By: Naresh Maharaj
The new Alfa Romeo Junior is more than eye-catching. Its aggressive stance gives it a bold, almost menacing presence. With 115 years of motoring heritage behind the badge, Alfa Romeo continues to inspire fierce loyalty in South Africa. The Veloce trim in Brera Red, complete with matching red brake callipers, is a standout. And it begs to be driven. I did precisely that in the Muldersdrift area.
It sat outside the launch venue waiting. As a lifelong Alfa fan, I was drawn to it immediately. The exterior is engineered with precision, and the black-toned cabin is equally impressive. Boot space is ample. Start the ignition, and the drive begins in silence. Smooth. Controlled. Then press the throttle, and the 207 kW electric powertrain makes itself known. The instant surge pushes your head back. It is quick. The stopping power is sharp and reassuring.
Alfa Romeo Steps Into SA’s Electric Future
The Junior marks a significant step in Alfa Romeo’s transition to electrified mobility. The model combines Italian design with modern electric engineering, bringing Alfa’s performance heritage into the compact urban segment.
Compact, Stylish and Purposeful
The Junior comes in under 4.2 metres in length. Both electric versions – Elettrica and Veloce – have been tuned for agility and efficiency in city driving. The exterior features Alfa’s signature elements: the iconic scudetto grille, the trilobo front design, and the sleek coda tronca rear, which enhances aerodynamics. A laser-etched biscione emblem on the C-pillar links the brand’s past to its electric future.
Power and Performance
Two electric variants will be sold locally.
• Elettrica: 118 kW, 260 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 9 seconds, top speed 152 km/h.
• Elettrica Veloce: 207 kW, 345 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, top speed 200 km/h.
Both models feature Level 2 driver-assistance systems. These include lane centring, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, LED matrix headlights, emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection and blind spot monitoring.
Distinctive Trims
Each trim carries Alfa’s trademark mix of sportiness and elegance.
• Junior Elettrica: 18-inch alloys, Heritage grille, blue-and-black Icona seats and a six-speaker audio system.
• Junior Elettrica Veloce: 20-inch alloys, Progresso grille, black-and-red Spiga seats, contrasting black roof, Veloce decals and red callipers.
Inside the Junior
The cabin is clean and driver-focused. Premium materials shape an uncluttered layout. A 10.25-inch digital cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen offer modern connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Handling has been tuned with engineering lessons taken from the Giulia GTA programme, delivering sharp, responsive performance.
Interest in BEVs Rising
The Junior has drawn strong global attention, with more than 22 000 orders already placed. Battery electric vehicles represent 21% of these sales. Following successful launches in Europe and the Middle East, and ahead of releases in Japan and Australia, South Africa is now joining the next wave of markets adopting the model.
A Significant Moment for Alfa Romeo
“The arrival of the Alfa Romeo Junior marks a historic moment for our brand in South Africa,” says Janus Janse van Rensburg, Alfa Romeo South Africa Brand Head. “For the first time, Alfa Romeo is introducing fully electric models to our market. The Junior blends more than a century of Italian engineering with advanced electric performance. We believe South African urban drivers will value its style, individuality and dynamic drive.”
Pricing
• Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica: R799 900
• Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce: R999 900
Includes a five-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, eight-year/150 000 km battery warranty and five-year/100 000 km service plan.
