Alfa Romeo Junior previewed as part of imminent range reshuffling
The Alfa Romeo Junior will become available locally before year-end. Picture: Charl Bosch
Showcased at an Alfa Romeo enthusiasts event in March, Stellantis South Africa used its Media Connect event in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 9 July, to not only formally unveil the all-new Alfa Romeo Junior, but also a pending restructured product range.
Range overhaul
The Junior will commence Alfa Romeo's line-up currently fronted by Tonale.
ALSO READ: Junior on its way as teasers start for Alfa Romeo's smallest SUV
While the Giulia and Stelvio and will retain their respective Veloce and Quadrifoglio variants until the arrival of the next generations in 2026 and 2027, the Junior's introduction will come with an overlapping of the Tonale as a result of the latter undergoing a powertrain revision.
Goodbye mild-hybrid Tonale
According to Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Leapmotor divisional boss, Janus Janse van Rensburg, the update will involve the current mild-hybrid Tonale being replaced by the all-wheel drive Q4 variant once stock runs out.
The result is that the much lamented electrified 1.5 litre turbo-petrol engine will make way for the Brazilian-made 1.3 litre turbocharged Firefly unit combined with an 15.5kWh battery pack powering a single 70kW electric motor.
Facelift Alfa Romeo will eschew the extensively panned mild-hybrid powertrain. Picture: Alfa Romeo
A configuration that will result in the Tonale becoming a plug-in hybrid, the combination develops 206 kW, allowing for a claimed all-electric range of up to 80 km, and 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds versus the mild-hybrid's 8.8 seconds.
Shown in facelift guise last year, the Tonale Q4 also sees the departure of the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox in favour of a hybrid specific six-speed torque converter automatic.
Still listed in mild-hybrid form priced at R811 899 for the entry-level Ti and at R895 129 for the top-spec Veloce, exact details regarding the Q4's availability wasn't revealed, though an official announcement is anticipated before year-end.
Junior arriving soon
In revealing the Junior, whose name had to be changed from Milano less than 24 hours after its global unveiling due to backlash from the Italian government, Stellantis also confirmed that the local line-up will comprise the same mild-hybrid and electric powerunits as in Europe.
For the former, this involves the familiar 1.2 litre three-cylinder PureTech turbocharged petrol engine being combined with a 48 volt electrical system, plus a 21kW electric motor housed within the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Junior will go on-sale as either a mild-hybrid or full EV. Picture: Charl Bosch
For South Africa, though, combined power outputs will be increased from 100kW to 115kW, but without the Q4 system as drive will go to the front wheels only.
Shown in Veloce spec at the event, the all-electric Junior will be a first for Alfa Romeo in South Africa.
Flagship Veloce will make exclusive use of an electric powerplant. Picture: Charl Bosch
As on the Old Continent, the electric Junior remains front-wheel-drive, but in Veloce spec, with outputs of 207kW/345Nm from the 54kWh battery pack.
Accordingly, the Junior Veloce will get from 0-100km/h in six seconds and require a 30 minute wait from 20-80% using a DC fast charger up to 100 kW. The claimed range is 346km.
Alfa Romeo specific changes have taken place inside where the overall design is otherwise similar to the Opel Mokka. Picture: Charl Bosch
Riding on the same electrified e-CMP platform as the Opel Mokka Electric, Fiat 600e, Abarth 600e and Jeep Avenger, the Junior measures 4 170mm long, 1 500mm tall and 1 780mm wide with its wheelbase stretching 2 550mm.
While local specification is still to be determined, the Junior was spotted with Alfa Romeo's new 10.25-inch infotainment system incorporating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation, the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and, being the Veloce, Sabelt sport seats trimmed in Alcantara.
Stay tuned
Besides specification, no details regarding pricing of the Junior is known, however, expect a possible announcement, as with the Tonale, to be made before year-end.
NOW READ: Alfa Romeo Milano makes dramatic return as hybrid or electric SUV
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Spruced-up facelift Opel Mokka officially priced
The Blitz's smallest SUV has benefited from a serious of updates inside and out, but not up front. Revealed towards the end of last year in Europe, Stellantis South Africa has released official price and spec details of the facelift Opel Mokka teased at its annual Media Connect event in Johannesburg last month. New outside A line-up once again consisting of two models, the updates to the first model that featured Rüsselsheim's Bold and Pure styling language comprises a new gloss black finish for the Opel Vizor grille and Opel blitz logo defined as the middle point or Opel Compass, removal of the various chrome accents, a restyled front bumper and a new Mokka nameplate script on the tailgate. ALSO READ: Opel unpacks facelift Mokka with series of simplified revisions Model-wise, the Edition, which replaces the Elegance, receives new 17-inch alloy wheels, while the carryover GS Line gets redesigned diamond-cut 18-inch alloys as well as a standard diamond black roof. New for both variants is a magnifying glass integrated into the LED headlights Opel says provides the same resolution as the Matrix IntelliLux diodes. Inside, both models now come equipped with the dual 10-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system as part of the Opel Pure Panel, the latter still with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but with improved software as well as embedded satellite navigation. A wireless smartphone charger, frameless electro-chromatic rear view mirror and folding side mirrors rounds the specifications changes. Similar to the newly launched Grandland and the incoming Frontera, the Mokka's cabin makes the switch from type-A to type-C USB ports, while also gaining the same steering wheel with standard heating function on both, plus a silver finish for the centre console. Now standard across all models is a new steering and the pair of 10-inch displays. Image: Opel For the Edition, the seats are trimmed in cloth and those of the GS Line in leather in addition to being equipped electric, heated and with a massaging function for the front chairs. On the safety side, the Edition and GS Line get front and rear parking sensors from the off, with a reverse camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning included on the latter. Same powertrain Up front, no changes have taken place despite the roll-out of a mild-hybrid system on the Old Continent, as well as a bigger battery pack for the now renamed Mokka Electric. No changes have taken place to the rear facia. Image: Opel As such, the Stellantis stalwart 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged PureTech petrol engine remains the sole options, with unchanged outputs of 96kW/230Nm. A toggle switch activated eight-speed automatic prevails as the sole available transmission option. Price Now on-sale, and soon to form part of Opel's three product SUV range below the Frontera and the Grandland, pricing for the Mokka continues to include a five-year/100 000 km warranty as plus a three-year/60 000 km service plan. Mokka 1.2T Edition – R519 900 Mokka 1.2T GS Line – R564 900 NOW READ: Sexy new Opel Mokka helps brand revive the fun factor
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- The Citizen
Hyundai Alcazar takes ‘new name' and product offering a step up
Described as a premium step-up from the Grand Creta, the Alcazar improves significantly in a number areas, while keeping the favoured turbodiesel engine. Alcazar's redesign has been so extensive so that it will be seen as a brand-new model compared to the pre-facelift model known locally as the Grand Creta. Images: Charl Bosch Although an unfamiliar name to South Africa with seemingly no connotations bar, somewhat humorously, the character of the same name in the Tintin comics, the Hyundai Alcazar is anything but new as it has been sold locally since 2022, albeit under a different name. What's in a name? Unveiled four years ago in India as a three-row version of the Creta, Hyundai South Africa's decision to align it with its sibling, produced at the same plant in Chennai, resulted in it being badged Grand Creta rather than sticking with a name local buyers might have taken a giggle to. With souring of the Creta having moved to the Cikarang facility in Indonesia three years ago though, the aligning strategy no longer applied as the pending first lifecycle update made it seem fit to drop the Grand Creta moniker and revert to Alcazar for the local market. NOW READ: Hyundai Alcazar officially priced as 'facelift' Grand Creta A move defined further by Hyundai as representing a step-up on the Grand Creta, despite it being a facelift, the arrival of what is still Hyundai's most affordable seven-seater in South Africa for the weeklong test promised much on the back of its predecessor's popularity, and main selling point, it's turbodiesel engine. Decked-out in the same Titan Grey Matte hue as the now discontinued limited run Creta Matte Edition, the test unit not only sported the 1.5-litre oil-burner underneath its bonnet, but also happened to be the flagship Elite priced at R669 900. Will be seen as new Sitting atop a range reduced to three models from the Grand Creta's five, the Elite's main exterior difference from the step-down Executive – which also continues to the offered with the normally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine as the base model – involves the new 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels compared to the former pair's 17-inches. Besides this, and viewed on first glance, the facelift touches can, in fact, be disputed as being representative of a completely new generational model as, beside the side profile, the Alcazar shares very little else with the Grand Creta. Central to this is a new bonnet, a new sealed upper grille, the same H-shaped LED headlight clusters from the Exter connected by a central light bar, wider wheel arches and a new front bumper that houses a now lower-mounted rectangular main grille plus a satin silver imitation skidplate. Not stopping there, the Alcazar's restyled rear facia involves a new bumper and integrated skidplate, H-shaped light clusters also connected by a horizontal LED light bar complete with a block letter name logo, a new tailgate and stacked light reflectors on the flanks of the bumper. Rounded off with satin silver roof rails, the Alcazar, arguably, appears better looking, more distinctive and stylish, and more premium compared to the somewhat bulbous and even divisive Grand Creta. Just as extensive, Hyundai has completely renewed the Alcazar's interior, albeit with the omittance of the new pair of 10.25-inch displays for the infotainment system as well as the digital instrument cluster. Instead, all models receive a reworked version of the Grand Creta's instrument cluster and the older eight-inch infotainment display, now equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time. Housed within the same 'one-piece' binnacle though, the overall design feels and looks decidedly more modern than in the Grand Creta, bolstered by the latter's ease of use and physical shortcut buttons on either side. Besides the new air vents and a storage shelf above glovebox, the centre console has been reworked to include an Audi-style LCD panel for the dual-zone climate control replete with physical toggle switches and touch-sensitive icons in place of the traditional dials. Although finished in anything but practical piano-key black, the initial concern of the setup being more form than function proved unfounded as it works easy while also being intuitive not to frustrate as the case often is. Largely neat looking and ergonomically sound, interior quality felt on the cheap side in some places and exactly the step-up from the Grand Creta Hyundai claims. What's more, the driver's seat doesn't drop low enough to accommodate taller folk, while the quality of the sound system undelivered when taking the Elite's price into consideration. More accomplished are soft and supportive imitation leather seats, the functionality of the multi-function steering wheel and straight-forward chunky buttons for the electronic handbrake, Hill Descent Control, Auto Hold and ventilated front seats. Practically-wise, the Alcazar also impresses as, apart from head-and-legroom leaving little to be desired – the former even with the standard panoramic glass roof – the second row sports a pair of nifty fold-out tables integrated into the backs of the front seats. Despite its seven seats, the third row is exclusive to children, however, entry is made easy by the second row 'tumbling forward' than simply sliding. In terms of space, the boot accommodates 180-litres with all seven seats in use, which increases to 579-litres in five-seat guise. With the middle row also down, total utility space measures 1 670-litres. Besides the features already mentioned, along with the peculiarity of only ventilated seats, the Alcazar Elite comes standard with rear window blinds, keyless entry plus push-button start, USB ports in each row, a wireless smartphone charger, folding electric mirrors and ambient lighting. Safety and driver assistance come in the form of a tyre pressure monitor, rear parking sensors, a somewhat underwhelming reverse camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and Lane Follow Assist. As much as it had been the selling point of the Grand Creta in a largely petrol-powered and ever growing hybrid end of the market, the much vaunted 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine isn't most refined nor quietest available. Tasked with moving 1 445 kg unladen, the engine's 84kW/250Nm makes for a slightly underpowered feel similar to the still Indian made Creta tested four years ago. Slightly overcoming its initial breathlessness as the revs climb, a fair amount of engine noise still creeps into the cabin at speed, while the six-speed automatic gearbox goes about its business in a relatively slick manner. As with the Grand Creta, the Alcazar's amount of twist goes to the front wheels only, though it does offer a Terrain mode selector with three settings; Snow, Mud and Sand. On top of this, the conventional drive mode system comes with three modes of its own; Eco, Normal, Sport, the former never being engaged, and the latter seldom as the admittedly sharper throttle response sees the revs climbing too with the result of a terribly sounding strained diesel soundtrack. Equally prone to simply spinning all of the power away without going faster, Normal was selected throughout the Alcazar's seven days and eventual 409 km covered. On the move, and despite the intrusive engine noise, the slightly firm ride still feels acceptable as the suspension dampens imperfections well without sending shudders or other aftereffects throughout the cabin. Unsurprisingly, the Alcazar's main selling point delivered with an indicated best consumption figure of 5.9 L/100 km at the completion of its stay. Conclusion While not without its detractions, some disappointing considering its supposed step-up from the Grand Creta, the Hyundai Alcazar still warrants being a worthwhile improvement both aesthetically and to some extent, internally. Practical and an overall solid product that does what it says on the tin without doing anything spectacularly good or bad, it still comes across as a bit pricey against not only its immediate legacy brand rivals, but also the ever growing number of comparative Chinese products. That being said, it is still worth a second look and given South Africa's still burning love for diesel and top-spec model variants, yet another likely success story in pending for the Korean brand. NOW READ: Hyundai Alcazar has an ace up its sleeve against Chinese SUVs
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
US tariffs, laws push Jeep owner Stellantis into €2. 3bn first-half net loss
Jeep owner Stellantis said on Monday it suffered a massive loss in the first half of the year. Image: File Jeep owner Stellantis said on Monday it suffered a massive loss in the first half of the year, when it felt the first impact of new US tariffs and took a massive charge following a change in US laws. The €2.3 billion (R48bn) net loss in the first half of the year came as sales in North America continued to slump, down 25% by volume in the second quarter year-on-year. The carmaker, whose stable of brands also includes Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat, said first-half net revenues dropped 12.6% to €74.3bn, according to the preliminary and unaudited results. Sales of vehicles fell by 6% in the second quarter year-on-year, after having dropped 9% in the first three months of 2025. Stellantis said "the early effects of US tariffs" had a €300 million negative impact and disrupted its plans to respond to its struggling performance in North America. Automakers have struggled to respond to a new US tariff of 25% on imported cars that are not largely made within North America. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Stellantis fell into a net loss when it took a €3.3bn charge, which it said was "primarily related to programme cancellation costs and platform impairments, net impact of the recent legislation eliminating the CAFE penalty rate and restructuring". US President Donald Trump's massive tax and spending legislation, approved earlier this month, removed the penalties for not respecting the so-called CAFE fuel economy targets, meaning automakers can produce and sell more higher polluting cars in the United States. Stellantis suspended its financial guidance in April due to the heightened uncertainty generated by US tariffs. The company said it was in the early stage of taking action to improve performance and profitability, with new products expected to deliver a larger impact in the second half of 2025. Shares in Stellantis fell more than 2% as trading got underway on the Paris stock exchange. Stellantis said it would release audited first half results on July 29 as scheduled. AFP
