A GROWN UP YOUNGSTER.
ALFA ROMEO JUNIOR IBRIDA Q4
The youngest member of the Alfa Romeo family launched with confidence - unbothered by the rather dissentient social media chatter. Months after its debut in 38 markets (with key regions like Australia and Japan still to come), the Junior has already racked up over 27,000 orders - exceeding Alfa’s own expectations. Notably, 19% of these are for the Elettrica version. Building on this strong start, Alfa Romeo has introduced a new variant: the Junior Ibrida Q4. Priced from around €37.400 in Italy, it sits at the top of the hybrid range, between the base model and the fully electric Veloce. It’s not the cheapest entry ticket, but membership in the Biscione club remains one of the most rewarding, as we found out during our Media Drive in Northern Italy.
The Junior Ibrida Q4 is powered by Stellantis’ 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing 136 HP, supplemented by two electric motors (one integrated into the engine and one on the rear axle, each delivering 21 kW) for a total output of 145 HP. Power is transmitted via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, also operable manually with paddles behind the steering wheel. Weighing in at 1,500 kg, the Junior Q4 reaches 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds and tops out at 200 km/h.
For its launch, Alfa Romeo chose the scenic Langhe region in Northern Italy, known for its wines and truffles (and also for lending its name to a section of the Balocco racetrack), with the journey starting from Alfa’s adoptive home in Turin. Standard equipment includes Spiga seats (in a black-red Chevron fabric and synthetic leather combination), a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation and smartphone connectivity, a six-speaker sound system, Level 2 autonomous driving, a 180° rearview camera, and a hands-free electric tailgate. On the outside, it features the Leggenda scudetto, classic Alfa style five-petal 18-inch wheels in a new interpretation and full LED lighting.
The only thing missing? A Q4 emblem. An Alfa tradition since the 155 in 1992, and one so valuable that even Audi fought for the rights to use it. Then again, Alfa has such a deep well of history that it can afford to leave some things on the shelf.
Even if the Q4 badge is absent, the all-wheel-drive system proves its worth as soon as the road turns to gravel. Manually accessible via dedicated fourth driving mode in the DNA system - beyond Dynamic, Normal, and Advanced Efficiency - it activates the rear motor independently, with no mechanical link to the front axle. Below 30 km/h, it runs continuously. Between 30 and 90 km/h, it engages based on traction needs. To ensure AWD remains functional even at low battery levels, Alfa Romeo has implemented a new power output management system called Power Looping Technology, which redirects excess energy from the front motor directly to the rear axle, bypassing the battery. And there’s even another goodie that Alfa packs in the one area that interests us the most - road holding: the Junior Ibrida Q4 debuts the Multilink independent rear suspension on this platform, with its own specifically developed springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars.
Between capturing photos for Alfa Romeo’s press kit and taking in the Langhe landscape, our photographer Luca Orsi, designated driver for this assignment, got a feel for the Junior Q4:
“I really liked this Junior a lot. The driving position is spot on, with an optimal seat-steering wheel-pedal alignment. The seats are comfortable - I actually prefer the standard Spiga ones over the optional Sabelt seats in the Sport Pack, which might be too stiff for daily use. The car is lively and fun to drive, but the brakes need some adjustment. It’s not that they don’t work, but there’s a noticeable delay before they bite, making the initial response feel less progressive than expected. The Q4 system itself is seamless; on regular roads, even in wet conditions or on inclines, the car behaves like a front-wheel-drive hatchback. Only on rough dirt paths and muddy stretches between the vineyards did I really feel the rear axle pushing. It’s not a hardcore off-roader, but the extra traction is there when needed. Most buyers probably won’t be attacking hard mountain passes, but for those who do, the front inner wheel can slip slightly under aggressive cornering. The ‘cheerful’ driving experience is there - it just comes from a combination of small, well-executed details rather than brute force.”
It’s a new approach—perhaps a more pragmatic one for the times. Nürburgring records grab headlines, but do they really sell cars? The Junior Q4 takes a different route. It delivers a driving experience that’s engaging without being intimidating. The tight embrace of the seats, the directness of the steering, the coherence of the infotainment, the illuminated Biscione in the air vents - it’s a sum of small, thoughtful touches designed to make every drive enjoyable. For many, this might be their first taste of Alfa Romeo’s unique character. And maybe, just maybe, under the Stellantis umbrella, that joyful character comes with no strings attached…
Photo Gallery by Luca Danilo Orsi.
