The Alfa Romeo Junior can be ordered as an electric car

Alfa Romeo is accepting orders for the new Baby in Germany. The small SUV was supposed to come to market as the Milano, but the name was briefly changed due to protests from the Italian government. The series is available as a hybrid and as an electric vehicle.

At market launch, the compact SUV will be available in the entry-level Speciale version with plenty of equipment. The Junior Ibrida Speciale, which is based on micro-hybrid technology, starts at 31,500 euros. The all-electric Junior Elettrica Speciale is available from 41,500 euros.

Advanced equipment on the Junior Speciale includes 18-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with massage function, electrically operated tailgate with signal control and keyless entry and system to start the engine. The rear window and rear side windows are tinted. The ambient lighting, adjustable in eight colors, also emphasizes the air intakes decorated with the historic Alfa Romeo emblem.

Connectivity and entertainment on board the Junior Speciale is provided by the Alfa Connect infotainment system, which is operated via a 10.1-inch (25.7 cm) diagonal touch screen and provides a navigation system. “Six speakers ensure to enjoy music in the best hi-fi quality,” declares the manufacturer.

The electric Junior Elettrica has a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 54 kWh. The introductory version Speciale with 115 kW (156 hp) enables a combined range of up to 410 km in the WLTP cycle. With 100 kW fast charging, the battery is charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes. The Junior Elettrica Speciale also offers an 11 kW on-board charger and heat pump for early battery charging as usual.

The fact that the new Alfa Romeo model is not called the Milano is because of the Italian government. Italian Trade Minister Adolfo Urso had lashed out at the manufacturer: Alfa Romeo was not allowed to use the Milano name because the design was produced at the Polish Stellantis factory in Tychy and not in Italy. This violates Italian law. Urso was referring to a 2003 law targeting “Italian-sounding” products not made in Italy.

In order to avoid a long legal dispute, Alfa Romeo decided to change its latest range. “The choice of the model name Junior is logical as it is closely linked to the history of our brand. The name Junior was one of our favorites and one of the audience’s favorites from the beginning. As a team, we once again decide to share our love for the brand and to put our products and customers first. We have decided to change the name, although we are not obliged to do so,” said the company’s statement.