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We test the performance version of the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica – on track and UK roads for the first time…
At the end of last year, I spent an entertaining week with the entry-level Alfa Romeo Junior – the first electric car from the iconic Italian brand.
I concluded: “If you’re looking for an electric compact SUV that is fun to drive, stands out from the crowd, offers good value and is well-equipped, then the Alfa Romeo Junior should be high up on your shortlist.”
Recently, I was invited to get behind the wheel of the range-topping Junior Veloce for the first time in the UK.
Just to recap, the Alfa Romeo Junior line-up is priced from £33,895, and there’s a choice of three models – the Elettrica, Elettrica Speciale and Elettrica 280 Veloce. If you prefer petrol, there’s also a mild hybrid (Ibrida).
All three EV models are front-wheel drive and use a 54kWh battery pack. However, the electric motor in the Elettrica and Elettrica Speciale develops 154bhp, while the Veloce is uprated to 278bhp.
Significantly, the Veloce also has a lower ride height, wider track, stiffer anti-roll bars, bigger brakes, a quicker steering rack, uprated tyres and a mechanical Torsen D limited-slip differential.
The location for my introduction to the Veloce was Bedford Autodrome – owned by former Formula One driver Jonathan Palmer’s MotorSport Vision organisation.
There I got to drive the Veloce on the North Circuit’s long straight and challenging corners, plus a small handling course featuring two identical mirror-image layouts with straights, hairpins and doughnut circles, followed by a road route.
First impressions are great. Slotting in below the Tonale and Stelvio SUVs in the Alfa Romeo line-up, the Junior is elegant and compact, managing to look both delicate and aggressive.
The Veloce enhances the sportiness of the standard Junior Elettrica with 20-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, contrasting black roof, tinted rear windows, red brake calipers and a sports styling kit.
Inside, there’s a leather steering wheel, sports pedals and kick plates, plus a supportive, six-way electrically operated driver’s seat with massage function.
There’s also a diamond black Scudetto – or shield – up front. The ‘shield grille’ is now embedded with the Alfa Romeo logo.
And just like the regular Junior, the cabin is very driver-centric, with a large central 10.25-inch infotainment screen angled towards you.
Crucially, and unlike most electric crossovers, the driving position is very good. The seat can be lowered so you don’t feel perched, as is often the case.
And this pays dividends once you’re on the move, because you immediately feel more involved with the car and the overall driving experience.
Like other Alfa Romeo cars, the Junior gets DNA (Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency) drive modes, which adjust steering weight, throttle response and brake feel.
I selected Dynamic for the track sessions, then experienced all three on the road route.
The Veloce’s acceleration isn’t neck-snappingly quick like some EVs, but fast enough – and most importantly – totally controlled, with just a touch of torque steer.
For the record, it has a swift 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds, a top speed of 124mph and 254 lb-ft (345 Nm) of torque.
The other important statistic is the Veloce’s kerb weight of 1,560 kg, which is light for an EV, and helps with the handling, which is nimble, yet planted.
I’m no track pro, but thanks to some excellent coaching, my lap times improved considerably as I worked on braking points and racing lines, pushing the Veloce to its limit.
The grippy Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres deliver ample grip and the Veloce holds the road well. I could feel the differential working as I accelerated out of corners, with controlled body lean, yet without a hint of understeer.
I haven’t driven a go-kart like electric MINI Cooper on track, but I suspect the Alfa is smoother and more fun because of the well-judged chassis compliance.
Overall, the car itself feels remarkably assured – even on the edge – and the steering is quick and direct.
Ultimately, driving a good electric car on track is relatively straightforward because there’s instant torque and no gear changes, but when an EV is set up as well as the Junior Veloce, it’s even more fun and, frankly, flattering.
No car is perfect, and the Alfa is no exception. Though the brakes are effective, there’s a fair amount of pedal travel before they kick in big time. So, while the braking system is a step up from most other EVs, it could be better, and this is turn would inspire more confidence.
My only other quibble is the simulated sound, which helps create a sense of speed and power, but is no substitute for a combustion engine – or the audio delights of the clever Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
The Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce is also entertaining on the road, whether you’re cruising along in Normal drive mode (for the best blend of performance and efficiency) or pushing on in Dynamic (fine for fun, shorter bursts with maximum power on tap). Advanced Efficiency mode dulls the engagement factor and is best left for motorway runs.
The other thing to say about the DNA drive modes is that there’s mild regenerative braking in A and N, and none in D. If you want higher regen, you’ll have to switch the gear selector to B, but it’s not quite the one-pedal effect.
Elsewhere, the Veloce is much the same as the basic Junior Elettrica and Junior Elettrica Speciale.
Visibility is decent at the front and sides, but trickier at the back thanks to the rising window line and chunky rear pillars. Thankfully, every Junior comes with rear parking sensors for parking manoeuvres, while the Speciale and Veloce get a rear-view camera too.
Build quality is good, but the overall experience would be classier if there were a few less hard plastic surfaces in the cabin.
Rear passenger space is reasonable, so it’s just possible for me to sit behind an adult of the same height (5’11”), but it would be a tad cosy for a long journey.
Boot space is OK with 400 litres (or 1,265 litres with the 60/40 seats flipped). There’s also a small ‘frunk’ under the bonnet – ideal for storing your charging cable.
The biggest compromise with the Veloce is when it comes to price and range. Capable though it is, £42,295 is on the steep side. I suspect the sweet spot is just below £40k.
Also, Alfa Romeo claims the Junior Elettrica and Junior Elettrica Speciale can manage up to 255 miles on a full charge, but this drops to 207 miles for the Veloce.
In other words, in real-world driving, the entry-level Junior should have a range north of 200 miles, and the Veloce closer to 170 miles.
Talking of recharging, every Junior has a standard heat pump, which should help with winter battery efficiency. And if you do have to stop (you will on a long journey), Alfa Romeo quotes a 20-80% charge time of less than 30 minutes at speeds up to 100kW DC.
Verdict: The Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce is a revelation. Stylish, sporty looks combined with superb handling and a great driving position have produced an engaging EV that feels much like an old-school hot hatch.
