We check the efficiency model of the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica – on monitor and UK roads for the primary time…
On the finish of final yr, I spent an entertaining week with the entry-level Alfa Romeo Junior – the primary electrical automotive from the enduring Italian model.
I concluded: “If you happen to’re searching for an electrical compact SUV that’s enjoyable to drive, stands out from the gang, affords good worth and is well-equipped, then the Alfa Romeo Junior must be excessive up in your shortlist.”
Lately, I used to be invited to get behind the wheel of the range-topping Junior Veloce for the primary time within the UK.
Simply to recap, the Alfa Romeo Junior line-up is priced from £33,895, and there’s a selection of three fashions – the Elettrica, Elettrica Speciale and Elettrica 280 Veloce. If you happen to favor petrol, there’s additionally a light hybrid (Ibrida).
All three EV fashions are front-wheel drive and use a 54kWh battery pack. Nonetheless, the electrical motor within the Elettrica and Elettrica Speciale develops 154bhp, whereas the Veloce is uprated to 278bhp.
Considerably, the Veloce additionally has a decrease experience top, wider monitor, stiffer anti-roll bars, greater brakes, a faster steering rack, uprated tyres and a mechanical Torsen D limited-slip differential.
The situation for my introduction to the Veloce was Bedford Autodrome – owned by former Method One driver Jonathan Palmer’s MotorSport Imaginative and prescient organisation.
There I received to drive the Veloce on the North Circuit’s lengthy straight and difficult corners, plus a small dealing with course that includes two similar mirror-image layouts with straights, hairpins and doughnut circles, adopted by a street route.
First impressions are nice. Slotting in under the Tonale and Stelvio SUVs within the Alfa Romeo line-up, the Junior is elegant and compact, managing to look each delicate and aggressive.
The Veloce enhances the sportiness of the usual Junior Elettrica with 20-inch diamond lower alloy wheels, contrasting black roof, tinted rear home windows, pink brake calipers and a sports activities styling package.
Inside, there’s a leather-based steering wheel, sports activities pedals and kick plates, plus a supportive, six-way electrically operated driver’s seat with therapeutic massage perform.
There’s additionally a diamond black Scudetto – or protect – up entrance. The ‘protect grille’ is now embedded with the Alfa Romeo emblem.
And identical to the common Junior, the cabin could be very driver-centric, with a big central 10.25-inch infotainment display angled in the direction of you.
Crucially, and in contrast to most electrical crossovers, the driving place is superb. The seat will be lowered so that you don’t really feel perched, as is usually the case.
And this pays dividends when you’re on the transfer, since you instantly really feel extra concerned with the automotive and the general driving expertise.
Like different Alfa Romeo vehicles, the Junior will get DNA (Dynamic, Pure and Superior Effectivity) drive modes, which modify steering weight, throttle response and brake really feel.
I chosen Dynamic for the monitor classes, then skilled all three on the street route.
The Veloce’s acceleration isn’t neck-snappingly fast like some EVs, however quick sufficient – and most significantly – completely managed, with only a contact of torque steer.
For the file, it has a swift 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds, a high pace of 124mph and 254 lb-ft (345 Nm) of torque.
The opposite necessary statistic is the Veloce’s kerb weight of 1,560 kg, which is mild for an EV, and helps with the dealing with, which is nimble, but planted.
I’m no monitor professional, however because of some glorious teaching, my lap instances improved significantly as I labored on braking factors and racing traces, pushing the Veloce to its restrict.
The grippy Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres ship ample grip and the Veloce holds the street properly. I may really feel the differential working as I accelerated out of corners, with managed physique lean, but with no trace of understeer.
I haven’t pushed a go-kart like electrical MINI Cooper on monitor, however I believe the Alfa is smoother and extra enjoyable due to the well-judged chassis compliance.
General, the automotive itself feels remarkably assured – even on the sting – and the steering is fast and direct.
Finally, driving an excellent electrical automotive on monitor is comparatively easy as a result of there’s instantaneous torque and no gear modifications, however when an EV is ready up in addition to the Junior Veloce, it’s much more enjoyable and, frankly, flattering.
No automotive is ideal, and the Alfa isn’t any exception. Although the brakes are efficient, there’s a good quantity of pedal journey earlier than they kick in massive time. So, whereas the braking system is a step up from most different EVs, it may very well be higher, and that is flip would encourage extra confidence.
My solely different quibble is the simulated sound, which helps create a way of pace and energy, however isn’t any substitute for a combustion engine – or the audio delights of the intelligent Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
The Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce can be entertaining on the street, whether or not you’re cruising alongside in Regular drive mode (for the perfect mix of efficiency and effectivity) or pushing on in Dynamic (superb for enjoyable, shorter bursts with most energy on faucet). Superior Effectivity mode dulls the engagement issue and is greatest left for motorway runs.
The opposite factor to say in regards to the DNA drive modes is that there’s gentle regenerative braking in A and N, and none in D. If you’d like larger regen, you’ll have to modify the gear selector to B, but it surely’s not fairly the one-pedal impact.
Elsewhere, the Veloce is way the identical as the fundamental Junior Elettrica and Junior Elettrica Speciale.
Visibility is respectable on the entrance and sides, however trickier on the again because of the rising window line and chunky rear pillars. Fortunately, each Junior comes with rear parking sensors for parking manoeuvres, whereas the Speciale and Veloce get a rear-view digital camera too.
Construct high quality is sweet, however the general expertise could be classier if there have been a couple of much less onerous plastic surfaces within the cabin.
Rear passenger area is affordable, so it’s simply attainable for me to sit down behind an grownup of the identical top (5’11”), however it will be a tad cosy for an extended journey.
Boot area is OK with 400 litres (or 1,265 litres with the 60/40 seats flipped). There’s additionally a small ‘frunk’ below the bonnet – best for storing your charging cable.
The most important compromise with the Veloce is in terms of worth and vary. Succesful although it’s, £42,295 is on the steep aspect. I believe the candy spot is just under £40k.
Additionally, Alfa Romeo claims the Junior Elettrica and Junior Elettrica Speciale can handle as much as 255 miles on a full cost, however this drops to 207 miles for the Veloce.
In different phrases, in real-world driving, the entry-level Junior ought to have a spread north of 200 miles, and the Veloce nearer to 170 miles.
Speaking of recharging, each Junior has a regular warmth pump, which ought to assist with winter battery effectivity. And when you do need to cease (you’ll on an extended journey), Alfa Romeo quotes a 20-80% cost time of lower than half-hour at speeds as much as 100kW DC.
Verdict: The Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce is a revelation. Fashionable, sporty appears mixed with excellent dealing with and an amazing driving place have produced an attractive EV that feels very similar to an old-school sizzling hatch.
Alfa Romeo UK
