The wait is finally over for Australian car enthusiasts seeking Italian flair in a compact package. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Junior has officially arrived in Australia this July, priced from $45,900 for the hybrid Ibrida and $57,900 for the fully electric Elettrica variant. This marks Alfa Romeo’s return to the affordable end of the market and introduces the brand’s first electric vehicle to Australian shores.
What Makes the Junior Special
The Junior represents Alfa Romeo’s most affordable offering since the Giulietta was discontinued, sitting $5,000 below the larger Tonale SUV. Despite its compact 4.17-metre length, this Italian SUV packs significant appeal for urban drivers who want style without breaking the budget.
The Junior’s story is quite interesting – it was originally called Milano but had to be renamed after the Italian government objected to using Milan’s name for a car built in Poland. The name Junior pays homage to the classic GT 1300 Junior from 1966, maintaining Alfa Romeo’s heritage connection.
Two Powertrains, One Mission
Ibrida Hybrid: The Practical Choice
The Ibrida features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system, delivering 100kW of power and 230Nm of torque. This setup drives the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Fuel consumption is impressive at 4.1 litres per 100km, with acceleration from 0-100km/h taking 8.9 seconds. The hybrid system assists with parking, stop-start functionality, and low-speed manoeuvres, though it doesn’t provide meaningful electric-only driving.
Elettrica Electric: The Future-Forward Option
The Elettrica variant uses a 115kW electric motor producing 260Nm of torque, powered by a 54kWh battery pack that provides up to 407km of WLTP range. For city driving, Alfa Romeo claims you could see up to 590 kilometres of range.
Charging is convenient with DC fast charging up to 100kW, allowing 10% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. At home using AC charging at 11kW, a full charge takes around 5 hours and 45 minutes.
Inside the Junior: Technology Meets Italian Style
Both variants come well-equipped with a 10.25-inch digital cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated “Spiga” seats. The interior design has character with illuminated circular air vents, red highlights on sports seats, alloy pedals, and crimson accents throughout the cabin.
Despite its compact exterior, the Junior offers remarkable practicality with a 400-litre boot capacity – impressive for this size category. The cabin feels more premium than typical small SUVs, though some ergonomic compromises exist, like the lower-mounted central screen.
Safety and Warranty Coverage
Safety features include Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and six airbags. While Euro NCAP and ANCAP testing hasn’t been completed yet, the comprehensive safety package suggests strong protection.
All Alfa Romeo models in Australia come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, providing peace of mind for buyers.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Junior’s standout feature is its lightweight construction – the electric Veloce version weighs just 1,590kg, which is remarkably light for an electric vehicle. This contributes to the car’s agile handling and authentic Alfa Romeo driving character.
The steering is light and precise, with subtle brake recuperation and delicate suspension tuning that gives the Junior a fluidity other small EVs haven’t achieved. For enthusiasts, a high-performance Veloce version with 207kW is also planned, though Australian availability hasn’t been confirmed.
Market Position and Competition
The Junior shares its underpinnings with the Jeep Avenger, which is currently offered in Australia for $40,000 drive-away in base electric form. However, the Alfa Romeo offers more premium styling and interior appointments to justify its price premium.
Alfa Romeo expects the Junior to become the brand’s best-selling vehicle due to its affordable entry point into the Italian marque’s lineup. It competes against models like the Toyota C-HR, Volkswagen T-Roc, and the upcoming Volvo EX30.
| Specification | Ibrida Hybrid | Elettrica Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Price (before on-roads) | $45,900 | $57,900 |
| Power | 100kW + 21kW e-motor | 115kW |
| Torque | 230Nm | 260Nm |
| Range/Fuel Economy | 4.1L/100km | 407km WLTP |
| 0-100km/h | 8.9 seconds | ~9 seconds |
| Battery/Engine | 1.2L turbo + 48V hybrid | 54kWh battery |
| Transmission | 6-speed DCT | Single-speed |
| Boot Capacity | 400 litres | 400 litres |
| Warranty | 5 years unlimited km | 5 years unlimited km |
Should You Consider the Junior?
The Junior makes sense for buyers wanting Italian style and character in a practical small SUV package. The hybrid Ibrida offers excellent fuel economy and familiar driving dynamics, while the Elettrica provides zero-emission driving with competitive range and charging capabilities.
The supportive sports seats proved comfortable over extended drives, and the single-zone climate control and six-speaker audio system provide adequate comfort for most users. However, some may find the three-cylinder engine lacks the sportiness expected from Alfa Romeo, though this is typical for efficiency-focused powertrains.
The Junior represents Alfa Romeo’s commitment to electrification while maintaining the driving character that makes the brand special. For Australian buyers seeking an alternative to mainstream small SUVs, the Junior offers genuine Italian personality at an accessible price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Alfa Romeo Junior be available in Australian dealerships?
A: The Junior is arriving in Australian showrooms in July 2025, with both hybrid and electric variants available from launch.
Q: Can the hybrid Junior drive on electric power alone?
A: The Ibrida’s 48V mild hybrid system assists the engine but doesn’t provide meaningful electric-only driving – it mainly helps with parking and stop-start functions.
Q: How long does it take to charge the electric Junior?
A: Using DC fast charging (100kW), it takes about 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. At home with 11kW AC charging, expect around 5 hours 45 minutes for a full charge.
