Alfa Romeo Junior Hybrid Review | Sporty and efficient crossover

Read Caroline’s Alfa Romeo Junior Hybrid review for everything you need to know about buying Alfa’s new hybrid crossover in Ireland.

The Alfa Romeo Junior marks a bold return for the Italian car brand to the compact segment. While it may be small in size, it brings with it big personality. Following my drive in the fully electric Junior earlier this year, I’ve now spent time with the new Junior Ibrida, the petrol hybrid version of Alfa’s charismatic compact crossover.

So what’s it like to drive, how efficient is it, and does it live up to Alfa’s reputation for style and excitement?

Here’s everything you need to know.

Alfa Romeo Junior Design

The Junior is Alfa Romeo’s smallest model, slotting below the Tonale and Stelvio. It’s priced from €34,995, whether you go for the hybrid or the electric version. Rivals include the Volvo EX30, Smart #1 and Lexus LBX, but the Junior is arguably the most stylish of them all.

It’s a beautifully styled compact car with some lovely retro-inspired touches, like Alfa’s signature ‘Leggenda Scudetto’ V-shield grille, with the brand name in vintage lettering and sharp LED headlights. Matrix LEDs are an option as part of the Technology Pack.

On the outside, 17-inch alloys are standard on the hybrid, while the electric gets 18s. This test car came finished in Navigli Blue, a striking shade named after the Navigli district of Milan and a nod to the historic home of Alfa Romeo.

Alfa Romeo Junior Interior

Inside, the Junior is snug and sporty, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cowled digital driver display giving it a proper Alfa feel. While the design is stylish, materials aren’t quite as plush as something like the Lexus LBX. You’ll notice some hard plastics, especially on the doors. That said, what’s in front of you looks good, and the overall layout is modern and intuitive.

Standard features include automatic air conditioning, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

However you likely will want to add packs to get more luxurious features. My test car was fitted with two optional packs. The Premium Pack (€3,000) adds heated front seats, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and massage, sports pedals and upgraded upholstery.

The Technology Pack (€3,500) adds a reversing camera, extra safety features, wireless phone charging, keyless entry, folding mirrors and a powered tailgate.

Practicality

At 415 litres, the hybrid Junior actually offers slightly more boot space than the electric (400 litres). It’s a good size for a compact car. The test car also had a three-position adjustable boot floor, which adds flexibility for loading and storage.

Rear seat space is on the tighter side, but that’s part of the course in this segment. It’s suitable for children or the occasional adult passenger, and you’ll find Isofix mounts, USB ports and reasonable comfort for short trips.

Driving the Junior Hybrid 

Under the bonnet, the Junior Ibrida uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, paired with a 48-volt hybrid system and a 21kW electric motor. Power output stands at 136hp and 230Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

0-100km/h takes 8.9 seconds, so it’s respectably quick, and claimed fuel economy is as low as 4.8 litres per 100km.

This hybrid setup is now common across Stellantis stablemates like Peugeot and Opel. It offers a nice balance between petrol performance and hybrid efficiency. However, it’s not quite as refined as the Lexus LBX hybrid. In town, the stop/start system can be jerky, and there’s a noticeable lack of smoothness when transitioning between electric and petrol drive in slow traffic.

That said, once you’re up to speed, the Junior Ibrida settles down nicely though there is some road noise at high speeds on the motorway. It still has that Alfa DNA, feeling nippy and engaging when you want it to be.

There are also Alfa’s DNA drive modes, but sadly the traditional dial has been replaced by a generic button that appears in everything from the Opel Mokka to the Peugeot 2008 and Jeep Avenger. The Dynamic mode offers sharper throttle response and maximum power, Natural is for balanced everyday driving and Advanced Efficiency is for the most economical drive.

Pricing

The new Junior Hybrid is available from €34,995, which is the same as the electric Junior. However for more equipment, you will likely spend more on adding packs like the Premium Pack and Technology Pack.

Verdict

The Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida is a stylish and charismatic small crossover that broadens Alfa’s appeal once again. It looks fantastic, is fun to drive and gives you a choice between electric and hybrid.

The hybrid is not quite as refined as the electric but it makes up for it with its fuel efficiency and the convenience of not having to charge on long journeys.

So if you’re after something compact, efficient and dripping in Italian style, the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida is well worth a look.

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year