Al-Qalam 
By Imraan Buccus
Electric cars have become incredibly good at what they do, even though we may not be ready for them in SA yet. They’re fast, packed with technology and quiet. Yet many of them leave you feeling exactly the same after climbing out. Most tend to feel the same.
That isn’t the case with the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce. It felt exciting to drive an Alfa after more then a decade. Before I’d even driven a few kilometres, I realised this little Italian crossover had something many electric cars seem to have forgotten, and that is personality. It doesn’t simply transport you from A to B. It encourages you to enjoy the journey between the two.
The Junior also carries a fair amount of responsibility. As the smallest model in Alfa Romeo’s line-up and its first battery-electric vehicle, it arrives at a time when enthusiasts have questioned whether electrification could dilute the character that has defined the Italian marque for generations.
The first surprise is just how familiar it feels. There’s an eagerness to the steering and a sense of connection that simply isn’t common among many electric SUVs. In fact, it took me a while to remember I wasn’t driving a conventional petrol-powered Alfa. It was only after turning the radio down to enjoy what I expected to be a sporty engine note that reality returned.
The flagship Veloce derivative produces an impressive 207 kW and 345 Nm from its front-mounted electric motor, enough to dispatch the 0-100 km/h sprint in a claimed 5.9 seconds. Those numbers certainly look good on paper, but it’s the way the power is delivered that stands out.
Unlike many EVs that simply overwhelm you with instant acceleration, the Junior feels composed and engaging. Alfa Romeo has even fitted the Veloce with a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential and this gives it remarkable traction. It encourages you to tackle corners with enthusiasm rather than caution.
The steering deserves particular praise. It’s quick, direct and communicates far more than you’d expect from an electric crossover. Driving through heavy rain while avoiding South Africa’s ever-present potholes highlighted just how confidence-inspiring the chassis feels. Add substantial front brakes with four-piston calipers and stopping power is every bit as reassuring as the acceleration.
Visually, the Junior doesn’t disappoint either. It wears Alfa Romeo’s unmistakable design language proudly, with its distinctive Scudetto grille, muscular wheel arches and neatly truncated rear inspired by the brand’s classic Zagato models. Sitting on striking 20-inch alloy wheels, the Junior has genuine road presence without trying too hard.
Step inside and the sporting theme continues.
The deeply bolstered Sabelt sports seats hug you securely through corners while remaining comfortable enough for everyday commuting. Alfa has also retained its signature twin-pod instrument binnacle, albeit now housing a fully digital display that cleverly blends heritage with modern technology.
The infotainment system is centred around a 10.25-inch touchscreen paired with an equally sized digital driver’s display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with voice control, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and Level 2 driver assistance systems. Heated and electrically adjustable seats with a massage function, ambient lighting, keyless entry and Alfa’s DNA driving modes all contribute to a generous specification list.
It certainly doesn’t feel like a car missing equipment. However, despite the premium finishes, the cabin can feel a little snug, particularly with four adults on board. Rear passengers may wish for a touch more breathing room, while the sporty seats reinforce the intimate nature of the cabin.
Then there’s the matter of range.
The 54 kWh battery offers around 334 kilometres in the Veloce, which is perfectly adequate for daily commuting but may require some planning for longer road trips. Thankfully, 100 kW DC fast charging allows the battery to recharge from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes, reducing the inconvenience when longer journeys beckon.
During my time with the car, I also experienced some frustration connecting Apple CarPlay, although this could well have been an isolated software issue rather than a recurring problem.
Pricing will undoubtedly spark debate. The Junior range begins at R799 900 for the standard Elettrica, while the Veloce tested here asks R999 900. That’s significant money, especially considering several rivals offer more interior space or greater range for similar pricing.
Yet buying an Alfa Romeo has never been about making the most sensible decision. It has always been about buying something that stirs an emotion.
The Junior Veloce succeeds because it doesn’t abandon that philosophy in pursuit of electrification. It feels alive in a way that many electric crossovers simply don’t. Yes, there are faster EVs. And yes, there are models capable of travelling much further on a single charge.
But very few of them leave you looking for the long way home.
The Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce won’t be the electric car for everyone. Its range, compact dimensions and premium asking price ensure that. But if you’ve been waiting for an EV with genuine character—one that reminds you why driving can still be enjoyable in an increasingly electrified world, this spirited little Italian may be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
