The Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce represents the brand’s first fully electric vehicle, blending sporty design with everyday practicality. This long-term test explores the car’s performance, charging realities, and usability over real-world driving conditions. While it offers a compelling package, the review highlights both strengths and compromises of living with this EV.
Real-World Usability: Space and Passengers
The Junior’s 400-liter boot proves sufficient for routine supermarket trips, even with extra shopping. However, the sloping rear windscreen limits headroom in the back, making it more comfortable for pets than adult passengers. The car handles family life adequately, fitting luggage and even a child’s seat with some minor adjustments, but it’s not a spacious family hauler.
Charging in the Real World
One major consideration is charging infrastructure. Without home charging, the driver relies entirely on public networks, which have improved but still require planning. The car topped up from 7% to 58%—yielding 121 miles of range for £11.66—demonstrating that public charging can be economical when time allows. The reliance on public chargers, however, adds complexity to longer trips.
Range and Route Planning
A weekend trip to Bristol illustrated the challenges of electric vehicle ownership. The driver chose a shorter route (76 miles vs. 130) to minimize range anxiety, despite the car’s initial 133-mile estimate. Real-world conditions—including detours and adverse weather—reduced that range, leaving only 18 miles remaining upon arrival. The Junior’s efficiency mode helps extend range, but the driver must still adapt to maximize mileage.
Driving Experience: Strengths and Weaknesses
The Alfa Romeo Junior shines on twisty roads, where its sharp handling and quick acceleration come into play. The Veloce version lives up to its sporty billing, making driving enjoyable. However, the car’s interior features some cheap plastic materials, which feel out of place at its £48,595 price point. The dashboard includes a wireless charger, but many prefer wired connections due to faster speeds and reduced overheating.
Small Annoyances and Quirks
Practicality isn’t perfect. The front door pockets are too small for standard water bottles, forcing drivers to use the center console instead. The car lacks a traditional ignition, relying on park-and-leave, which takes some getting used to.
Initial Impressions: A Mixed Bag
The Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce makes a strong first impression with its sporty looks and engaging driving dynamics. However, potential buyers must consider the range limitations, reliance on public charging, and interior compromises. The car’s price tag—£48,595 with options—places it in direct competition with larger, more established EVs.
The Junior Elettrica Veloce is a stylish and capable EV, but its real-world usability depends heavily on charging access and a willingness to adapt to its quirks. Whether it fits your lifestyle hinges on weighing its strengths against its limitations.
