Alexandre
Note: if you think of electric cars as vacuum cleaners, don't read this essay.
A new Alfa Romeo is always an event, because until now, it wasn't often! A 4C, in 2013, Giulia in 2015, Stelvio in 2016, and Tonale in 2022. The Junior, in 2024, is the first 100 % model to emerge from the Stellantis group. And I absolutely had to try for the readers of this site the most powerful version of this new model, the Junior Veloce 280 hp electric.
I won't go into detail about theIt's all about the car's interior and exterior design, you can read my article from the car's presentation in Milanwhen it was called Milano, to get my opinion. Nevertheless, in red, in black, in Veloce finish, the car has a very sporty look. Perhaps it's just a shame that there aren't more visual differences inside and out between the Veloce 156 hp and 280 hp. It's something I've already criticized the Tonale Veloce MHEV 160 hp and Veloce PHEV 280 hp for, even though the price difference is very substantial. For my personal taste, with a Leggenda scudetto, and without the Matrix LED lights, the Junior's front end is more interesting.
For this test drive, Alfa Romeo invited me to the the Balocco circuit. An emblematic location for the brand, where development cars such as 4Cs and 124 Spiders, as well as Abarths, Jeeps and Maseratis, can be seen in the parking lots. Another interesting point was brought to my attention by Junior's head of product, the Balocco circuit is also used extensively by Maserati and Ferrari. The Prancing Horse brand prefers the Balocco track to develop its models, while the Fiorano track is more for communication purposes. During the day's testing, I came across Maserati Folgore, Ferrari 12 Cilindri, Ferrari SF90 and Ferrari 250, all camouflaged and testing on the track. Stars in my eyes.
The Balocco circuit is also the Autodelta site, a legendary car tuner who has created some of the world's finest racing Alfa Romeos. I won't see more than a poster on a wall, but it adds an authentic atmosphere to the day.
Before starting the tests, I would like to thank the people at Alfa Romeo who made themselves available and accessible to chat and answer my questions, the head of product Alfa Romeo, head of product Alfa Romeo Junior (with whom I had already had a chance to chat in Milan last April), and the performance manager. All passionate Italians, proud to work for Alfa Romeo.
This was followed by a press conference at which everyone presented the Junior Veloce 280, a model not yet homologatedwhich is currently in the final stages of development and will be available on the market by the end of 2024. Alfa Romeo's head of product, Daniel Guzzafame, focused his presentation on the car's target audience, a new generation of Alfisti, and also those who are not "car enthusiasts". As for the head of performance, Domenico Bagnasco (who worked on the 4C, 8C and Giulia GTA), he explains what makes the difference: the weight, around 200 kg less than the competition, suspensions lowered by 25 mm, anti-roll bar, steering work that is the most direct in the segment, acceleration, high-performance braking with 380 mm discs that promise to stop the Junior launched at 100 kmh in 35 meters.
In fact, one of the interesting points I could test later is that the car's brake mode (which allows the car to recharge itself by braking alone) has a different sensitivity in dynamic mode, to give the sensation of engine braking. In this mode, energy is regenerated only when braking.
Another very interesting point is the introduction of a Torsen-type limited-slip differentiallocated on the front axle, which modulates torque to the drive wheels according to driving conditions. A system already seen on a certain Alfa Romeo 147 Q2 in 2006. This is an Alfa Romeo exclusive in the Stellantis Group, called TorSen D.
As far as the engine is concerned, although it was originally planned as a 240 hp unit, the Junior has now been upgraded to 280 hp! From what I understand, it's still the eMotors M4 motor, but here in M4+ version (unofficial name), which delivers 280 hp of power for a torque: 345 Nmand rises to 15,200 rpm. It would be a motor developed for Alfa Romeo, jointly by Alfa Romeo Engineering and eMotors (which will eventually find its way to Lancia and probably Abarth). The 54 kWh battery would also be of the latest generation, compact, but I don't really know more.
After all that teasing, now it's time to try it out. Everyone is invited to take possession of their allocated Junior. As far as I'm concerned, it's a white Junior. Not my favorite color, too stormtrooper looking, but who cares, I'm here to test drive the car, not to take nice pictures (plus I'm a lousy photographer). Climbing aboard, I adjust the famous Sabelt bucket seat, very snug and comfortable.
Excitement goes up a notch. We're going to follow a 280hp Giulia Veloce in a small group of cars on the 20km Balocco circuit!
First impressions: the Sabelt seat, the alcantara steering wheel, the dynamic mode running through the entire dashboard in a dominant red color, we're in the mood. Aluminum paddles behind the steering wheel would have been a nice touch, for example, to adjust regeneration power. Junior doesn't have a pervasive artificial sound. Unlike an Abarth 500e, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or even a BMW i4 (with orchestral sound by Hans Zimmer), the Junior's artificial sound is sober and quickly forgotten. A wise choice on the part of the brand. At 40 km/h, the direction is firm, seems preciseBehind the group, I try to warm up the tires like before the start of an F1 race, the shock absorbers are very firm and when I release the throttle, it feels like "natural" engine braking. The first few seconds feel good and I can feel that there's power in reserve under the accelerator pedal.
The 280hp Giulia Veloce starts off with a bang, in the same way as a safety-car start. Junior Veloce 280 hp accelerates just as fast as if we were going to have to gain positions in the first bend. I have to admit that it's already very exhilarating, the 0 to 100 km/h is announced in 5.8 sec, the car weighs 1,590 kg, much less than the Tonale, less than a Stelvio, and barely more than a Giulia, and you can feel it! In my opinion, many electric cars are still too heavy, which has a negative impact on efficiency and driving dynamics.
Pause, I'd like to clarify two important points for this test. First, I've had a Giulia for 3 years (extraordinary car, buy one), I was able to try out the Giulia 280 bhp and Stelvio 280 bhp for a short time, I was able to drive a Giulia Quadrifoglio on a trackday (manual gearbox for enthusiasts), I have a good memory of what these cars can offer. Secondly, I've had a BMW i4 286 bhp for 1 year as an everyday car (if you watch my youtube videos you already know that) and even though it's a sedan and not a compact SUV, I have a good point of comparison since the power ratings are similar.
I'll come back to the test. We all drove hard, very hard, on the Balocco circuit. The 20 km circuit is varied, a mix of winding roads with guard rails on both sides, and a track with vibrators. Luckily for me, as I was last in the group, I was able to let it slip away a few times and go for the win. almost to the limits of the car.
I had a lot of apprehension and doubt before this trial. And yet.., I really enjoyed this Junior! I enjoyed braking hard without being afraid of the weight and therefore of understeering, taking corners and metering the throttle to the limit of wheel traction (thanks to the Torsen), making the tires scream (because they're not mine). Good steering feel and doesn't let you be surprised. I'd never driven a front-wheel drive car on the track, only a rear-wheel drive, but I found the sensations provided by the car really good. I think the weight of the car has a lot to do with it, The Junior weighs in at 1590 kg, compared with the Tonale's 1835 kg or the i4's 2065 kg... This is still an eCMP base, but it's a million miles from the behavior of a Fiat 600 or a Peugeot 2008. A 280 hp electric Junior with rear-wheel drive... that would have been very cool.
Yes, the engine noise is gone.Yes, there's no longer the gearbox, which are ingredients we've all come to know. And of course, this Junior is no match for the Giulia and Stelvio, which will remain benchmarks in their respective segments for a very long time to come.
I may surprise you. If I had to choose between the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV 280 and the Alfa Romeo Junior BEV 280 bhp, I'd choose the latter without hesitation: better interior styling, better handling, more fun behind the wheel. It just goes to show that a good electric car can be better than some thermics. And let's go back a bit (without going as far as the V6 Busso), just before the excellent Giulia and Stelvio. If I had to compare it to the Giulietta 240 hp, which was also a front-wheel drive, in terms of driving dynamics, I sincerely believe they're on a par. Inside, the Junior is a cut above. The Giulietta will keep for itself the noise of the 1750 tbi and the behavior of the TCT gearbox. And that, without trying to imitate artificially, is difficult to compensate for with an electric motor.
Will this Junior seduce me back to Alfa Romeo? For the driving sensation, yes, for the I was quoted around €48,000 for the well-equipped 280 hp Junior Veloce (the iX1, in the higher segment, is currently priced at €47,000 in 204 hp BEV), so yes. The design is very personal, While the Brera red color is very attractive, it's, in my opinion, in black that Junior is most pleasing. Massive black elements like the new Scudetto or the Coda Tronca are better integrated. In the end, it's a more mixed bag, while a Giulia or a Stelvio are beautiful no matter what the color, red, white, black, blue, green... Go in black, with 280 hp, with the Leggenda scudetto, yellow calipers, without the Matrix LED lights, I consider the buy
Video test
Some photos
Thank you for the review of this test and for your positive impressions. I'm going to watch the video.
I never thought I'd consider buying an SUV, or an electric car (at least not in the short term), and yet the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce might just change my mind. Firstly, the design is good, especially in black, and secondly, if it drives like the Giulietta Veloce 1750 tbi, it must be pretty good.
This was indeed the big apprehension after trying the Tonale. I'm sort of relieved now, and my expectations are high for the future Stelvio and giulia on wide stla.
Excellent feedback, thank you. If only they could offer at least a hybrid in the near future... When I see the Abarth 600, Alfa Junior and others... There's potential. I'm at a crossroads with my Abarth 595C (it's getting small and I'm starting to need comfort xD).
On the other hand, we have the new Prelude, which they've announced will be hybridized, as will the future MR2... Or the GR86 and MX5. Quite a line-up.
I read a while ago (here?) that the Junior would be getting a 163hp phev Q4 hybrid system: the 1.2 puretech 136hp mated to a 37hp electric motor.
Exactly the same 136 hp petrol engine, with the addition of an electric motor at the rear. We'll know more in a few months.
Excellent report on the trial of the junior véloce.
The car is magnificent, and makes you want to try it out.
Thank you!
Top thanks for the info!
Thanks for this beautiful report, the photos are great! I agree with the black version, it's clearly the only one that brings a little harmony to the design, even if a chrome logo would "fill" the trunk a little better... The slightly lowered body also does it good and avoids the wheel arches being a bit empty (I think that's really ugly). Without Matrix LEDs, the front lights are a little more like those on the Stelvio. The battery still lacks the capacity to make it a versatile enough model, perhaps available with the restyling. A version of the interior in beige alcantara would also be very tasteful!
Thanks a lot! Globally everyone prefers matrix led lights so... there was a little problem with the styling study :p maybe it can be brought to evolve...
Can't wait for the Facelift in 3 or 4 years :-)
I quickly saw a review on another site, and the general opinion was much less positive, without being too critical. Basically, "it's not bad but...".
Complicated Junior! I dare say a very nice Peugeot... "latinized"! 😉
Then why not, but not in this version. To be discovered in dealerships in September! 👌
Thank you for this report.
When I spoke to some of the journalists on site, their opinions were unanimously positive. After that, you have to bear in mind that some journalists are invited to try out several cars a week (including Porsche and Lamborghini), don't like suvs or electric cars, and one even told me he thought it was a shame it wasn't a v6 busso... It's good to have a diversity of opinion. For my part, I go by my experience and personal taste. Sometimes I regret reading reviews that are devoid of any real opinion, just press photos, and that's a shame. I've been told that this is sometimes imposed by management to avoid offending certain manufacturers.
The Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce is a pleasant surprise, both in terms of design and driving dynamics. I've watched quite a few videos, and they're generally very enthusiastic. So much so that in the future, maybe I'll let myself be convinced.
It remains to be seen how much range you'll get with a heavy foot, and not just at a leisurely pace or in town.
I couldn't agree more! If this Junior finds its target, it will probably benefit from corrections based on customer feedback (!?)
Very nice analysis Alexandre. I think we have to move with the times and not always look in the rear-view mirror. For my part, I've just traded in my Giulia Estrema 2.2 L diesel Q4 210 hp for a Tonale 280 hp. Two completely different vehicles. The Giulia's looks (it was red) are irreplaceable, but the Tonale has a certain charm, runs very well in D and is rather well equipped. We'll see if one day I fall for the Junior? Come on, out of my last three Alfa's, my heart's set more on my Stelvio.
Und wieder ein belangloser SUV!
Schwer, unwendig, adepös, und 0 8 15ten SUV-design. Der 1000 und 1ste. nö.
dazu Marketinggelabere.. Diese Mülltonne stelle ich nicht neben andere echte Alfas.
Schon der Stelvio war eine Karikatur.
Der letzte ist die Giulia. es ist vorbei. HERZLOSE LEBLOSE AUSTAUSCHBARE WARE.
Und
es hat nichts mit einem Elektro-Motor zu tun.
Das ist kein ALFA ROMEO. Das ist fast so schlimm wie dereinst der Nissan der ein Scudetto drauf gepappt bekam.
Nicht einmal geschenkt.
This electric Junior weighs 1500 kilos. The Giulietta could weigh up to 1400 kilos, depending on the engine. I'll be the first to criticize its design, but no, it's not particularly heavy, and it's obviously a pleasure to drive.
I found it "unexpected" and "astonishing", to say the least, that you deplore the lack of aesthetic distinction between the 160 CV and 280 CV models.
As someone who's been driving an Alfa for 15 years (Mito 155 CV), I don't see it as a social marker, but as a car that meets my expectations. There's no need for everyone to know that I own this or that model...
What bothers me about Alfa-Romeo since 2020 is that they no longer offer "ONLY Behemoths". Gone are the 1000-kg bombinettes. We're wading into SUVs (heavy, leggy, cubic).
Alfa was the agile, responsive, fast perf.
It's become commonplace, flavorless. Completely stereotyped.
The last bellissima was the 4C.
My Mito has 200,000 km and zero breakdowns. All original. Total reliability.
Junior, 56 K€ for not being able to make a round trip from Paris to Deauville without having to recharge..., it's a deterrent, almost disturbing to see how conditioned we are to have to go into debt to impress the gallery.
Good evening, after 84 cars, 3/4 of them Italian, I bought a KIA sportage to see.
Good car but no soul no pleasure to drive and for 1 years recurring electronic and other problems .
So I ordered a Junior Hybride 136 ivory scala, I induced the 156 hp, what a car!!! As soon as you see it, you feel like a banana.
After all, who cares if it's based on a Peugeot, Opel or Jeep? The Porsche Macan and Cayenne are based on Volkswagens, as are the Skoda and Audi models, and the same goes for the suvs.
For me, Alfa remains Alfa, even if a flat 4 or TBI engine would have been more in line, but let's look ahead and welcome this Junior as she deserves.
According to some people here, buying a Junior is like buying an Alfa.
I deduce that they are not "Alfists" at all.
The real ones won't buy this re-bodied Peugeot 208. There's nothing Alfa about it.
Like many, I love the line and basta.
I'd never replace my Guilietta with a van, no matter how attractive.
Alfa has lost its DNA within the Stellentis group, whose reputation for "reliability" is legendary.
Oops! 2008 and not 208.
Alles schön und gut, ABER: Wie wäre es denn mit einem Tonale 2.0 Turbo, 300 PS, mechanischem Allradantrieb und ohne jegliches Elektrogedöns? Wäre übrigens rd. 1600 Kg.