Alfa Romeo Junior fast: test, electric, autonomy, power, price, performance

Attribute to a Compact electric SUV The meaning of sports car is far from a children’s game. But if there is a brand that traditionally is able to interpret this concept with skill, that is Alfa Romeo. And if in the current context the performance speak more and more often the language of the electricity, especially in minor segments, it is also necessary to probe this aspect of automotive, in search of new ideas and new perspectives to continue enjoying the guide. This explains the decision of the Biscione engineers to take the platform Stellantis CMP2 in its electrified variant and see it as much as possible, to the point of judging it worthy of wearing a badge with an important weight, the acronym “Fast“. Inherited from the prestigious Giulia Sprint of 1965, and more recently worn also by the new generation of Giuliabest embodies the essence of Gran Turismo, with a non -screaming sportiness, but disguised as an elegant appearance.

Design

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THE’Alfa Romeo Junior fast It is immediately recognizable on the aesthetic level. To give it a more sporty imprint are above all the rims from 20 incheswhich on a car with such compact dimensions stand out particularly. Distinguished by a peculiar shape with only four breeds, at the front they leave almost discovered the discs of the brakes with equally generous dimensions, 380 mm in diameter. Another obvious difference compared to the other variants of the junior, thelowered structure of 25 millimetersas well as the presence of thin red profiles in the lower ends of doors and rear bumpers. Instead, the proportions, with a length of 4.17 meters and a width of 1.78 m, which insert it into the heart of the B-SUV segment.

Technique

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To move theAlfa Romeo Junior fast It is an axial flow electric engine capable of delivering a maximum power of 281 hp (207 kW) and a couple of 345 nm. The traction is only anterior and passes through a self -locking differential Torsen Type D. steering box with dedicated relationships and suspension with a specific point with a lowered set -up of 25 mm improve the driving dynamics, while particular attention was paid to the braking system. In this sense, at the front we find pliers Alcon with four pistons that bite discs from 380×32 mmwhile at the rear there are 268 mm records, part of a system whose management logics differ from those of traditional electricity, with the possibility of eliminating the effects of regenerative braking by promoting exclusively mechanical. To fit the 20 “rims are instead tires 225/40and for the first Alfa Romeo equipment it provides some Michelin Pilot Sport EVspecific for high performance electrics. Performance side, the fast junior is able to shoot from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 secondsand can reach a maximum speed greater than 200 km/h.

Interior

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The sporting key characterization of the interiors first of all from the particular front seats, available as an option at a price that starts from 2,500 euros. Made by Sabeltan Italian company that provides its seats also to six teams of Formula 1adopt a particularly aggressive form, with three openings on the back and very containing hips. Covered in eco -leather ed Alcantaraas well as functional, they are also delicious on the aesthetic profile, with seams, inserts and biscione in contrast red. The central tunnel, the lower end of the dashboard and the steering wheel are also covered with Alcantara, while the rest of the finishes follows what was seen on the other versions of the Junior.

Technology

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As is known, theAlfa Romeo Junior It shares its platform with many other cars of the galaxy Stellantisfrom Jeep Avenger to Fiat 600, but also Peugeot 2008 and DS 3 Crossback. However, it is not a mere case of re-badge, nor on the profile of the mechanics, let alone in the interiors. And this confirms that the setting of the dashboard is totally different from that of the “sisters”, with the digital instrumentation inserted within the traditional Alfa Romeo telescope and the display of theinfotainment from 10.25 “ integrated in the center of the dashboard. A solution that guarantees a greater order in the passenger compartment instead of the classic fleet screens, but which makes it at the same time a little less comfortable to use, despite being conspicuously oriented towards the driver. Display graphics and resolution are not exactly last cry, while wireless compatibility is guaranteed with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Present on the dashboard, both USB-C type and traditional USB, an extinction solution but which is convenient for practical act, because it allows you to easily connect even less recent devices. The step is 2.56 metersbut despite this, the space in the rear row is also discreet for two adults. Amounts to 400 liters The ability of the luggage compartment, to which is added a small additional compartment under the front hood to host the charging cables.

How is it going

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The arrival on the market of numerous electrics with important performance has highlighted an important concept: there is a difference between a “fast” and a “sports” car. Horses are not enough on horses to make a car enjoyable, the dynamic behavior must be up to par. And it is here that Alfa Romeo Junior Velior emerges, which in addition to the shooting of the electric motor, boasts the ability to draw precise trajectories despite the 281 hp are downloaded on the front wheels only. The “magic” passes through a series of Technical solutions Think ad hoc for this special version, from the dedicated relating to the steering box to the mechanical self -locking differential, a symptom that to have put their hands for real enthusiasts. Minimum the roll, almost absent the understeer, for a car that can close a curve surgically following the trajectory given. The merit also goes to anti -roll bars Specially developed, which also allowed to make the junior stable and placed without having to exaggerate with the stiffness of the suspensions. Of course, you don’t travel on velvet, but considering that “under” there are 20 inches rims with tires with a narrow shoulder, the result is satisfactory.

The supply of the electric motor is also well calibrated. Always consistent, in acceleration As well as in the second half, but without giving sudden shots to the occupants, preferring a more gradual construction of the speed. Three driving methods made available, selectable via the selector Alfa DNA. An acronym, in which the “D” stands for “Dynamic“, The one that releases the maximum performance and hardens the steering, while the” N “identifies the”Normal“, With less permissive electronics and a maximum power of 240 HP, and finally the” a “of”Advanced efficiency“, synonymous with power limited to 175 HP for lower consumption. Instead, it is not given the right to regulate the intensity of the regenerative braking Through palette, but you can set from the display on several levels, intensify it with the “B” or even completely eliminate it to rely on the mechanical system only. Less relevant for sports use, but significant to the practical act, its excellent agility In the maneuver phase, where it benefits from a content steering radius as well as a comfortably soft steering wheel at low speeds.

Autonomy and consumption

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To feed the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloor is a battery pack from 54 kWhfor which an autonomy of 322 km in the combined mixed WLTP cyclewhich rises to 433 km in the urban cycle. During our test, the consumption detected was equal to 16 kWh/100 km In the mainly urban area, while adding to the Fast scroll roads to the equation, with a fluid guide it was possible to detect consumption around the 20 kWh/100 km. At motorway gaits, however, the consumption detected was between 22 and 25 kWh/100 km. To maximize the autonomy of the fast junior, of course, it is necessary to rely on the regenerative braking and to draw up from fully exploiting its 281 HP, while pushing the accelerator the travels are evidently shorten. The adoption of a 54 kWh battery has allowed Junior to save a lot of weight to the scale, which marks 1,560 kgvalue contained with respect to what many other powerful electrics had accustomed us, but the scotto to be paid is an autonomy that is not particularly generous, which effectively requires greater planning of journeys and top -ups.

Prices and installations

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The Alfa Romeo Junior price list starts from 29,900 euros With the 136 HP hybrid, while for the entry level to batteries it takes at least 39,500 euros. The 281 HP fast junior, the object of the test, is positioned at the top of the range, with a price of 48,500 euros. A figure that can grow by drawing on the optional catalog, which includes the Fast sports pack from 2,500 euros, with i Sabelt sports seats and the sports steering wheel in leather, and the Pack Technoalways from 2,500 euros, which enriches the technological equipment by also adding a rear viewer, wireless charging for smartphones and Full Led Matrix headlights. The standard color is the black and white with black roof, while the Nero Tortona 600 euros of the car costs 600 euros, the ivory gallery and the Arese gray with black roof cost 900 euros and the two -tone red livery Brera and Nero costs 1,200 euros.

Strengths and weaknesses

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Below, strengths and weaknesses found during our road test:

Pleases:

• Steering: very soft in maneuver, becomes precise and sincere between the curves;
• Style: The 20 “rims and Sabelt sports seats are two unique” goodies “for the segment.

​NOT LIKE:

• Autonomy: higher performance involves higher consumption, but the travel is quite limited;
• Finishes: some details that can be improved in the interiors, such as the driving mode selector or the resolution of the infotainment display.