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Alfa Romeo Junior hybrid: pros, cons, costs and common fixes
"Descrizione"
by Whiz35 (11982 pt)
2025-May-22 21:47

Alfa Romeo Junior Hybrid / Sprint / Veloce
(Model-Year 2025)


Country of Manufacture

The hybrid-powered B-SUV from Alfa Romeo is built at Stellantis' Tychy plant in Poland, the same factory that produces the fully electric version.


Overview
The Junior Hybrid adopts the STLA Small / e-CMP2 M-Hybrid 48 V architecture: under the hood is a 1.2 turbo three-cylinder paired with a 21 kW motor-generator integrated into the new e-DCT6 dual-clutch transmission. Visually, it retains the floating “Scudetto” grille, triple-module DRLs, and muscular flanks. The cabin features the “Cannocchiale” dashboard with two displays (10.25″ instruments, 10.7″ Uconnect 5) and optional head-up display. The 0.9 kWh battery pack sits in the tunnel, allowing for a flat floor, 2,562 mm wheelbase, and 400 L boot, unchanged from the electric version.


M-Hybrid Powertrains (Euro 6e)

VersionTotal PowerICE Engine48 V MHEVDrivetrainGearbox0–100 km/hWLTP Fuel Cons.
Hybrid 136 HP136 hp • 230 Nm1.2 L3 turbo 100 kW21 kW e-motorFWDe-DCT69.2 s5.0 l/100 km
Hybrid 48V 100 HP101 hp • 205 Nm1.2 L3 turbo 74 kW21 kW e-motorFWDe-DCT610.6 s5.2 l/100 km

*Combined WLTP figures.
0.9 kWh Li-ion battery – supports regenerative braking and brief EV sailing up to 30 km/h.


Boot Capacity

400 L (seats up) / 1,265 L (folded).


PROS

Why it convinces

  • True 48 V Mild-Hybrid
    Silent starts, EV sailing in traffic, and energy recuperation: +15% efficiency vs standard 1.2 PureTech.

  • 6-Speed e-DCT
    Dual-clutch with integrated e-motor: fast shifts, no torque converter.

  • Alfa-style steering & chassis
    Dedicated tuning, stiffer anti-roll bars, and upgraded brakes on 136 HP versions.

  • Top-class space & packaging
    400 L of boot space, flat cargo floor thanks to compact tunnel-mounted battery.

  • Uconnect 5 Infotainment
    5G connectivity, Alexa built-in, OTA updates, customizable widgets.

  • Low operating costs
    Reduced annual tax (136 hp), biennial servicing, real highway fuel use: 5.4–5.6 L/100 km.


CONS

Reported drawbacks

  • Not a “Veloce” performer
    136 hp is sufficient but less thrilling than the 240 hp BEV.

  • FWD only
    No AWD option—traction depends entirely on tires in slippery conditions.

  • Hefty for a B-SUV (1,420 kg)
    Battery + e-DCT add weight, making it slower than lighter mild-hybrid rivals.

  • 48 V isn’t plug-in
    No BEV/PHEV incentives; no ZTL (restricted zone) access in cities.

  • Pricey premium options
    Luxury Pack, panoramic roof, L2+ ADAS can add €5–6k.

  • Uconnect lag reported
    Some users noted touch delay on wake-up (OTA fix scheduled).


Estimated Running Costs 

ServiceParts (€)Labor (€)Interval
0W-30 Oil + Filter (3.5 L)1159030,000 km / 24 mo.
Accessory belt (wet)60120100,000 km
DOT 4 Brake fluid85120Every 2 years
Cabin filter + sanitizing757030,000 km
Iridium spark plugs (L3)908060,000 km

*48 V battery requires no maintenance; brakes last longer thanks to regen.


Indicative Prices 

VersionPower (hp)Price (incl. VAT)*
Junior 48V 100 HP101€28,900
Junior 48V 136 HP136€31,900
Junior 48V 136 HP Sprint/Veloce136€34,900

*IPT and delivery excluded. No MHEV incentives applied.


Known Issues & Solutions (early feedback)

ProblemSuggested Remedy
Occasional idle vibrationMHEV software update + engine mount check
e-DCT delay from standstillTCU flash v640A + clutch learning in service
18″ tire noiseSet pressure to 2.4 bar; consider 215/55-18 touring tires
Uconnect 5 lagSoft reset + OTA 1.2.3; replace infotainment unit if needed
Mirror whistle >110 km/hMY25 aero gasket kit + 6 Nm housing torque

Summary

The Junior Hybrid brings the Alfa Romeo spirit to the compact B-SUV 48 V segment: sharp steering, best-in-class boot, and real-world consumption better than older turbo petrols. It’s not as quick as the BEV nor does it offer AWD, but with prices under €32,000 and low running costs, it’s an attractive gateway to the brand for those wanting a sporty yet efficient daily driver.



Verdict — Alfa Romeo Junior Hybrid
(48 V Hybrid 136 hp / Veloce 180 hp — Model-Year 2025)

Together with the full-electric version, the Junior offers two mild-hybrid variants based on the 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder CMP-Evo:

  • 136 hp with a 21 kW electric motor integrated in the 6-speed e-DCT (front-wheel drive)

  • Veloce with 180 hp, featuring a revised compression ratio, variable-geometry turbo, and lowered suspension

The 0.9 kWh battery allows for short electric-only driving (<2 km) and coasting up to 150 km/h. The aggressive styling inspired by the 33 Stradale remains, as do the 3+3 Arrow LED headlights, 12.3″ + 10.25″ dual screen cockpit, and the complete L2 ADAS package.


Category Comparison

CategoryWhere it excelsWhere it matchesWhere it lags
Design & imageIlluminated “Scudetto”, 20″ Quadrifoglio wheels (Veloce), Brera Red & Aquamarina; 3+3 DRL signature.Vegan leather interiors, flat-bottom steering wheel.Displays less dramatic than Volvo EX30 or Mini Aceman.
Dynamics1,345 kg curb weight, 14.5:1 steering, Veloce 0–100 in 7.0 s, Torsen mechanical diff, –25 mm ride; 8% less roll than Avenger.330 mm brakes with electric by-wire booster.Rear semi-rigid axle less refined than Mini Aceman JCW’s multilink.
Real efficiency5.1 L/100 km extra-urban (136 hp), 4.5 L in city due to electric start&stop and coasting.115 g/km CO₂: competitive with Peugeot e-2008 Hybrid 48 V.+0.4 L/100 km vs Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 HEV (full-hybrid).
Electric featuresFull EV start, crawling in traffic, reverse only electric, e-Boost 12 kW for 15 s in overtake.15 kW regenerative braking.EV range <2 km: not comparable to a PHEV.
Comfort & NVH67 dB @130 km/h (acoustic glass), Eco Suède Sabelt seats, “Soft” mode on Dual Valve dampers.Fully electric A/C (48 V compressor).3-cylinder louder above 4,500 rpm than 4-cyl VW Taigo mild-hybrid.
HMI / Infotainment“Cannocchiale” 12.3″ cluster with 4 layouts (Heritage, E-Boost, Track), 10.25″ infotainment with Alfa skin, OTA updates.Wireless CarPlay/Android, Alexa Built-In.Dual-screen setups like EX30 and Smart #1 feel more impressive.
Practicality400 L trunk, 60/40 seats, 10 L frunk for cables; 13 cm shorter than 2008 but same volume.10.5 m turning circle; 2 rear ISOFIX points.Limited rear legroom for >1.80 m; no tow rating at launch.
Running costsService every 30,000 km/2 yrs; timing chain.19″ 225/40 tires €240/ea.Veloce with 20″ Cup 2 €320/ea with 30,000 km lifespan.
Depreciation136 hp “Speciale” estimated 70% (36 months); Veloce 68%.Toyota full-hybrids hold value better in fleet/taxi markets.
ADAS & safetyFull L2: ACC 160 km/h, lane centering, rear cross-traffic, auto-park, “Night Reflex” infrared night vision.No Level 3, but no rivals in this class offer it yet.

Best Fit

  • Urban emotional commuter136 hp: 5 L/100 km, electric 0–50 km/h sprints, ZTL-compatible in short EV stretches.

  • Green hot-hatch fansVeloce 180 hp, Torsen diff, Cup 2 Connect tires: Abarth 600e feel with Alfa’s synthetic soundtrack.

  • Small executive fleets136 hp Business: clear TCO, no charging anxiety, regional mild-hybrid incentives.


Who Should Look Elsewhere

  • Frequent highway drivers (500 km/day) → Diesel or long-range BEVs (e.g., Volvo EX30 LR, Kia Niro EV).

  • True AWD needs → Jeep Avenger 4xe (2026) or Suzuki Vitara Hybrid AWD.

  • Cabin max-display lovers → Smart #1, Mini Aceman, Tesla Model Y.


Recommended Configuration

Junior Hybrid 136 hp “Speciale” + Tech Pack (AR-HUD, ACC Stop&Go) + 19″ Aero wheels
→ ~410 km range with 40 L tank, 5.1 L/100 km real-world use, 400 L boot, and full ADAS.
Leave the 20″ Cup 2s to those who really hit tracks and mountain passes.

Evaluate