We tested the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida (145 CV): the hybrid ECO SUV that is making waves

There are cars that catch your eye and others that win you over with the miles. The Alfa Romeo Junior HEV achieves both: it grabs attention at first glance and, once you drive it, leaves you with a clear sense of a well-thought-out product. It is not a sports car disguised as an SUV —nor does it aim to be—, but neither is it one of those urban hybrids that merely go through the motions. The Junior has intent, character and, above all, an idea: to make a car you can use every day without giving up Italian identity.

The Junior is the Alfa Romeo that enters the segment where nearly everything is currently happening: that of the compact urban SUVs. And it does so with a logical recipe: contained size, a hybrid system to lower consumption and an “easy” environmental label for getting around the city. What is interesting is that, within that logic, Alfa has managed to slip in a bit of emotion.

Exterior: compact but with character

The Junior has a length of 4,173 mm, a width of 1,781 mm and a height of 1,533 mm, figures typical of its category that allow it to offer a compact yet stable stance on the road. Its design takes classic elements of the brand —such as the triangular grille or the defined headlights— and adapts them to a modern, urban package that stands out for its expressive details and balanced proportions.

The body lines aim to create a dynamic silhouette without being ostentatious, and on the move the car feels agile and compact, ideal for narrow streets and tricky parking spaces, without giving up the characteristic aesthetic approach of Alfa Romeo.

Interior: technology with state-of-the-art screens

One of the aspects that most catches attention when entering the Junior is its integrated digital environment. The car features two 10.25-inch digital screens: one that serves as the instrument cluster and another for the central infotainment system, positioned well oriented for the driver and with modern graphics adapted to the touch interface. However, the instrument cluster has one small drawback: its customization options are rather limited, if not non-existent.

These screens allow the integration of modern connectivity features, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and provide access to navigation, multimedia and vehicle settings menus with the visual clarity expected in vehicles of this segment.

In addition, the interior space, although well used, stands out for its practicality: the Junior offers a boot capacity of 415 litres, placing it in a comfortable position for daily use and weekend getaways, with enough room for luggage or family shopping.

Ergonomics and the perceived quality of the materials also contribute to an overall sense of comfort and modernity, making long journeys or urban commutes pleasant.

Engine and hybrid system: balance between efficiency and response

The HEV (hybrid) version of the Junior mounts a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 136 CV, assisted by an electric motor of 29 CV integrated into the six-speed automatic gearbox, for a declared combined total of 145 CV of power.

This 48 V hybrid system is designed to maximise energy efficiency in urban driving and reduce consumption without the need to plug the car in, as reflected in homologated figures of 4.8 l/100 km and emissions of 109 g/km of CO₂. The combination of the combustion engine with electric support makes city driving smooth, with seamless transitions between propulsion modes.

In terms of performance, the Junior HEV declares a top speed of 206 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds, figures that do not make it a pure sports car, but do give it enough push for most everyday situations.

Driving sensations: balanced response and daily comfort

Behind the wheel, the Junior HEV conveys the feel of a well-settled car that is easy to drive. In town, electric assistance smooths out pull-aways and makes progress easier in dense traffic; on the road, stability is solid and engine response feels reasonably lively without pursuing extreme sportiness.

Steering feel is satisfactory for its segment: it offers precision without being excessively firm, allowing comfort and control to be combined with ease. The dual-clutch automatic gearbox keeps shifts smooth in normal use, delivering relaxed driving that suits the car’s urban-suburban focus.

As for the figures, the Junior HEV declares 206 km/h top speed and a 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds, a performance that, without making it a sports car, gives it the solvency for merging and overtaking with total ease.

Furthermore, its 48 V hybrid system is not an isolated solution: it is part of the technology shared within the Stellantis group, a scheme already used in other models from different brands in the consortium, which translates into a known, proven mechanical setup designed to maximise efficiency and smoothness in real-world conditions.

In terms of size, turning circle and ease of manoeuvring, the Junior moves with confidence in urban environments and tight parking spaces, without feeling like a large car, which fits perfectly with its approach as a compact everyday SUV.

The Alfa Romeo Junior HEV is not the most advanced electric SUV on the market, nor does it aim to compete with pure sports cars. However, its combination of modern technology (10.25″ screens), practical boot (415 litres), hybrid efficiency and Italian design make it an attractive option for those looking for a versatile car with character and suited to everyday life.

In a segment full of alternatives, the Junior stands out for offering a more “premium” and technological experience without giving up practicality, which positions it as a serious contender against models from mainstream brands and an interesting step for those wanting a city SUV with a distinctive touch.

Image gallery Alfa Romeo Junior HEV

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverAlfa Romeo Junior15 versions · from 30,000 €