older generations have done.
In many ways the timing is right and the politically correct fully electric Alfa Junior spears straight to the heart of the growing base of BEV makes and models around the world yet, it is a little difficult, perhaps even eerie, to drive a car bristling with Alfa DNA without that carefully constructed and unique Alfa engine sound.
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There is no question the Junior embodies the spirit of Alfa Romeo through its blend of elegance, agility and innovation. Measuring under 4,2 metres, it will be available in both two versions (Elettrica and Veloce) with 118 kW or 250 kW.
“The Junior is positioned to attract customers interested not only in virtual experiences or sportiness but also in the vehicle's features, comforts and interior space, which is presented as generous for a compact car,” says Janus Janse van Rensburg, Alfa Romeo South Africa Brand Head.
“A core objective is to ignite a latent ’Alfa Spirit’ in potential customers, inviting a passion for driving. This model is a critical product for the brand's future, establishing a foundation for the upcoming lineup, which includes new models like the Stelvio and Giulia with electrified powertrains.
“From a practical perspective, the Junior offers a lower entry point into the Alfa Romeo range, appealing to a younger audience and those seeking a vehicle for everyday use. This approach is intended to widen the brand's public appeal.
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“The Junior combines over a century of Italian design and engineering excellence with advanced electric innovation, embodying our dynamic, distinctive and emotionally engaging spirit. We’re confident it will resonate strongly with urban drivers who value style, performance and individuality.”
Performance is what normally comes to mind in the same sentence as Alfa Romeo so the 118 kW Electrica has 260 Nm to offer and rushes to 100 km/h in 9 seconds, topping out at 152 km/h, while the Veloce has 345 Nm available and gets to 100 km/h in 5,9 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h.
At the launch I drove the Veloce and Alfa’s claimed numbers seem to be on the mark as the car scorches off the line (the true beauty of electric cars) with just enough torque steer under heavy acceleration to remind you this car has to be driven, wants to be driven and needs to be driven.
Power goes to the front wheels (I sense a shudder from purist red brigade members) but let me assure you this does not diminish or detract from some sublime handling and, even with the kick of torque steer, there is minimal understeer and the steering is precise and accurate – all genuine Alfa DNA traits.
The downside is the car has a range of 390 km to 410 km – likely less if driven with the gusto it warrants so it is not designed for long haul adventures unless you have charging station locations very accurately pinpointed – charging time at 100 kW/h is around 30 min and overnight (or longer) from a home three-pin plug.
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The Junior’s exterior reflects the brand’s design language, featuring the iconic scudetto grille, the signature trilobo front and a sleek ‘coda tronca’ tail that enhances aerodynamic efficiency. A laser-etched biscione emblem on the C-pillar connects Alfa Romeo’s rich heritage with its electrified future.
Both models introduce Alfa Romeo’s most advanced driver-assistance technologies, including Level 2 ADAS with lane centring, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, LED matrix headlights, emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition and blind spot detection.
The Junior Elettrica features 18-inch alloy wheels, a Heritage front grille, blue-and-black ‘Icona’ seats and a premium 6-speaker audio system, while the Elettrica Veloce adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a Progresso grille, black-and-red ‘Spiga’ seating, a contrasting black roof, Veloce decals and red brake calipers for a more assertive stance.
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Inside is a 10,25-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and vital items including air-conditioning and sound button operated.
“The driving experience is designed to be emotional, engaging all five senses to trigger a sixth sense, described as the ‘driving spirit’, adds Janse van Rensburg. " Every aspect of the interior, from the layout to the touchpoints, is fashioned around the driver to foster a feeling of control and connection.”
Pricing:
Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica R 799 900
Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce R 999 900
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