The Hybrid Junior, Alfa Romeo's saviour?

In the history of the automobile, iconic models have saved their brands. After the 911, the R5, the Panda, the 500, and the 205, will we soon be talking about the Alfa Romeo Junior? In any case, it has some great assets, especially in the hybrid version tested here.

The Alfa Romeo Junior is available in 100% electric Elettrica and micro-hybrid Ibrida. It's the latter I invite you to discover through my trip behind its wheel. The micro-hybridisation of this small 4.17m long SUV helps the petrol engine to restart and prevents it from working at low speed. It’s a sophisticated and very effective start&stop system to reduce average consumption. In itself, Stellantis masters this technology well, developed for Peugeot some time ago. All profit for Alfa Romeo with this Junior I took under the April sunshine through the roads of Wallonia in Belgium.

Symbol's Honour

From the onset, there's the aggressive look of the black grille, the assertive gaze, the taut profile ending in an ogive and a rear with curves worthy of the Brianza. The interior features a driver-oriented cockpit with Biscones everywhere. The Biscione is the famous mythical snake of the brand's logo, heritage from its Milanese origin. It's even found on the air vents. A pride that lights up when twilight comes. So chic! The Bella Machina cannot, however, escape Stellantis-made accessories and an overly obvious appetite for plastic. But, will its driving reconcile us with the emblem. For, personally, I prefer an Alfa Romeo in sedan mode like the Giulia than an SUV, and I would so like an Alfa Romeo convertible to frolic in Dolce Vita mode... A matter of DNA and generation no doubt!

Valiant

However, the reluctance quickly fades once the engine is started and the gear selector lever is engaged. This 1.2 l turbo block of 136 hp is helped by a small 28 hp electric motor integrated into the eDCT6 dual-clutch robotic gearbox. Well, the power is a bit limited. However, the "Milanese" is anything but sluggish. Because it has a secret weapon: its chassis.

Driving it on the small winding roads of Hainaut and its few hills is thrilling with precise steering and a disciplined front axle. Not even a cobblestone slope from another century disturbed the Junior's determination. Admittedly, when you press the pedal hard during acceleration, the 3-cylinder shows its limits. It forces the box to overextend for a restart. There, I've tested, I've seen, and I've understood. I've understood that if there are paddles, they're not just for decoration. They're there as a backup plan for dashing driving.

Docile

Most buyers won't go on a countryside gymkhana in it. Moreover, the Alfa Romeo Junior has the electronic safeguards of today's cars. And it doesn't hesitate to get you back in line when the Biscione serpent gives you bad ideas for public roads. However, it has the knack of not frustrating too quickly. This SUV is also very pleasant at cruising speed on the highway. The micro-hybridisation plays its role so as not to seem ridiculous when you need to accelerate back to 75 mph after waiting behind a slower vehicle in the fast lane. The advantage of the combustion engine also remains clear: the Alfa Romeo Junior Hybrid isn't afraid of long distances.

For holidays, you'll need to fit the suitcases in the boot with its 415-litre capacity, with a floor adjustable to three levels. With the floor in the highest position, it caters to family needs for supermarket shopping and even - let me get a bit personal - for placing the cat's carrier under the luggage cover.

The Screen

Note, however, that the infotainment screen doesn't follow the home cinema size trend. It's placed too low, requiring your gaze to leave the road for too long when viewing navigation instructions. The same applies to using the rear camera. Smartphone pairing works without issues, as does wireless charging. There's a control panel for the air conditioning. On the steering wheel, it's clearly arranged: regulation on the left; music and telephony on the right. The design of the dashboard instrumentation recalls the counters of yesteryear. A little nostalgic touch to monitor your speed without a head-up display, behind a thick and well-designed steering wheel. The seats also contribute to the overall comfort on board the Junior. An appealing combination that explains why this model is already a commercial success, even as Alfa Romeo, and more generally the Stellantis group, navigates through a storm.

Watch the Fuel

Alfa Romeo wisely offers the Junior Hybrid at a reasonable price. Thus, in Belgium, it starts at €29,200. By adorning it with the same wheels, colour and with the Premium, Tech Lite packs and panoramic sunroof, you have to shell out €37,510. In France, the list price starts at €29,500 with decent equipment. To find a vehicle similar to "our" Junior, you'll need to account for over €35,000. There's even a discount for online purchases. In Switzerland, the official price is CHF 30,490 for the Junior Hybrid. Dress it up a bit, and you reach CHF 40,000! But remember to factor in the fuel budget. Despite the hybridisation, with the DNA button in "Normal" position, the average consumption struggles to stay below 7 litres/100 km. With 44 litres in the tank, you can hope to drive 600 km between fuel stops.

(Olivier Duquesne – Source: Alfa Romeo – Pictures: © Olivier Duquesne)