Is there any Alfa DNA left in this crossover? Review Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4
Alfa Romeo’s iconic models excelled not only in performance, but also in design and driving pleasure. Think of legendary cars like the Giulia and the 8C, which set the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide racing. The brand, like many other car brands, has adapted to changing market needs. And so now there is the Junior Ibrida Q4, a compact crossover with an Ibrida, read hybrid, powertrain. It combines the power of a 1.2-liter turbo engine with two electric motors. Are these ingredients for driving pleasure?
Strong steering
The Junior Q4’s handling is where the car shows its Alfa Romeo identity. The modified suspension offers surprisingly dynamic handling, especially for a slightly taller crossover. An important part in this is the independent multilink rear suspension. This is clearly a car where driving pleasure comes first. Alfa Romeo has always been good at this. The suspension tuning is well balanced, making for a comfortable ride at the base. Fortunately, sportiness still remains. At the moments when you really need power, the electric motor in the rear stands its ground.
Since DNA is an important aspect of a true Alfa Romeo, we also see a DNA button in the Junior again. As a driver, you can choose from different driving modes that adjust the driving experience and performance accordingly. In Dynamic mode, the Junior delivers maximum power and a sporty driving experience. In normal traffic, Natural mode suffices. In Q4 mode, you make maximum use of the all-wheel drive. If you really want to drive economically, there is the Advanced Efficiency mode.
Not really a Busso V6
We are now driving the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4 with 1.2-liter turbocharged engine coupled to two electric motors. The system output is 145 hp and 230 Nm of torque. So this hybrid Alfa Romeo Junior can keep up with traffic just fine. With that said, the power does not make the Junior particularly fast or exciting.
If you are looking for a real powerhouse, you better look at the electric powertrains. The electric powertrains both assume a 54 kWh battery pack. In fancy Italian, the ‘Elettrica‘ and the ‘Elettrica Speciale’ boast 156 hp and 260 Nm of torque. The ‘Elettrica Veloce’ takes it up a notch, kicking out 280 hp and 345 Nm of torque. Still, don’t forget that this Junior is aimed more at ease of use than pure speed.
True (Italian) beauty is inside
A pleasant surprise of the Junior Q4 is the space in the rear. Unlike many other compact crossovers, the Junior Q4 offers a surprising amount of legroom for rear-seat passengers. The Junior is not a GT for long trips, but it offers enough comfort for daily drives and short jaunts. Luggage space, on the other hand, does shrink slightly due to the electric motor on the rear axle. Normally this amounts to 415 liters of space, but in the Q4 you have 340 liters at your disposal. With the all-electric powertrain, the cargo volume is 400 liters.
The seating position is also a plus. The interior is well finished and offers a decent level of comfort. Again, we see the sporty character of the car reflected in accents and materials. The Junior is otherwise equipped with modern features in the infotainment system such as Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Is it a bella macchina?
In terms of design, the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4 has a look that cannot be missed. It is a crossover that does not hide in the crowd with its clean lines and bold design. The front end has the signature Alfa Romeo look. The V-shaped grille and sharp headlights give the car a bold and sporty look.
The car exemplifies Alfa Romeo’s ability to combine sportiness and style. The exterior design certainly stands out, but it does lack a bit of the rolling elegant lines that make the brand so desirable. One thing is for sure, the design certainly keeps you from getting lost in the crowd.
Final Verdict Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4
The Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4 is an interesting new addition to the crossover segment. It offers sporty handling, an eye-catching design and a surprising amount of space for its size. Still, the 145-horsepower engine is not the fastest in its class. Nor does the Junior feel like a long-distance car. Clearly, the Junior Q4 is an attempt to find the balance. The ingredients are the sporty flair that makes Alfa Romeo so iconic and the practical needs of the modern consumer. It is not a pure sports car, but more of a sporty SUV for everyday driving.
Whether the Alfa DNA is still in it also depends on your expectations. Those looking for pure passion on the road may be disappointed. But those looking for a practical and stylish crossover with a touch of sportiness will certainly find themselves in the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4.
Prices Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4
Prices for the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4 start at 34,850 euros for the 1.2-liter Ibrida. The slightly more lavishly equipped Ibrida Speciale has a starting price of 36,850. The top version of the fuel engines, the Q4, starts at 42,600 euros. Is an electric variant more interesting to you? For 39,100 euros you’ll drive away in the Elletrica. The Elletrica Speciale is 2,000 more expensive and the Elettrica Veloce represents the pinnacle with a starting price of 48,100 euros.