Alfa Romeo has taken a bold leap into South Africa’s electric vehicle market with the launch of the Junior EV, its first fully electric model. The compact crossover arrived earlier than expected, debuting on 29th October , 2025, in Johannesburg contrary to earlier reports of a November rollout. Starting at R799,900, it brings Italian styling, agile performance, and a competitive 410 km range, positioning it against popular models like the MINI Cooper SE and Volvo EX30.
The Junior EV runs on the Stellantis e-CMP platform, the same architecture that underpins the Peugeot e-2008 and Jeep Avenger. It’s available in two front-wheel-drive trims: the Elettrica and the sportier Veloce. The Elettrica delivers 115–118 kW and 260 Nm of torque, hitting 0–100 km/h in 9 seconds, while the Veloce pushes 207 kW and 345 Nm, accelerating in just 5.9 seconds. Both use a 54 kWh battery with 100 kW DC fast charging, allowing 20–80% top-up in about 27 minutes.
Design-wise, the Junior retains Alfa’s iconic scudetto grille, paired with trilobo LED headlights and compact proportions (4.17 m long, 1.78 m wide). Its athletic stance and sculpted lines give it an upscale feel uncommon in its segment. Available colours include Red Brera, Grey Aresa, and Blue Navigli, with the Veloce variant adding a black roof and red brake calipers. Inside, the cabin feels driver-focused and premium, featuring dual 10.25-inch displays, ambient lighting, and Level 2 ADAS tech such as lane centring, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking.
Early reviewers praise its urban agility, describing the handling as crisp and responsive in traffic. The Veloce especially stands out for its sharp steering, improved suspension, and limited-slip differential that channels Alfa’s performance DNA into electric form. The main trade-offs? Rear-seat space is tight, and enthusiasts miss the signature Alfa growl. Still, the brand’s effort to blend heritage and electrification feels deliberate, bringing its classic charm into the EV age.
Compared to rivals, the Junior offers a balanced middle ground. The MINI Cooper SE starts at roughly R700,000 with a 402 km range, while the Volvo EX30 offers up to 476 km but at a higher cost. The Junior sits between the two, leaning on its Italian design and sportier handling to appeal to younger professionals and style-conscious drivers.
Inside, details like massage seats in the Veloce, wireless charging, and over-the-air software updates bring a touch of modern luxury. The car’s 400-litre boot and flexible seating make it practical for daily use, even if it’s not a family hauler. Safety-wise, the EV comes with matrix LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and pedestrian detection systems.
While charging infrastructure remains a hurdle in South Africa, Alfa’s decision to lead with an EV signals a clear long-term strategy. It’s part of the brand’s transition under Stellantis, aiming for an electric-first lineup over the next decade. Early global demand—over 22,000 orders—shows growing appeal, though local uptake will depend on pricing stability and charging expansion.
The Alfa Romeo Junior EV stands as a stylish, forward-looking entry in South Africa’s compact EV segment. It blends heritage with next-generation tech, appealing to drivers ready to embrace electrification without losing the Italian driving soul.
