Review: Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce 280 shows electric emotion

Boasting 280 horsepower, eye-catching design and an as-tested price of £48,605, this compact crossover aims to marry the Italian brand’s sporty pedigree with zero-emission motoring.

The Junior Veloce is undeniably a head-turner. Measuring 4,173mm in length, it remains compact yet projects genuine visual impact.

Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce 280

The Arese Grey finish paired with a contrasting black roof (a £700 optional extra) proves an attractive combination, while the diamond-cut 20-inch Venti alloys also catch the eye. Nostalgic touches like the rear light bar echoing the classic Alfasud, plus the Progresso grille featuring the marque’s emblem etched into its surface, give the Junior real personality. Finishing the Veloce trim are red brake callipers, privacy glass and an aggressive body kit.

​Power is provided by a 207kW (280hp) electric motor exclusive to Alfa Romeo, pushing 345Nm of torque through the front axle. The 0-62mph dash is dispatched in exactly six seconds, with a top speed of 124mph. Beyond the stats, Alfa’s engineers have invested considerable effort in chassis development, fitting a lowered suspension, widened track, reinforced anti-roll bars, upgraded braking hardware, a quicker steering ratio and a mechanical Torsen limited-slip diff.

A front view of the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce 280

​On a winding country lane, the car genuinely entertains the keen driver. It changes direction with enthusiasm, the steering relays useful information about grip levels, and the nose tucks into corners with precision.

Despite the considerable output, power is deployed progressively rather than aggressively, preventing the traction struggles that might otherwise hinder such a powerful front-wheel-driver. The battery pack mounted beneath the floor keeps the centre of gravity low, giving stability in corners.

​What sets the Veloce apart from its front-wheel-drive rivals is the behaviour of the rear axle. Ease off the accelerator as you approach a bend and the tail subtly rotates, helping to point the nose towards the apex, delivering genuine lift-off oversteer that feels deliberate rather than wayward.

Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce 280

The Torsen differential further enhances this playfulness on corner exit. Apply power as you unwind the steering and the car noticeably tightens its line, the diff working to pull the Junior through the bend rather than pushing wide into understeer.

The compromise appears in comfort. The suspension tuning that permits such dynamic ability means rough surfaces transmit noticeably into the cabin.

The cabin presents a mixed picture. The front sports seats deserve particular praise, delivering excellent lateral support. A 10.25-inch touchscreen manages entertainment functions, matched by an equally sized digital instrument display, while wireless smartphone connectivity offsets the absence of factory-fitted satnav.

​Plastics dominate, especially across the door trims and fascia, and the buttons and stalks will be recognisable to anyone familiar with recent Peugeots or Vauxhalls. Space for rear passengers is restricted, particularly for those with longer legs, reflecting the car’s B-segment foundations.

Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce 280

​Range proves the Junior Veloce’s weakness against rivals. The 51kWh battery pack provides an official WLTP range of 200.1 miles, though everyday driving, especially involving faster roads, will diminish that considerably. Realistically, anticipate somewhere between 150 and 160 miles during typical mixed use.

​Rapid charging reaches a maximum of 100kW, allowing a 20-80% charge in about half an hour. Using an 11kW domestic wallbox, a complete charge requires just shy of six hours.

The Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce stands out as a genuinely rewarding electric car that earns its badge. The dynamic abilities, visual appeal and driver involvement surpass what one might expect from a compact crossover. Nevertheless, the restricted real-world range, cramped second row and patchy cabin quality warrant careful thought given the nearly £50,000 price tag.

The Lowdown: Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce 280

POWERTRAIN: Single electric motor,

POWER: 280hp (207kW)

TORQUE: 345Nm

BATTERY CAPACITY: 51kWh

TRANSMISSION: Single-speed auto, front wheel drive

0-62MPH: 6.0 seconds

WLTP combined range: 200.1 miles

PRICE: £48,605 as tested