The Alfa Romeo Junior manages something increasingly rare – it brings genuine Italian character to the compact SUV segment without sacrificing everyday practicality. After spending time with this small crossover, I’m convinced Alfa has struck an appealing balance between heritage and modern family needs.

I opted for the mild hybrid over the full electric version. There’s something authentically Alfa about having a proper engine under the bonnet and the hybrid system works seamlessly without diluting the driving experience.

The exterior strikes a crucial balance between sporting intent and suburban respectability. It looks purposeful enough to satisfy enthusiasts while remaining restrained enough for school run duties. The styling is unmistakably Alfa without being overly aggressive.

Inside the cabin, everything angles towards the driver in typical Alfa fashion – the infotainment system, the controls, the entire ergonomic cabin. That flat-bottomed steering wheel feels exactly right, while the driver-focused layout reminds you this isn’t some committee-designed appliance. Cabin space is a genuine surprise, feeling more generous than the exterior dimensions suggest.

Visibility is excellent, and over-the-shoulder checks are manageable, though not the clearest I’ve experienced. The interior feels airy and spacious enough for real family use.

Driving experience is where the Junior truly shines. Handling is beautifully balanced with virtually no body roll through corners – a notable improvement over some rivals. The seats aren’t overly sporty and supportive, but you feel stable and secure even when driving enthusiastically.

The turbocharged engine deserves praise

The 1.2-litre turbocharged engine does deserve a lot of praise. Despite its modest size, it sounds eager and delivers proper Alfa noises under acceleration. It’s not going to set performance benchmarks, but for an everyday model, it feels entirely adequate.
Driving modes offer some variations in steering weight and throttle response, though the changes are subtle rather than dramatic. In a mild hybrid setup, that’s entirely understandable – you’re working with smaller margins anyway.

Braking performance inspires confidence with well-judged pedal feel that’s neither too aggressive nor spongy. Around town, the Junior proves its daily driver credentials with easy manoeuvrability and that commanding SUV driving position.

What really impresses is how Alfa has injected genuine personality into what could have been another bland crossover. The DNA shines through from the eager engine note to the driver-focused interior layout. You feel connected to something special rather than just fulfilling a transportation requirement.

Minor compromises include seats that could be softer for longer journeys and driving modes that don’t transform the experience dramatically. But these feel like quibbles rather than fundamental issues.

The Junior succeeds because it doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It’s unashamedly driver-focused while remaining practical for families. It delivers authentic Alfa character and for buyers seeking something different in the compact SUV space – genuine character that doesn’t sacrifice usability – the Alfa Romeo Junior is a serious contender, proving there’s still room for cars with soul, even in an increasingly overcrowded crossover market.