, a compact family hatchback whose size is inversely proportional to the expectations of the Alfisti – Alfa Romeo’s global fan base.
As part of Stellantis, Alfa Romeo is using the same e-CMP2 modular architecture that already underpins other models in the Stellantis stable like the Fiat 600, Peugeot 2008, Vauxhall Mokka and Jeep Avenger. That means working within a number of fixed parameters, and sticking with front-wheel drive, but this hasn’t stopped the engineering team working every angle to ensure the top-dog Junior Veloce could not be anything except an Alfa Romeo.
With 76 corners over its 7.6-mile length, the serpentine track contains every conceivable surface, from billiard-table-smooth flat tarmac to undulating, scarred and acned blacktop that does a very good impression of British A and B roads.
Alfa Romeo’s familiar switchable DNA drive mode – Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency – which recalibrates steering assistance, throttle response and power and torque delivery, has been amped up to good effect. Advanced Efficiency does everything possible to maximise range. I try it for a few minutes before thinking life is too short for going that slow. Neutral is just that – perfect for around town, school runs and routine trips.
No matter, whatever badge it’s wearing the Junior is a striking piece of design with a chunky four-square assertiveness that doesn’t quite come across in pictures. At the front, it’s the new interpretation of the Alfa Romeo scudetto – grille and logo shield – that dominates. Matt black and inset with the familiar cross and biscione serpent the debut of this new emblem underlines Alfa Romeo’s entry into a new era.
The infotainment software is slick, the app-styled layout feels pretty intuitive to operate, and then there’s the ‘Hey Alfa’, virtual assistant powered by ChatGPT.