Alfa Romeo Junior

Alfa Romeo Junior (Type 966)

Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica 156 in Andorra la Vella (Andorra)

The Alfa Romeo Junior (Type 966) is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by the Italian company Alfa Romeo since 2024. At the time of its introduction, this car became the smallest in the Alfa Romeo lineup currently on the market.

In December 2023, the Alfa Romeo Junior was presented. The car was initially announced in the press under the name Brennero, in honor of the Brenner Pass (Passo del Brennero), located in Italy. This name refers to the pass of the same name and continues the tradition of naming SUVs after Alpine passes, which was previously used by Alfa Romeo in the Stelvio and Tonale models.

However, on December 14, 2023, it was officially confirmed that the car will be called Milano, in honor of the Milan city where the brand was founded in 1910.

The presentation of the Milano model took place on April 10, 2024 at the Milan Automobile Club. However, on April 15, the model was renamed Alfa Romeo Junior. The reason for the name change was the statements of the Italian Minister of Economic Development Adolfo Urso. He emphasized that “the production of a car called Milano in Poland is prohibited by Italian law.” As a result, the manufacturer was forced to abandon this name and return to the name Junior, which was used on the 1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Junior.

Overview

It was developed as a direct competitor to the MiTo in the same B-segment, and also as a replacement for the Giulietta.

Junior shares many elements with the Jeep Avenger and the Fiat 600. It is produced alongside them in Tychy, Poland, on the same STLA Small platform, also known as the e-CMP2.

Junior combines several design elements inspired by the Giulia TZ. The front grille is designed as a scudetto shield, while the Elettrica version will receive an inset logo, and the hybrid version will have a traditional grille with the “Alfa Romeo” lettering.

The interior of the car has two 10.25-inch (26.0 cm) screens: one for the instrument cluster and one for the infotainment touchscreen. The Quadrifoglio air vents are shaped like a four-leaf clover, while the Sabelt sports seats provide additional comfort.

Other functional features include 360-degree parking sensors and a 180-degree rear camera.

Engine

The car is available with four engine options, including the Ibrida, a mild hybrid version (MHEV).

The weakest version is the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica, which produces 115 kW (154 HP) with torque up to 260 Nm (192 lb-ft). The 54 kWh battery provides the car with a range of up to 410 kilometers (approximately 250 miles).

The second variant, known as the Elettrica Junior Speciale, has much in common with the Elettrica. It has the same range and performance.

The third and currently most powerful variant is the Junior 280 Veloce. It produces 207 kW (278 HP) and 345 Nm (254 lb-ft) of torque. However, like the other models, it is front-wheel drive and uses the same 54 kWh battery as the others. This allows it to travel up to 347 kilometers (around 215 miles) on a single charge.

The fourth variant, called the Ibrida, is a 48-volt mild hybrid system that produces a total of 102 kW (136 HP). The 21 kW (29 HP) battery is paired with a 1.2-liter turbocharged I3 engine, which is connected to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.