2024 Alfa Romeo Junior Electric SUV

The dimensions of the Junior make it just over 4 meters in length, positioning it competitively in the compact segment. It boasts a 400L boot capacity, highlighting its practicality and comfort, which are considered best-in-class. The Junior's specs include advanced features like the Alfa Romeo Cable Organiser and options for both hybrid and electric powertrains.

In terms of power, the Junior SUV is available as ELETTRICA, with two variants: a 156 hp model and the 240 hp VELOCE. Both models offer a range of up to 250 miles, supported by efficient aerodynamics from the 'kamm tail' design, which also contributes to making it the lightest premium compact EV. The VELOCE variant enhances the sportiness expected from Alfa Romeo with features such as a mechanical self-locking differential, the most direct steering ratio in its class, specific anti-roll bars, sports suspension, braking system, and 20-inch wheels.

The MSRP and cost details for the Junior have not been specified, but orders are set to open in early summer. This launch is part of Alfa Romeo's strategy to attract both longstanding fans and new customers, offering a sporty, and distinctively Italian vehicle in the compact car market.

The design features a harmonious balance of proportions and a purity of lines that reflect Alfa Romeo's dedication to high-quality surface treatment. The car's designers have applied artisanal precision to the exterior 'skin', intentionally moving away from the more utilitarian and rational approaches commonly seen in this class.

Stylistic elements draw on Alfa Romeo's traditional motifs, including short overhangs, robust wheel arches, and the iconic ‘kamm tail’ - a nod to the legendary Giulia TZ. These features are combined with a simplicity that belies the complex creative process behind automotive design. The Junior's identity is further accentuated by the iconic scudetto shield, featured prominently in the Leggenda and Progresso variants, making it one of the most recognizable elements in the automotive industry. The SUV's commanding personality is enhanced by the bold front end, equipped with 3+3, adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights, while the quality of the surfaces creates a play of light and shadow through volumetric contrasts, adding depth and allure to the car's overall appearance.

Interior images also showcase the instrument panel, which follows the traditional 'Cannocchiale' design, creating a visual connection that invites engagement with the model. Central to this design is a 10.25-inch fully digital TFT screen, which serves as a hub for accessing data and driving technology settings. Additionally, interior images highlight a 10.25-inch touchscreen on the dashboard, oriented towards the driver for optimal accessibility. This system is engineered with widgets and graphic components that facilitate intuitive interaction, allowing users to personalize their interface by simply dragging and dropping their preferred features.

Interior images further detail the unique touches such as the air conditioning vents, which are styled in the form of a quadrifoglio, underscoring Alfa Romeo's sporting heritage. Options for enhancing the interior include Sabelt sports seats, which merge functionality with comfort, featuring a design that supports ergonomics and lightness.

The Alfa Connect Services, visible in interior images, integrate advanced connectivity within the cabin, providing a suite of services that ensure safety and comfort. Updates to the car's systems, including maps and software, are managed seamlessly via over-the-air technology. Additional functionalities include My Navigation for real-time travel information and My Remote for smartphone-based vehicle interaction.

Interior images also emphasize the integration of modern technologies like the Hey Alfa virtual assistant and ChatGPT, which utilize voice recognition to offer assistance throughout the journey.

The range anxiety often associated with EVs is mitigated in the Junior ELETTRICA through integrated EV Routing within the model's connected navigation system. This system simplifies long journeys by calculating necessary charging stops and providing access to over 600,000 charging points across Europe, the largest network available. It also incorporates real-time monitoring of traffic, battery status, and driving style to optimize the range.

The charging process for the Junior ELETTRICA is designed for convenience and speed, with the capability to recharge the battery from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes using a 100kW rapid charger. Additionally, the Junior ELETTRICA SPECIALE model includes an 11-kW three-phase onboard charger, enhancing the charging performance under various conditions.

The overall weight of the vehicle is carefully managed to support its range, ensuring that the Junior remains agile and efficient, reinforcing its position as a new interpretation of sportiness in the EV sector.

The model is designed with an array of specs that augment driving ease and safety, including optional driver assistance technologies such as Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, 360-degree parking sensors, and a 180-degree rear camera that facilitate semi-autonomous parking. Proximity access technology enhances user convenience, allowing for keyless entry and exit without any necessary actions from the user.

From a performance perspective, Junior leverages its position as the lightest in its segment with optimal mass distribution to deliver exceptional driving dynamics - a characteristic underscored by the development team’s experience with the Giulia GTA. The VELOCE version offers specs such as the most direct steering ratio in its class at 14.6, precisely calibrated sports suspension lowered by 25mm, and robust front and rear anti-roll bars. These specs contribute to Junior's sharp cornering and grip, complemented by large front discs and four-piston monobloc calipers for superior braking, and a Torsen differential for optimal traction under all conditions.

Junior's hp offerings include two powertrains: the 156 hp ELETTRICA and the more robust 240 hp ELETTRICA VELOCE, each providing substantial horsepower and tailored performance attributes. Furthermore, the price point and MSRP for MILANO are positioned to offer competitive value, reflected in three option packs - TECHNOLOGY, EXCLUSIVITY, or SPORTINESS - each designed to enhance specific aspects of safety, comfort, or sporty aesthetics, respectively.