Alfa Romeo Junior Electric Review 2024
The Alfa Romeo Junior Electric isn't your usual Alfa. It's a compact crossover electric SUV that appeals to families and drivers who put practicality before performance. With good handling, a smart interior, and up to 255 miles of range, the Junior Electric is Alfa's attempt to break into the popular crossover SUV segment.
Rivals to the Alfa Romeo Junior Electric include the Kia Niro EV, Volvo EX30, Honda e:Ny1, and Smart #1.
Our Alfa Romeo Junior Electric review covers:
- Distinctive exterior design with eye-catching front grille
- Smart interior and comfortable seats
- 400 litres of boot space
- Two electric powertrains
- Three trim levels
Pros:
- Fantastic handling
- Unique exterior styling
- Decent boot space
Cons:
- Interior more cramped than rivals
- Real-world range not great
- Rivals are more appealing
The exterior of the Junior Electric is distinctively Alfa. The front end is eye-catching, and the grille is almost multi-layered; there are the air intakes at the bottom, Alfa's V-shaped front grille in the middle, and slim LED headlights at the top. It's certainly a unique design, but we like it.
The Junior Electric doesn't feel as spacious as the Volvo EX30, but even so, interior space is decent. Two adults can easily fit in the front, and three passengers can fit in the rear, but expect to be rubbing shoulders.
The Junior Electric's boot space is 400 litres, which is about on par with class standards. There's enough space for a weekly shop or luggage for a weekend away, and you get a few handy features, such as a height-adjustable floor and a front boot for the charging cables.
The Junior Electric's interior isn't quite up to Alfa's usual standards, but they are usually so high that the interior is still pleasant. There's a nice gloss black trim on all major features, but it does feel a bit on the cheaper side and falls short of the Smart #1. The Veloce trim takes it up a notch and adds nice-looking red stitching.
The majority of the car's features are controlled through a 10.25-inch infotainment system on the dashboard. It's a bit basic in modem terms but displays clear graphics and features smartphone connectivity as standard. There's also a 10.25-inch display behind the steering wheel that houses the digital driver's display.
Three trim levels are available for the Junior Electric: Elettrica, Elettrica Speciale, and Elettrica 280 Veloce.
Elettrica comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlamps, climate control, and a pair of 10.25-inch digital screens.
Elettrica Speciale adds a black body kit with red details, a Spiga interior with electric seats, and privacy glass.
Elettrica 280 Veloce has 20-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, and Torsen Limited Slip Differential.
The Junior Electric is powered by a 54kWh battery that's available with either a 156hp or 280hp electric motor. The entry-level 156hp version shoots from 0 to 62mph in nine seconds, while the 280 version gets the job done in just 5.9 seconds.
The electric range is officially up to 250 miles, but we'd expect a real-world range around the 200-mile mark. You also get rapid DC charging capabilities up to 100kW, meaning it can recharge from 20% to 80% in just under 30 minutes.
Using an AC charger, it can fully charge in five hours and 45 minutes.
If there's one thing Alfa knows how to do, it's make a car that's good to drive. It's easy to drive around town, as electric vehicles are, and its handling is simply fantastic.
Whether doing the school run or nipping to the shop, the Junior Electric will get the job done with ease. There's a good field of view out of the windscreen, and the handling is accurate and well-weighted.
As you increase up to cruising speed, the Junior Electric continues to impress. It has no issues accelerating to 70mph, and once there, the sports suspension deals with potholes and bumps in the road with ease.
You can also use Alfa's three driving modes: Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency. Depending on the mode, the steering weight, brake feel, and accelerator response are all adjusted.
Finally, on a country lane, the Junior Electric is superb to drive and certainly stands out in the crossover SUV sector. The steering is quick and accurate, which allows you to place a lot of trust in the car, and the body lean is minimal.
Prices for the new Alfa Romeo Junior Electric start from Price On Request OTR* or to lease from £377.24 per month.
Looking to get behind the wheel of the Alfa Romeo Junior Electric? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.
Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.
*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.
