Power bump for top-spec Alfa Romeo Junior

The maximum power output of the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce has been bumped up from 177kW to a mightier 207kW as the light-size electric SUV’s development comes to a close.

That means the compact EV will offer performance outputs to rival established hot hatch heroes like the Hyundai i30 N and Volkswagen Golf GTI, as well as entry versions of Alfa Romeo’s own Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV.

More importantly, the power hike also means the hot Junior will out-muscle all versions of the Alpine A290, as well as the Abarth 500e and 600e, the base Cupra Born and all single-motor variants of the bigger Hyundai IONIQ5 and Kia EV6.

However, its effective range is likely to suffer, given it will come with the same 54kWh battery pack as other versions of the electric city-SUV.

According to the Italian car-maker’s engineers, the 2024 Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce’s 207kW will be supported by 345Nm of torque and harnessed by a previously-confirmed Torsen limited-slip differential, dedicated chassis tune (unique springs, dampers, anti-roll bars) and a big braking package.

Engineers have even started calling the Veloce a “compact sports car” on account of its performance intent, which will be elevated further by a unique 14.6:1 steering ratio in tandem with the above chassis upgrades.

“The targets and objectives are as they always are for every Alfa Romeo: best-in-class handling and driving dynamics,” they said.

Stellantis is yet to confirm any Junior variant for the Australian market, but closely-related Jeep Avenger EV will arrive here in the fourth quarter of this year, which bodes well for the Alfa’s local release.

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