The iconic sound of an Alfa Romeo petrol engine is making way for the silent, instant thrust of electric power. The Italian marque has officially launched its first-ever all-electric vehicle in South Africa, the Alfa Romeo Junior, marking a historic new chapter for the brand locally.
The stylish compact crossover arrives in two distinct flavours, giving South African buyers a choice between sophisticated elegance and outright sporty performance, all wrapped in the brand’s unmistakable Italian design.
Two Sides of an Electric Coin
The Junior lineup is simple but compelling, consisting of two models:
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Junior Elettrica: The entry point, but by no means basic. With a single front-mounted electric motor producing 118 kW and 260 Nm, it dispatches the 0-100 km/h sprint in a respectable 9.0 seconds.
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Junior Elettrica Veloce: This is the performance flagship. It uses a more powerful motor generating a substantial 207 kW and 345 Nm, slashing the 0-100 km/h time to a hot-hatch-rivalling 5.9 seconds and pushing the top speed to 200 km/h.
Pricing and Peace of Mind
Entering the world of Italian electric luxury comes with a clear price tag and a strong warranty package.
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Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica – R799,900
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Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce – R999,900
Every Junior includes a five-year/100,000 km vehicle warranty and a five-year/100,000 km service plan. Crucially, the high-voltage battery is protected by a lengthy eight-year/150,000 km warranty.
Lavish Standard Fare
True to its premium positioning, the Junior comes generously equipped. Both models feature as standard:
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A large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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A comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
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Striking Matrix LED headlamps.
The Elettrica Veloce builds on this with a more aggressive aesthetic, including massive 20-inch alloy wheels, a distinctive grille, sporty red brake calipers, and unique black-and-red interior seats, justifying its position at the top of the range.
The arrival of the Alfa Romeo Junior is more than just a new model launch; it’s a statement of intent. It proves that the passion, style, and performance synonymous with the Alfa Romeo badge can not only survive but thrive in the electric era.
{Source: CarMag}
