Junior Alfa's first EV

COMFORTABLE: FALLS SHORT OF THE BRAND'S TYPICAL SOUL AND PASSION

- Charl Bosch

The Alfa Romeo Junior has not had a particularly easy birth as the brand's new entry-level crossover below the Tonale.

Initially supposed to be called Brennero after the Brenner mountain pass in the Italian Alps similar to the Stelvio, the name was eventually changed to Milano.

However, less than 24 hours after removing the wraps last year, the Italian government ordered parent company Stellantis to change the name last used in 1992 on the North American version of the 75 sedan as a result of its assembly taking place in Poland rather than Italy

Under law, Italian-sounding products not made in Italy are prohibited, as this misleads consumers into thinking they are buying an actual product made in Italy.

The moniker was changed again, this time reviving the equally iconic Junior name after 48 years.

It was a decision controversial in itself for denoting a crossover in contrast to the rapid 1300 GT and 1600 GT sports coupes of yesteryear, but the next issue centred around the choice of engines.

As part of Alfa Romeo's now abandoned plans to go fully electric by 2030, the Junior becomes its first EV, though a hybrid can also be had.

Based on the electric CMP or e-CMP platform, which also underpins the Opel Mokka Electric, Peugeot E-2008, Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600e, the Junior finds itself in a tricky position as Alfa Romeo's new product opener.