A compact SUV, brimming with Italian design, has arrived in Japan.
Alfa Romeo Junior | アルファ ロメオ ジュニア
Stellantis Japan has launched the new compact SUV "Junior" from Alfa Romeo. The mild-hybrid model "Junior Ibrida" and the BEV "Junior Elettrica Premium" will be available, and the "Junior Ibrida Speciale," commemorating its launch in Japan, will also be sold in a limited edition of 200 units.
Commemorating the Japan Launch, the "Speciale" will be sold in a limited edition of 200 units.
Alfa Romeo was founded in Milan, Italy, on June 24, 1910. On the day that marks its 115-year history, the new compact SUV "Junior" has been launched in Japan.
The name "Junior" is derived from the "GT 1300 Junior" that appeared in the 1960s. It inherits the design of a model that gained popularity for its beautiful design and high-performance driving.
The design was handled by Alfa Romeo Centro Stile (Design Center) based in Turin, Italy. It features traditional design elements such as the triple-headlights and the evolved "Trilobo" front grille.
Furthermore, it incorporates the "Coda Tronca" design, which Alfa Romeo developed in the 1960s and features a truncated rear end for aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in a model that fully embraces Italian design.
The interior is designed with the driver at the center, and the instruments on the instrument panel are recessed like those in a racing car. A 10.25-inch touchscreen is located in the center, allowing drivers to customize the home screen to their preferences and quickly access desired functions.
The powertrain options include a mild-hybrid and Alfa Romeo's first BEV. The mild-hybrid model "Ibrida" features a 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo engine and a 16kW electric motor, producing a total system output of 145ps. It is equipped with a newly developed 6-speed dual-clutch transmission incorporating the motor and a 48V battery.
The other model, "Elettrica," is equipped with a motor that generates a maximum output of 115kW (156ps) and a maximum torque of 270Nm, utilizing a 54kWh lithium-ion battery. Its maximum cruising range is recorded at 494 km in WLTP mode.
It also features an automatic battery temperature regulation system, contributing to stable cruising range and extended battery life. It supports both CHAdeMO fast charging and standard charging, allowing for charging on the go.
Safety features such as Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, a 180-degree rear camera, and 360-degree parking sensors are standard on all models.
There is one grade for the BEV "Elettrica," and two grades for the mild-hybrid "Ibrida." Additionally, the top-tier "Junior Ibrida Speciale," a limited edition model commemorating the launch, will be sold in 200 units.
The "Junior Ibrida Speciale" features the "Scudetto," Alfa Romeo's iconic shield-like grille, with the "Progresso" design, similar to the BEV model. It also includes a sunroof, a matte black and red insert body kit, and Sabelt sports seats, befitting the "Speciale" designation.
The price of the Junior starts at 4.2 million yen for the entry-grade "Ibrida Core," 4.68 million yen for the "Ibrida Premium," and 5.33 million yen for the "Ibrida Speciale." The BEV "Elettrica Premium" is priced at 5.56 million yen.
