Alfa Romeo Junior set to launch in South Africa

The Alfa Romeo Junior, previously known as the Milano, is a new compact SUV from the Italian manufacturer. Here's what we know about it and its potential introduction to South Africa:   

Related: Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Veloce (2023) Review

Local Introduction to South Africa

• Confirmed Arrival: Alfa Romeo South Africa has officially confirmed that the Junior is coming to the local market. The launch is said to take place in the third quarter of 2025.  
• Local Unveiling: The all-electric Junior Elettrica was surprisingly unveiled at a local Alfa Romeo Club track day on Sunday, March 30, 2025. This marked its first public appearance in South Africa.     
• Derivatives: Both the "Ibrida" (hybrid) and "Elettrica" (electric) configurations are expected to be introduced to the South African market. The unveiled model was the all-electric Junior Elettrica, suggesting it might be the first variant to launch locally, spearheading Alfa Romeo's electrification efforts in South Africa.   
  
  

Specifications and Features

• Dimensions: The Alfa Romeo Junior is a compact SUV with a length of 4.17 meters, a width of 1.78 meters, and a height of 1.5 meters. Its wheelbase is 2.56 meters, and its boot capacity is 400 litres.   
• Infotainment: It features a new infotainment system with a 10.25-inch TFT instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is driver-oriented. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.   
• Interior Design: The interior boasts air conditioning vents shaped like a "quadrifoglio" (four-leaf clover) and 8-colour ambient lighting. The seats are available in various trims, including "Spiga" with black cloth, leatherette with red accents, and sporty "Corsa" seats.   

Hybrid ("Ibrida") Version

• Engine: 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Miller cycle engine with a variable-geometry turbo and 48v hybrid technology. 
• Power: 100kW and 230Nm of torque.
• Electric Motor: 21kW electric motor integrated into a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox.   
• Performance: 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds, with a top speed of 206 km/h. 
• Fuel Efficiency: Around 4.1 L/100km (NEDC test cycle).
• Features include: e-Creeping and e-Parking modes for enhanced urban driving.                                                                                

Electric ("Elettrica") Version:

• Motor: Front-mounted electric motor with two power output options: 115kW (156 hp) with 260Nm of torque, and a Veloce variant with 209kW (280 hp) and 345Nm of torque.   
• Battery: 54kWh battery pack.
• Range: Up to 407 km (WLTP). The Veloce version has a slightly lower range of around 322 km (200.1 miles).
• Performance: The 115kW version achieves 0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. The Veloce version is quicker, with a 0-100 km/h time of around 5.9 seconds.   
• Charging: It supports up to 100kW DC fast charging, allowing approximately 100km of range to be added in about 10 minutes or charging from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes. It also has an 11kW AC onboard charger.

Driving Dynamics and Technology

• Alfa D.N.A. system with different driving modes (Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficiency).
• Available with a limited-slip differential (standard on the Veloce).
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Autonomous Emergency Brake Control, Intelligent Speed Control with Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist, and more.
• Hands-free power tailgate.Optional 360° parking sensors and 180° rear camera.
  

Competitors

It competes in a segment dominated by established players like the Audi Q2, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA.