Behind the wheel of the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce 280, a very sporty compact SUV

During a day set aside for the specialist press, the iconic Balocco Proving Ground, a test track traditionally used by the companies of the Fiat group, served as the stage for the dynamic tests of the new Alfa Romeo Junior in its sportiest version, the 280 CV Veloce, 100% electric, a model developed by the same team of Alfa Romeo engineers who created projects such as the 4C, 8C, Giulia & Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Giulia GTA, designed by Spaniard Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos.

Alfa Romeo has allowed a day of pre-type-approval testing for the new 100% electric Junior 280 Veloce range, to put the brand’s first compact electric sports car to the test on the same circuit where the model’s dynamic design was validated.

The Junior debuts the new electric motor that delivers 207 kW (280 CV) and 345 Nm of torque, which for the first time includes a Torsen “D” limited-slip mechanical differential in a front-wheel-drive electric vehicle.

In its design, with a length of 4.17 m, a width of 1.78 m, a height of 1.50 m and a wheelbase of 2.56 metres, great attention has been paid to aerodynamics, with carefully sculpted surfaces, lightweight wheels, a rear with a “coda tronca” or truncated tail design, and a very limited weight that makes it the lightest in its class, at 1,590 kg.

In addition to the Torsen, it features the most direct steering in its segment (14.6:1), a lowered suspension by 25 mm, specific anti-roll bars and a braking system with 382 x 32 mm front discs with 4-piston calipers and 20-inch tyres.

Well equipped as standard

On the outside it stands out for its Progresso badge, black roof and bodywork with red detailing, privacy glass, adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights and the 20-inch “Venti” alloy wheels. It also includes black mirror housings, door handles in body colour and the Biscione logo on the C-pillar. It is available in six body colours: Sempione White, Tortona Black, Brera Red, Navigli Blue, Arese Steel and Scala Ivory.

It features a instrument panel with a 10.25-inch TFT display and a another 10.25-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, angled towards the driver, Spiga seats with black and red fabric upholstery in vegan leather, the driver’s seat with electric adjustment and massage function. The interior lighting can be set in 8 colours and, as standard, includes wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a four-speaker sound system and two USB ports at the front.

It has the largest boot among compact electric cars, with a cargo capacity of up to 400 litres, and a hands-free tailgate. It also offers a dedicated compartment for storing the charging cable, with an organiser under the front bonnet.

In terms of safety and driver assistance devices, it offers a lane assist system, adaptive cruise control and driver attention alert, electric parking brake, rear parking sensors, keyless entry system, climate control and DNA driving modes.

For charging, it includes an 11 kW three-phase onboard charger, while on direct current it accepts charging of up to 100 kW, which theoretically would allow the battery to be charged from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes. To personalise the Junior Veloce, two optional packs are available: the Techno includes Level 2 autonomous driving, a hands-free electric tailgate, LED Matrix headlights and connected navigation with a virtual assistant, while the Sport pack offers a leather and Alcantara steering wheel and Sabelt Corsa seats upholstered in suede leather.

Associated services

The infotainment system features ChatGPT integrated into the voice recognition system, which can be used to interact with the car remotely via Alexa to check the charge level, search for points of interest, find the last location or open and lock the car remotely.

It is also equipped with “Alfa Connect Services”, a connectivity tool that allows over-the-air (OTA) updates of maps and car software. “My Navigation” allows remote searching for destinations and points of interest (POI), as well as real-time alerts about traffic, weather and speed cameras. The E-Control system also offers the option to remotely manage starting and stopping the car, schedule charging, or heat or cool the interior.

EV Routing, integrated into the navigation system, manages charging by setting the destination – the navigation system calculates the stops needed along the route – in real time, taking into account traffic monitoring, the battery and driving style. For home charging, the Free2move Charge Wallbox charger – requiring no installation – is included with the car. The eSolutions Charging app provides access to the associated charging network, and the E-Card allows contactless payment for charging.

280 CV electric motor and specific chassis

Alfa Romeo debuts the new generation of the 207 kW electric motor (280 CV of power) and 345 Nm of torque in the Junior 280 Veloce. Developed jointly by Alfa Romeo and Emotors, it reaches a maximum rotational speed of 15,200 rpm with constant maximum torque between 250 and 4,875 rpm. It promises 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of over 200 km/h. It features a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery, capable of delivering up to 334 km of range on the WLTP cycle (pending homologation with Goodyear tyres).

To configure performance and range, the driver can choose the preferred driving mode via the Alfa D.N.A. drive selector. The “Dynamic” mode provides maximum power and torque availability, increases steering and throttle sensitivity, and minimises ESP intervention. In addition, fully mechanical braking without regeneration enhances the sporty feel. The “Natural” mode limits acceleration and top speed, and ESP action is more conservative to save energy. In “Advanced Efficiency” mode, torque is limited to 300 Nm for maximum efficiency. It features a “B-mode” to improve energy regeneration.

The suspension setup combines a MacPherson strut at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. At the front it adopts a firmer anti-roll bar and a new, shorter steering arm that allows a steering ratio of 14.6:1. Specific dampers with hydraulic bump stops are fitted to both axles.

It features braking system with 382 x 32 mm ventilated front discs and four-piston calipers and solid 268 x 12 mm rear discs, which ensure a braking distance of 35 metres from 100 km/h to 0. The specific Goodyear or Michelin 225/40 tyres mounted on 20-inch alloy wheels also contribute to this.

Sporty handling

There is no doubt about the brand’s positioning within the Stellantis group, to which it belongs, being the sportiest in both time and form. The plans aim to make it 100% electric from 2027, with a new model over the next five years. The Alfa Stelvio will be the next to arrive, along with the 33 Stradale, and the new edition of the Giulia will be available in 2026.

As for the Junior Veloce, which we had the chance to drive on the Balocco track, the smoothness is evident from the moment you start moving, free of noise and vibrations. Acceleration is spectacular, but there is no loss of traction even when we floor the throttle exiting a tight bend. The electronic management system, supported by the Torsen differential, ensures that power delivery is the maximum the front 225/40 tyres can digest with extreme ease.

The pedal feel is firm and the steering allows the trajectory to be selected with millimetric precision on any type of track. The suspension feels firm but not uncomfortable, and holds the bodywork well during sudden changes of load, while the brakes offer exceptional bite and stopping power.

During the run, at lively paces on the circuit, the onboard computer recorded an average consumption of 22 kWh/100 km, a reasonable figure for these driving conditions. We also noted the powerful energy regeneration capacity during strong deceleration.

As for the price, this version reaches 47,500 euros, a somewhat high figure for a model of these dimensions, although its dynamic characteristics will satisfy those who seek almost exclusively driving fun.

Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce 280 in pictures

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverAlfa Romeo Junior15 versions · from 30,000 €