[ad_1]
We climb behind the wheel of the first electric car of the Italian Italian brand Alfa Romeo …
If everyone had been to plan, Alfa Romeos Debüt EV would be called Milano. After a political series, however, the company had to immerse themselves in its inheritance to revive the Junior’s pointed name.
You see Alfa Romeo is not the thoroughbred Italian than before because it is now part of the huge Stellantis group, which also includes Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, DS, Jeep and Abarth.
The junior is therefore built at a distance of Milan in the Tychy plant in Poland and shares its platform with Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600, which are also made there.
The good news is that the Alfa Romeo Junior (also available as a mild hybrid) is one of the best compact SUVs on the market.
The EV version, marketed as Junior Elettrica, costs £ 33,895, and there is a selection of three models – the Elettrica, Elettrica Speciale and Elettrica 280 Veloce.
All three use the familiar Stellantis 54KWH Battery Pack. However, the electric motor in Elettrica and Elettrica Speciale develops 154 hp, while the range-toping-Veloce is built to 278 hp. Drive over the front wheels on all three.
In acceleration conditions, this is 9 seconds compared to 5.9 seconds so that the Veloce has reached 62 km / h from a standstill. The disadvantage is that the official range for the latter falls from 250 to 215 miles.
The elettrica is well equipped and has standard with 18-inch and active Lane Assist.
The specification adds privacy, an electric driver’s seat, an A180-degree camera, an hands-free tailgate, sports styling optimizations and keyless access to proximity access technology.
The top veloce is preserved 25 mm lower suspension, red brake calliper, 20-inch alloys, leather steering wheel and sports pedals.
I tested a medium-sized elettrica specification in a breathtaking Brera red with a contrasting black roof.
The junior is an attractive car that looks both tender and aggressive.
There is even a new version of the Scudetto – or the shield. The “shield grill” is now embedded in the Alfa Romeo logo. Personally, I think that it looks like a 3D print exercise and some of the Alfa Romeo identity have been lost in this process, but have been judged themselves.
It is very driver-centered inside, with the large infotainment screen to be angled to you.
The seats are comfortable and supportive, while visibility is good at the front and on the sides, but thanks to the rising window line and the chunky rear columns, it is more difficult. Fortunately, every junior is equipped with rear parking sensors for parking maneuvers, while the specification and Veloce also receive a reversing camera.
The infotainment is a mixed bag. With regard to graphics, layout and response times, it is by no means best in class, but you can connect your phone to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay at any time.
The Saving Grace of the system is the series of real keys under the touchscreen with key features, including temperature, fan speed and volume. If only Tesla and Volvo do the same, since the physical controls are easier and safer for the essentials than to browse and wipe a screen.
The processing quality is good, but the overall experience would be classic if there were some less hard plastic surfaces in the cabin.
The rear passenger room is reasonable, so it is simply possible for me to sit behind an adult with the same height (5’11 ”), but it would be a bit cozy for a long journey.
The trunk is okay with 400 liters (or 1,265 liters, with the 60/40 places being turned over). There is also a small “brand” under the bonnet – ideal for storing your charging cable.
So far so much, but if you stand behind the wheel of the Alfa Romeo Junior, it will be specific.
In contrast to most electrical intersections, the driving position is very good. The seat can be lowered so that you are not the case.
This pays off as soon as they are in motion because they immediately deal with the car and the overall driver’s experience.
With a decent speed turn as well as lighter but sharp and precise steering, it is nippy and easy to drive in the city.
The entire driving quality is on the solid, but not uncomfortable, so that the sporty driving characteristics of the junior are insulted by the junior.
Push it on more demanding streets and it is well around. Body Lean is well controlled and there is a decent traction. If the brakes were more progressive, it would be even better.
With a weight of 1,545 kg, it is relatively light for an EV. It therefore feels agile. However, if you want more of a hot hatch experience, you must pay 42,295 £ for the Veloce, which has more electricity, a lower driving height, a lower driving height. Stiffing suspension, stiffer anti-roll bars, larger brakes and into transferred tires.
Like other Alfa Romeo cars, the Junior DNA drive modes (dynamic, natural and advanced efficiency) get the steering weight, the gas reaction and the braking feeling.
As always, Dynamic is okay for funny, short bursts with maximum performance and advanced efficiency matters the commitment factor, best to remain in nature for the best mix of performance and efficiency.
The other thing about the drive modes is that there is slightly regenerative brakes in A and N, and none in D. If you want higher regeneration, you have to switch to the equipment selection voter to B, but it’s not quite.
When every junior is charged, every junior has a standard heat pump that should help with the winter battery efficiency, but in my experience after a week of mixed driving is that the real world lies from the 154 HP of Elettrica Speciale and is closer to 200 miles, What is one. A little disappointing.
And if you have to stop (you will be on a long journey), Alfa Romeo quotes a load time of 10 to 80% of 30 minutes at speed of up to 100 kW DC.
Ultimately, the Alfa Romeo -Junior specification is not perfect, but it is full of character and, unlike most of its competitors, delivers an appealing drive.
Verdict: If you are looking for an electric compact SUV that is fun, stands out from the crowd, offers a good value and is well equipped, the Alfa Romeo Junior should be high on your shortlist.
Alfa Romeo UK
[ad_2]