Latest news with #AlfaRomeo
News.com.au
11 minutes ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
First Drive: Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida
If the Alfa Romeo Junior was a person, it'd be the effortlessly stylish Italian who strolls into brunch in head-to-toe linen, Gucci sunglasses with an espresso in hand. Chic and charismatic. Originally launched in Europe as the 'Milano', the name didn't last long. Italian government officials pointed out that the car was built in Poland and so couldn't legally carry an Italian city name. A quick rebrand and a nod to a classic Alfa from the 60s, the Junior was born. But the Junior doesn't feel nostalgic, sure, there are parts that feel Alfa, but if anything the Junior feels designed for a new generation of buyers. One that's younger, more urban and style-conscious. Arriving mid 2025, the Junior will be Alfa Romeo's first model offered with both electric (Elettrica) and mild-hybrid (Ibrida) powertrains from launch. It also marks Alfa's most affordable model in years, expected to be below $50,000. But even at the entry point, it's positioned slightly above the more mainstream compact SUVs, targeting drivers who are willing to spend a little more for a car that feels a little more premium. This is where the Junior shines. This is a car for buyers who want their SUV to be a statement, with its gloss black body kit, diamond-cut alloy wheels, signature LED matrix headlights and bold two-tone colour options, the Junior feels more like a fashion accessory than a family SUV. The Ibrida variant I tested on Spanish highways pairs a turbocharged 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a 48-volt electrical system. It delivers 100kW to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic and thanks to a small e-motor the car can cruise in electric-only power. The drive felt composed and refined but a proper dynamic test on Australian roads is needed to comment further on driving dynamics. With a 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds, the numbers aren't anything to get excited about. But while it may not have the grunt, a spicer Junior Elettrica 'Veloce' version is coming soon with 207kW and 345Nm. Inside the cabin is distinctively Alfa, there's thoughtful tech, sporty touches, dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, cloverleaf AC vents and the 'Spiga' seats as standard (optional in other markets). While the cabin is stylish, the materials black cloth/leatherette seats and finishes fall just short of feeling luxurious. One design detail worth noting is the central screen, which is slightly slanted towards the driver, while it's meant to create a cockpit-like feel, I found it a little distracting, especially if your passenger leans over to change a setting. The interior space is reasonable, on a short trip, we managed to squeeze three adults and luggage, it took a bit of shuffling but it fit. The boot's adjustable floor came in handy however the rear space did feel tight, even for someone of my petite frame. There's also plenty of safety features including adaptive cruise control, AEB, lane-centering assist, reverse camera, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition. The Junior is already performing well in Europe, since its debut in late 2024 with Alfa Romeo taking more than 27,000 orders across 38 countries. As of early 2025, it's the brand's best selling model and has helped Alfa lift its overall sales in Europe. But how the Junior will perform in Australia is a much bigger question. Here it's not just fighting for attention with familiar brands like Volkswagen, Mazda and Lexus but the real threat comes from brands like BYD and MG, which continue to offer buyers luxury and hi-tech options at prices that make premium badges worried.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Alfa Romeo could postpone launch of new Stelvio SUV: sources
Alfa Romeo is set to postpone the launch of the new version of its Stelvio large SUV as it reassesses its strategies amid tepid demand for electric vehicles (EVs), two sources told Reuters on Thursday. The new Stelvio, which is due to be produced in Cassino, central Italy, will not start deliveries before September or October next year, one of the sources said. It was previously set to be unveiled later this year and sold in the first quarter of 2026. Alfa Romeo — part of the Stellantis group which also owns Fiat, Jeep and Peugeot — is developing a hybrid version of the model, which was initially planned to be sold only in EV guise, a second source said. The rescheduled launch could slow, at least in the short-term, a wider plan to revive production and jobs in Italy that Stellantis presented to the Italian government at the end of last year. Stellantis on Wednesday appointed its North American chief Antonio Filosa as its new CEO. Earlier this month, the head of the carmaker's European operations said the company was working on an update of the plan. Though the new Stelvio is based on Stellantis' multi-powertrain 'STLA large' platform, it will take some time for the group to also develop its hybrid version, the second source said. Assessments of powertrain options are not affecting plans for the new version of Alfa Romeo's Giulia sport sedan, whose launch is foreseen for next year, the same source added. A spokesperson for Stellantis said the revision of the group's plan for Italy 'includes an expansion and reshaping of activities in the country in light of current market conditions, uncertainties surrounding EU regulations and the impact of tariffs'. Demand for EVs is struggling to pick up in Europe and many expect the EU could slow the shift towards electrification in the industry. In the US, which accounts for about 15% of Alfa Romeo's volumes, tariffs could affect sales of the brand's European-made cars. Stellantis earlier this year hired consultant McKinsey to advise on the effects of US tariffs on Alfa Romeo and its Maserati luxury brand.
Auto Express
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Is this the boxiest Jeep ever?
The all-new, sixth-generation Jeep Cherokee has been revealed… sort of. The first official images of the large, boxy SUV have been released, with the promise of more details to come later this year. We'd forgive you for thinking these were just more pictures of the new Jeep Compass that was unveiled not too long ago, because the two cars look pretty similar. Both feature an upright front end with Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, a flat bonnet, squared-off wheelarches and very square body. Advertisement - Article continues below Of course, all of those styling cues were also found on the landmark, second-generation Jeep Cherokee, more commonly known as the XJ, from the eighties. It was one of the world's first compact SUVs and arguably the most influential model the 4x4 brand has produced, so we understand why the new Mk6 Cherokee might hark back to it. So far, the only technical detail Jeep has confirmed is that the new Cherokee will be available with hybrid power. We're assuming it's based on the same STLA Large platform as the new Jeep Wagoneer S, and the next-generation Alfa Romeo Stelvio, which means there would be potential for an all-electric version too, but we'll have to wait and see. Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf said: 'The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice and standard content to customers than ever before. 'Jeep Cherokee will boast competitive pricing that strikes at the core of the largest vehicle segment and sits perfectly between Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee to bolster our winning mainstream line-up.' The brand's boss is referring to its American line-up there. If the new Cherokee comes to the UK and Europe – which hasn't been confirmed yet – it should slot in between the new Compass, which is due to arrive here before the end of the year, and the flagship Wagoneer S that last we heard was due in early 2026. Our dealer network has 1,000s of great value new cars in stock and available now right across the UK. Find your new car…
Motor 1
a day ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Alfa Romeo Could Delay Its Most Important Car
The typical life cycle of a car is around seven years, yet the Stelvio is nearing its 10 th anniversary. It'll still be some time before Alfa Romeo's original SUV transitions to its second generation. A new report claims that deliveries have been delayed to allow development of a version that wasn't initially planned. Stellantis had originally intended to sell the next-generation Stelvio exclusively as an EV, but has had a change of heart and is now working on a hybrid with a gasoline engine. According to Reuters , which cites two people familiar with the matter, deliveries of the next-gen Stelvio won't begin until September or October next year. The original timeline had Alfa Romeo unveiling the midsize luxury SUV later this year and starting shipments in Q1 2026. When contacted by Motor1 , a company spokesperson issued the following statement: Photo by: Alfa Romeo "Stellantis has announced, through a company spokesperson, that it is working on an update to its plan for Italy. The plan includes an expansion and reshaping of activities in the country, in light of current market conditions, uncertainties surrounding EU regulations, and the impact of tariffs. A constructive dialogue is underway in the appropriate forums." The reference to 'market conditions' suggests that Alfa Romeo initially felt confident about launching the new Stelvio as an EV-only model but reconsidered after realizing that electric vehicles were not gaining traction as quickly as expected. The next generation will move from the Giorgio platform to the STLA Large architecture. While STLA Large is electric-first, it also supports combustion engines. Stellantis has already implemented the STLA Large platform for the new Dodge Charger , which is currently available only with electric powertrains. The Charger Sixpack, featuring a twin-turbo inline-six 'Hurricane' engine, is scheduled for the second half of the year, despite Dodge's initial promise to have the gas-powered version on sale by summer. It's still too early to tell whether a potential delay of the Stelvio will also affect the new Giulia. Alfa Romeo has said its BMW 3 Series rival will enter its second generation in 2026. When it arrives, however, it won't be a traditional sedan . Instead, it's expected to adopt a different body style; likely a five-door, slightly lifted liftback in the vein of the Peugeot 408 . The high-performance Quadrifoglio models are also set to return, complete with combustion engines. Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficili confirmed the news to our colleagues from Motor1 Italy and hinted at the possible use of Maserati's 'Nettuno' V-6: 2026 Alfa Romeo Stelvio trademark image 4 Source: Alfa Romeo 'A fantastic engine, there will be an evolution in terms of availability. I think it is an engine that can be developed in any brand, as happens in a strong Group like Stellantis where synergies must be sought, so I do not exclude possibilities of this type.' Earlier this week, Stellantis finally announced a replacement for Carlos Tavares , who departed the company in December 2024. Former Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa will now lead the automotive conglomerate, which comprises no fewer than 14 car brands. One of his first trips as CEO will be to Europe, where Stellantis is grappling with a few underperforming brands like DS Automobiles and Lancia. Alfa Romeo, by contrast, is way up in the region. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), shipments in the EU+EFTA+UK region rose by 36.9% to 23,067 units during the first four months of the year. Still, BMW, thanks to a much more diverse portfolio, sold approximately eleven times as many cars in the same period, totaling 264,009 vehicles. Catch Up With Alfa Romeo: Alfa Romeo Won't Make a Sports Car Unless You Keep Buying SUVs The Next Alfa Romeo Giulia Won't Be a Sedan Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Reuters Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Alfa Romeo could postpone launch of new Stelvio SUV, sources say
Alfa Romeo is set to postpone the launch of the new version of its Stelvio large SUV as it reassesses its strategies amid tepid demand for electric vehicles, two sources told Reuters on Thursday. The new Stelvio, which is due to be produced in Cassino, central Italy, will not start deliveries before September or October next year, one of the sources said. It was previously set to be unveiled later this year and sold in the first quarter of 2026. Alfa Romeo - part of the Stellantis group which also owns Fiat, Jeep and Peugeot - is developing a hybrid version of the model, which was initially planned to be sold only in full-electric (EV) guise, a second source said. The rescheduled launch could slow, at least in the short term, a wider plan to revive production and jobs in Italy that Stellantis presented to the Italian government at the end of last year. Stellantis on Wednesday appointed its North American chief Antonio Filosa as its new CEO. Earlier this month, the head of the automaker's European operations said the company was working on an update of the plan. Although the new Stelvio is based on Stellantis' multi-powertrain "STLA large" platform, it will take some time for the group to also develop its hybrid version, the second source said. Assessments of powertrain options are not currently affecting plans for the new version of Alfa Romeo's Giulia sport sedan, whose launch is foreseen for next year, the same source added. A spokesman for Stellantis said the revision of the group's plan for Italy "includes an expansion and reshaping of activities in the country, in light of current market conditions, uncertainties surrounding EU regulations, and the impact of tariffs". Demand for EVs is struggling to pick up in Europe and many expect the European Union could slow the shift towards electrification in the industry. In the U.S., which accounts for around 15% of Alfa Romeo's volumes, tariffs could impact sales of the brand's European-made cars. Stellantis earlier this year hired consultant McKinsey to advise on the effects of U.S. tariffs on Alfa Romeo and its Maserati luxury brand.
