What is it?

Nearly everyone is getting in on the electric action and now, it’s Alfa Romeo’s turn. Previously, the Italian manufacturer hasn’t strayed too close to battery-powered technology, but that all changes with this car - the Junior - which enters the firm into a completely new stage.

Essentially a ‘baby’ electric SUV, the Junior will go up against the likes of the Peugeot e-2008 and Lexus LBX as a small, yet premium-feeling EV. We’ve been driving it to see just what this new Junior has to offer.

What’s new?

There was a little bit of drama surrounding the Junior’s naming. At first, it was dubbed ‘Milano’, but after a back-and-forth with the Italian government - which protested at the use of an Italian city for a car built in China - it was renamed Junior. And here we are.

Despite the rather radical exterior with its ‘shield’ front grille and typical Alfa flamboyance, things are more ‘regular’ underneath thanks to the Stellantis e-Cmp2 platform which is shared with other cars in the group such as the Vauxhall Mokka, Fiat 600e and Peugeot e-2008.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Junior will be available in a variety of configurations, centred around one battery pack and three power outputs. All versions come with a 54kWh battery pack - though base Junior models get 158bhp and a range of up to 250 miles. Step up to Speciale and you’ll find that power increased to 243bhp - while the range drops to 215 miles - while range-topping Veloce cars receive 283bhp and the same range as the Speciale though with a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds, it’s the quickest of the bunch.

All versions can charge at speeds of up to 100kW, too, which would mean a 10 to 80 per cent charge being completed in less than 30 minutes.

What’s it like to drive?

Thankfully, the Junior can back up its dynamic looks with a sparkling driving experience. There’s very little body roll and it all feels very controlled and well-maintained through the corners. The steering has some good weight to it, too, without feeling too artificial and the immediate delivery of torque from the electric motor means that the Junior has an urgent feeling to its acceleration.

We were driving the range-topping Veloce model which brought 20-inch alloy wheels and a drop of 25mm in tide height. It’s a little firm - even on the smooth track that we tested the car out on - and that could mean that the Junior might struggle to deal with British roads. However, it’s likely that other versions on smaller wheels will offer improved comfort levels.

How does it look?

Alfa Romeo has applied its usually striking approach to styling on the Junior. It’s all very sharp, with the Junior’s variety of angles and cuts helping to make this car stand out from the crowd. The boomerang lights on the front end are distinctive and are joined by four LED daytime running lights. The front grille also features a ‘carved’ design which looks interesting without being overly fussy.

You might notice something different about the Junior’s looks compared to previous Alfa Romeo models - it’s one of the first cars from the brand to omit an offset number plate.

What’s it like inside?

There are plenty of high-end materials used throughout the Junior’s interior to give an overall ‘premium’ feel to the cabin. The Sabelt sport seats on this high-end variant are great, too, and provide a decent level of support while still remaining comfortable overall. There are some harsher plastics to be found in areas like the door cards and dashboard, however, and this does let the side down somewhat.

Rear-seat legroom is more than enough for most passengers, too, though a small transmission tunnel - the Junior will also be available as a regular hybrid in some markets - makes sitting three abreast a bit tight. In terms of boot space, the 400-litre load area in the Junior makes it one of the best in the market.

What’s the spec like?

The Junior will be offered in three main specifications - Elettrica, Speciale Elettrica and Veloce. All models benefit from a high level of standard equipment, however, including 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED headlights and rear parking sensors while inside there’s a 10.25-inch infotainment screen.

Middle-rung specifications gain a sportier styling kit for the exterior, tinted rear windows, a six-way adjustable electric driver’s seat and an electric tailgate. Flagship Veloce cars, meanwhile, get that increased power output alongside a Torsen differential, 20-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers - among other features.

Verdict

The Junior represents a big step for Alfa Romeo. It’s a car which enters the Italian brand into the EV segment and establishes it as a contender in this ever-expanding area of the market while showcasing its appetite for an electrified future.

As an opening act, it’s impressive. While some interior materials may let the side down a touch, the Junior counters with a surprisingly involving driving experience, an exciting exterior design and far more space inside than you might expect.