First Drive: Does the Alfa Romeo Junior carry Italian aptitude to the EV market?

What’s it? Alfa Romeo, like so many different manufacturers, is on a path in the direction of electrification. It’s a part of the broader Stellantis group, which implies that it – alongside manufacturers comparable to Vauxhall and Peugeot – is dedicated to producing extra battery-powered automobiles than earlier than. However for Alfa Romeo, that poses a fair larger downside. The Italian agency has been behind among the most iconic petrol-powered automobiles ever made, so how do you go about transferring that keenness and aptitude right into a battery-powered car? All of it begins with the Junior – the automobile that we’re right here. What’s new? You could keep in mind that the Junior had a barely troublesome begin to life. Alfa launched its new EV as ‘Milano’ earlier than a backlash from the Italian authorities – the Junior isn’t made in Italy, in spite of everything, however in Poland – compelled it to rethink the title. Now, we’ve got the Junior. New title in place, the Junior sits on a platform which is shared with all method of Stellantis-made EVs, such because the Peugeot e-2008, Fiat 600e and Jeep Avenger. Differentiating it’s difficult, due to this fact, nevertheless it’s what is required to assist the Junior to face out. What’s below the bonnet? As customary, the Junior comes outfitted with a single electrical motor which produces 154bhp and 260Nm of torque. This equates to a 0-60mph time of 8.8 seconds and flat-out the Junior will handle a prime pace of 150mph. Vary-wise, Alfa claims that it’s best to get 250 miles between top-ups, whereas 100kW charging capability might see a 20 to 80 per cent cost completed in round half an hour. You can even get the Junior with a extra highly effective electrical setup within the range-topping Veloce mannequin. Right here, you get 278bhp and a revised suspension system although this automobile’s vary does drop again to 215 miles. What’s it wish to drive? There’s a typical Alfa alertness to the steering that you simply get from the Junior; it’s a automobile which does really feel lighter than it’s possible you’ll anticipate whereas concurrently dealing with corners in a composed and guaranteed method. As with many EVs the Junior struggles on the low-speed expertise, with potholes and street imperfections sending spikes and shudders by way of the automobile. At larger speeds, it’s properly settled, nonetheless. The efficiency that you simply get from the electrical motor is respectable sufficient too, although heavy presses of the accelerator can generally lead the entrance wheels to go ‘mild’ as they scrabble for grip. The brakes do let the facet down. Whereas the steering has some nice sharpness to it, the brakes supply little in the way in which of really feel and – at occasions – don’t appear to be bringing the automobile to a cease as successfully as you’d like. Some additional chew from the brakes can be a lot appreciated, that’s for positive. How does it look? There’s no mistaking the Junior as a automobile from some other model however Alfa Romeo. The Italian agency has completed an important job of infusing this mannequin with loads of its design hallmarks, with the big ‘protect’ grille making an prompt impression. It feels as if the design is much less profitable on the rear, thoughts you, however that’s down to non-public choice. Completed in ‘Brera Crimson’ our check automobile definitely appeared the half and gave a very good indication that Alfa will have the ability to switch its traditionally handsome designs onto its new EVs. What’s it like inside? There’s a blended bag of approaches contained in the cabin of the Junior. For starters, the seating place in all fairness excessive, however you do have a good view out of the entrance of the automobile. Materials-wise the Junior does have some harsher feeling plastics right here and there, and the darkish inside of the automobile can really feel somewhat oppressive at occasions – notably because of the large use of black supplies and accents. Rear-seat house isn’t too unhealthy nevertheless it’s not as roomy as automobiles just like the Kia EV3, primarily because of the Junior’s massive central tunnel hump on the again. When it comes to boot house, the Junior presents up 400 litres – and although that’s greater than you’ll get from a Volvo EX30, is lower than you’ll discover within the mechanically-similar Peugeot e-3008 which has 434 litres of boot house. What’s the spec like? Costs for the Alfa Romeo Junior begin from £33,895, with base automobiles coming nicely outfitted. In reality, all fashions get diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels, a ten.25-inch infotainment system and a foremost instrument cluster of the identical measurement. You additionally get an efficiency-booting warmth pump as customary – one thing which is not noted of the included gear on many EVs at this value level. Step as much as Speciale trim like our check automobile and also you’ll discover the value rise to £35,695 whereas including premium six-way power-adjustable and heated entrance seats, and a larger suite of driver help programs comparable to lane centring help and an upgraded computerized emergency braking setup. In fact, the fundamental specification matches the invoice – it’s nonetheless bought the entire options that the majority drivers would wish. Verdict The Alfa Romeo Junior is a good begin for this Italian model within the EV world. It’s bought trying and has sufficient dynamic poise to distinguish itself from the opposite automobiles throughout the Stellantis group with which it shares a platform. It’d be good if the inside shared among the aptitude of the outside – and we’d recognize some additional chew from the brake pedal – however hold to decrease specs and the Junior might show to be an attractive choice. It’s definitely the most effective from the present crop of Stellantis EVs.