Alfa Romeo is celebrating 115 years in the automotive world, and what better way to mark the occasion than by checking out the new Alfa Romeo Junior 1.2 mild hybrid petrol version? We’ve seen the electric and the Veloce models, but now there’s a petrol option with 136 horsepower. So, how does it stack up?
Key Takeaways
- The petrol Junior shares the same starting price as the EV version (€34,995).
- It’s about 250kg lighter than the electric model, potentially offering a livelier driving feel.
- The petrol version offers slightly more boot space than the EV.
- Classic Alfa Romeo design cues are present, including the grille and styling.
- The interior features modern touches like wireless charging and physical buttons.
Exterior Design and Practicality
Right off the bat, you’ll notice some differences between this mild-hybrid petrol Junior and the electric version. The grille, for instance, features the classic Alfa Romeo lettering, a nod to older models. While chrome isn’t as common these days for sustainability reasons, the overall look is still very much Alfa. The car we looked at was in a really nice deep bluey-green color, a change from the classic red, and it had some sharp-looking alloys with good tires.
Alfa Romeo has really put their branding everywhere on this car – on the headlights, the C-pillar, and even the wireless charging pad. It’s a detail that fans will likely appreciate. And for those wondering, the petrol version starts at the same price as the electric: €34,995. This means you can choose between the electric with a bit more power but more weight, or the petrol with a slightly smaller boot but potentially a more traditional driving experience.
This car was actually meant to be called something else initially, but that’s a story for another time. What’s clear is that many people find this car very good-looking, which isn’t always the case with crossovers. This petrol version has some nice twin exhausts in chrome, which is pretty much the only bit of chrome on the car. The way the front lip sticks out is different from most cars that tend to blend in these days. Alfa also included a rear wiper, which is always handy, and the tinted glass adds to the classy look.
Now, about the boot space. Because of the battery and floor layout in the EV, the petrol version actually gets an extra 15 liters. You can even adjust the floor height, giving you more options for storage. At 415 liters, it’s a decent size, actually bigger than what you’d find in a Volkswagen Golf. It’s a good space for this class of car.
Interior Comfort and Features
When you look at the back seats, there’s a good amount of legroom, even with the front seats pushed forward a bit. They’ve even added little cutouts in the back of the seats to give you a bit more knee space. Fitting three adults in the back might be a bit tight, but two people will be quite comfortable. Headroom is pretty good for the car’s size. The door sills are a bit high, which might be a minor issue for smaller rear passengers, but kids in booster seats will likely be fine. There’s also a small storage pocket on the back of the seats.
Because this is the petrol version, there’s a bit of a hump in the floor in the back, but the overall rear space is still quite usable. There’s no armrest in the back, but that’s pretty standard for this segment. The seat patterns are nice, and you can opt for some very fancy, expensive seats as part of a pack. These seats really change the interior feel, but they do add to the price.
There are different versions like the Veloce and the Abita. You can also add packs for things like electric seats, a nicer leather steering wheel, and heated seats. The center console has a divider that keeps the driver and passenger separate. The armrest slides, which is a nice touch, and it’s deep enough to fit a large water bottle – something you often have to rely on the door bins for.
As mentioned, the Alfa logo is on the wireless charging pad. Some of these features come with the optional packs. You can even play games on the screen while you wait, like Sudoku. For those who like physical buttons, there are plenty of them. You can control things on the screen or use the physical buttons. There’s a handy home button to get back to the main options, and you can select driving modes and lane keep assist. The speed warning has a shortcut with a car icon. The curved dials and air vents are a nice nod to older Alfa Romeos. The screen is integrated into the dashboard, not just stuck on like a tablet.
Those optional racing bucket seats look fantastic and add a lot of drama to the interior, but they do reduce knee space in the back a bit. They’re still supportive, though, and definitely add some flair.
Driving Experience and Performance
Under the hood, it’s a tried-and-tested 1.2-liter engine with 136 horsepower. It’s about 250 kilos lighter than the EV version, and you can feel it. There’s actual engine noise, the sound of pistons doing their thing, which Alfa fans will likely appreciate. The handling is surprisingly good. On the track, you can hear the tires gripping, and while it’s front-wheel drive and will push wide if you’re really going for it, there’s plenty of grip when you take corners.
Driving a car like this on a track is something you don’t normally get to do. The brake pedal feel is pretty good. If you drive it sensibly, you’re looking at around 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Honestly, it feels more natural to be behind the wheel of an Alfa with an engine. The automatic gearbox is generally smooth, and it seems to know what you want it to do. The traction control light only flickers when you’re really pushing it hard.
You can expect to get around 500 to 600 kilometers out of a tank of fuel, which is a bit more than the electric version’s range. But then again, will you really do that kind of journey without stopping for a break? The range difference between the petrol and electric might not be that significant for most people.
Compared to the very quick but very expensive Veloce electric version, this petrol model is more reasonably priced at around €35,000 before you add any options. It has decent acceleration in gear, but the 1.2 petrol engine feels very familiar, as it’s used in many other Stellantis cars. It suits this smaller car size well. It’s also reasonably quiet, with not much wind noise even when you’re pushing it, making it quite refined overall.
Petrol or Electric?
The big question is whether to go for the petrol or the electric Junior. The fact that both versions have the same starting price is interesting. In theory, this should appeal to those who are still hesitant about going fully electric. The petrol version has slightly better driving dynamics because it weighs about 250 kilos less. However, if plugging in and charging overnight for the cost of a cup of coffee is more appealing to you, then the EV is the way to go.
Either way, Alfa Romeo now offers a Junior that should suit most people. It certainly stands out on the road. Whether you prefer it in classic red or the bluey-green we saw, it looks pretty good. Let us know what you think in the comments below!