Alfa Romeo is refining its entry-level model, the Junior (previously briefly named the Milano), for the 2026 model year. The update introduces a new Ti trim level for both the hybrid Ibrida and all-electric Elettrica variants, expanding the range and offering buyers more choices.
Shared Foundations, Competitive Market
The Junior is built on the same platform as the Vauxhall Mokka, Jeep Avenger, and Fiat 600, positioning it directly against rivals like the Volvo EX30, Ford Puma, and MINI Aceman. This move reflects Alfa Romeo’s strategic approach to leverage existing Stellantis group technology for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This is common practice in the modern automotive industry, where shared platforms reduce development costs and speed up time to market.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2026 Junior Ibrida hybrid starts at £29,000, with the Ti trim priced at £31,500 and the Sport Speciale at £34,200. The all-electric Elettrica begins at £32,400, rising to £34,900 for the Ti and £37,600 for the Sport Speciale.
Alfa Romeo is also applying a £1,500 EV grant to lower the Elettrica’s price, and further discounts (averaging over £2,500) are available through Auto Express Buy A Car. The high-performance Veloce version, sharing underpinnings with the Abarth 600e and Vauxhall Mokka GSE, comes in at £40,800.
Standard Features and the Ti Upgrade
The standard Junior includes 18-inch Petali alloy wheels, LED lighting, the signature Leggenda’ Scudetto grille, and dual 10.25-inch screens. Standard tech includes adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
The new Ti trim builds on this with heated, electrically adjustable seats, a leather steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and tinted windows. Exterior upgrades include body-colored door handles and black mirror caps, paired with new 18-inch ‘Fori’ alloy wheels. The Ti trim is historically significant for Alfa Romeo, having appeared on models such as the Giulia Super in the 1960s, Alfasud, and modern Stelvio, Giulia, and Tonale.
Sport Speciale and New Options
The Sport Speciale trim remains unchanged, offering matrix LED headlights, an electric bootlid, a 180-degree rear camera, 360-degree parking sensors, and keyless entry. Inside, buyers get Alcantara seats, a leather/Alcantara steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger, and heated mirrors.
A new ‘Sport Pack’ is also available, including Sabelt sport seats, red interior accents, and manual gearshift paddles for the Ibrida model.
Performance Details
The Junior Ibrida combines a 145bhp engine with 230Nm of torque, achieving 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds. The Elettrica offers 154bhp and 265Nm of torque but is 0.1 seconds slower to 62mph due to its heavier weight (240kg). The performance difference is marginal, making the choice between the two largely dependent on consumer preference for electric versus hybrid technology.
The 2026 Alfa Romeo Junior updates provide a wider range of options for buyers seeking an entry-level vehicle with a blend of style, technology, and performance. With competitive pricing and expanded trim levels, the Junior aims to appeal to a broader audience within the compact car segment.
