Hot on the heels of the fully electric Junior I drove earlier this year comes a hybrid model, or ‘Ibrida’ in Italian, which sounds so much better. So, how does it all work?
The system is designed to maximise the efficiency of the vehicle CO2, thanks to the support of the eMotor and the eDriving phases. When driving at low speeds, the electric motor allows for silent manoeuvring. Step on the gas, however, and there’s an extra 9 kW of shove at full throttle as the eMotor supports the petrol engine.

This all sounds well and good and undoubtedly aid the Junior’s low 110g/km CO2 reading and impressive official 57.6 mpg for the combined cycle. However, the transition from electric only running to the engine firing car be a little abrupt, with some unseemly lurching for the uninitiated. You learn to drive round it, but others do it better. In mixed driving, 50mpg was easy enough to achieve, even for the heavy-footed road tester.

There is the familiar Alfa Romeo DNA system, designed to enhance the driving experience by choosing between different performance settings. Dynamic (D), Natural (N) and Advanced Efficiency (A). The system defaults to the middle setting. My Dales test routes were undoubtedly more enjoyable in Dynamic mode, the gearbox holding on to the revs for longer and thus making the most of the modest 136hp available form the three-cylinder engine.

The latter is pleasantly refined, even when pressed, and the 0-62mph official sprint time is a reasonable 8.9 seconds. Top speed is a heady 128mph for those interested in such figures.

The ride is firm but compliant, absorbing bumps well, though it can turn a tad choppy on rougher surfaces. High-speed refinement is good, with minimal road, wind or engine noise disturbing the calm in the cabin.

On twisty roads, the Junior Ibrida’s limitations become glaring. While safe and stable, the car understeers when pushed, and the remote steering offers little joy. For a brand synonymous with driver engagement, the Junior’s dynamics are somewhat disappointing.

I should mention the brakes. Lifting off the accelerator reveals some regeneration, putting some juice back into the battery, but the brakes are somewhat grabby and difficult to modulate. Many hybrids exhibit this slightly unnerving trait. Could do better Alfa!

The Junior’s interior is a mixed affair. The front seats, especially with the optional ‘Spiga’ upgrade, are comfortable and supportive when pushing on. Rear legroom is tight for adults and the small windows create a claustrophobic atmosphere. The 400-litre boot is competitive, though some rivals do offer more space. Storage is adequate, with decent door bins and cupholders, but the glovebox is probably best reserved for just gloves.

The infotainment system is easy enough to operate, and there are some functions that still have buttons to control, thank goodness. Some materials are a tad underwhelming for a premium offering.

There’s no doubt the Alfa Romeo Junior is one of the more stylish cars in its class, but its driving dynamics failed to excite this petrolhead. It’s in Alfa’s DNA to make exciting cars, ones that make you want to go out for a drive just for the sake of it. The Junior, whilst worthy is not one of them.

Fast Facts
• Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida
• List price - £27,895 (£33,295 as tested)
• Options include Premium and Technology packs
• Scala Ivory paint, Black roof
• 1.2-litre 3-cylider engine
• 6-speed automatic gearbox
• 136hp and 230Nm torque
• 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds
• Top speed 128mph
• Combined economy 57.6mpg
• Emissions – 110g/km CO2
• BIK 27%