The car was the last sports prototype to be raced by the Belgian racing team, Ecurie Francorchamps.
A 1970 Ferrari 512 M will go under the hammer at auction next month when it could fetch up to £10 million.
RM Sotheby’s auction will take place in Paris from February 4 to February 5 and will see countless high-end vehicles go up for auction. The two-day event takes place in Les Salles du Carrousel in the Louvre Palace, right in the heart of the French capital.
The car was raced in two 24-hour Le Mans endurance races. (RM Sotheby)
This particular Ferrari 512 M was supplied new in May 1970 to the Belgian racing team, Ecurie Francorchamps. It was the last sports prototype to be used by the team and was raced twice at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance event – achieving fifth place in the 1970 season. Also, this example was the only 512 M to be supplied in the Giallo yellow paintwork.
Alongside the Ferrari 512 M, a variety of other special vehicles will be on offer, including a 1981 Ferrari 512 BB/LM, a 1951 Ferrari 212/225 Export by Vignale, a 2011 Koenigsegg Agera and a 1958 BMW 507 Roadster.
The Koenigsegg Agera is just one of seven ever produced. (RM Sotheby)
Another car expected to fetch a high price is a 2011 Koenigsegg Agera – one of seven ever produced. The exterior features exposed matt carbon fibre and the car utilises a 5.0-litre V8 that produces 963bhp – making it one of the most powerful and fastest road cars in the world. It’s expected to sell for between £1.5 and £1.9 million by the time the hammer falls.
As automatics become the norm for most drivers, the manual gearbox is somewhat of an endangered species with only a few cars offering three pedals.
The world of motoring is changing. Whether it’s how they are fuelled or constructed, modern cars have never been so well thought out with their tech-filled interior and powertrains.
However, a race to lower emissions means EVs and hybrids are starting to dominate the new car market with their automatic transmissions, meaning that old-school three-pedal manual gearboxes are fading out fast.
So, are any new cars on sale today available with three pedals? Well, yes there are, but they are few and far between and we’ve picked out the best cars on sale today that still come with the choice of a manual gearbox.
Honda Civic Type R
The Civic Type R is one of the most driver-focused hot hatches. (Honda)
Honda’s Civic Type R is one of the best and fastest hot hatchbacks around and ever since the latest model was released back in 2022, this latest FL5 version is one of the best examples yet.
The Civic’s design won’t be to everyone’s taste, but its big rear spoiler, large alloy wheels and flared wheel arches make this a mean-looking machine. Inside, you have red body-hugging bucket seats and a sports steering wheel.
However, its slick, short six-speed manual gearbox is what makes this a true driver’s car. It’s a smooth, rewarding gearbox to use – hence why the Civic Type R is one of the top driver-focused hot hatchbacks on the market.
Toyota GR Yaris
The GR Yaris is already a future classic. (Toyota)
The GR Yaris will go down in history as one of the all-time great hot hatches and ever since it was launched back in 2020, it has captured the world’s driving enthusiasts as one of the best hot hatchbacks to come out in years – making it a very worthy contender to the aforementioned Civic Type R.
In 2024, Toyota gave the car a whole host of updates to make this pint-sized pocket rocket even better, but one of the best parts of the raw driving experience is the short-throw six-speed manual gearbox. It’s so nice to use that you end up changing gear for the sheer pleasure of doing it. Already regarded as a future classic, the GR Yaris is one of those cars that needs to be driven to be appreciated for what has gone into the engineering side to make this one of the ultimate hot hatchbacks of the 21st century.
Porsche 911 S/T
Porsche’s 911 S/T is a GT3 RS in a discreet exterior guise. (Porsche)
Talking about driver’s cars, one of the best to come out of 2024 and possibly one of the finest cars on this list is Porsche’s 911 S/T.
The S/T is essentially a GT3 RS in a more understated guise, with no big rear spoiler, exterior decals or front extensions. Its manual gearbox makes this a rather special car, compared to other models in the 911 range with their PDK automatic boxes. Its 4.0-litre flat-six engine revs to 8,500rpm and sounds like nothing else. The S/T is by far and away one of the most sought-after and investment-worthy cars on sale today, too.
Cupra Leon
The Cupra Leon is a cheaper alternative to the Volkswagen Golf R. (Cupra)
The sporty sub-brand of Seat, Cupra, features a wide variety of different models that focuses on performance, and one of its best-known cars is the Leon hatchback.
Available with plug-in hybrid power or petrol, the lower-powered models come equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox which involves the driver a little bit more with this high-performance hot hatchback.
The Cupra Leon is well built, looks good and features lots of standard equipment to make it a very good all-rounder and ideal for those looking at something for an alternative to a Volkswagen Golf R or Audi S3.
Mazda3
The Mazda3 is a great all-rounder. (Mazda)
The Mazda3 is a sensible, efficient and practical small family hatchback that offers a great driving experience with a host of different trim levels and engine options. In addition, the 3 comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox that is a joy to use; every gear change feels mechanical and well-engineered.
This makes the car even better to drive and with Mazda’s excellent reputation for reliability and quality, you certainly can’t go wrong with this very likeable small family hatchback.
With a 49kWh battery pack and chunky off-road styling, the Inster Cross will be Hyundai’s smallest electric crossover.
Hyundai has revealed prices and specifications for its funky Inster Cross.
Prices start at £28,745 with the only optional extras consisting of paintwork choices and a Tech pack – which includes a vehicle-to-load function and a digital key for £500.
Underneath its quirky skin lies a 49kWh battery pack and an electric motor that Hyundai claims can do up to 223 miles on a single charge – the motor itself produces a total of 113bhp.
Unlike the standard Inster, the Cross features a host of exterior and interior upgrades to give it a more rugged look with 17-inch alloy wheels, chunkier front and rear bumpers, cross side skirts and black cladding.
Standard equipment includes automatic headlights, LED headlamps and rear tail lights, automatic wipers, power folding door mirrors and the all-important heat pump.
The Cross comes with plenty of standard equipment. (Hyundai)
Inside, the car retains the same sliding and reclining rear seats as in the standard model, along with heated front seats and steering wheel, single-zone climate control, ambient lighting, an opening glass sunroof, rear privacy glass and keyless entry with push-button start.
Ashley Andrew, president of Hyundai and Genesis UK, said: “With its distinctive styling and segment-leading technology, Inster is already an exciting proposition. The Inster Cross only furthers that versatility and appeal with its bold design and added features, and continues to showcase Hyundai’s position as an industry leader in electrification.”
Order books for the new Inster Cross are open now, with deliveries expected to commence later this year.
We’re kickstarting 2025’s automotive calendar with the Brussels motor show, but what are the best and most important new cars at the event?
We’re only two weeks into the new year and the automotive calendar is already in full swing for the Brussels motor show.
This year, a host of new battery-electric vehicles are to make an appearance at the show, ranging from the budget end of the market, right up to the luxury and executive class.
SUVs are still the most popular choice of car, with other car makers jumping on the bandwagon with BEVs. So, what is there to expect if you decide to visit the Brussels motor show, which takes place from January 10 to January 19?
We’ve compiled a list of the best and most important new cars here at the show.
Renault Twingo concept
The Twingo will be one of the cheapest new EVs on sale. (Renault)
We’ve already seen Renault’s dinky Twingo concept, but Brussels is where the firm revealed its interior layout which looks to keep some of the design cues from the original car from the early 1990s with its translucent bubble for a hazard warning light switch. Other neat touches are the seaback knobs which Renault say are inspired from skateboard wheels, as well as a variety of different storage areas dotted about the place including under the dashboard and in between the front seats.
The Twingo is set to take on the Dacia Spring, with prices to be under £17,000 when the car goes on sale. However, at this stage, it’s still not decided whether Renault will bring the Twingo over to the UK.
Mazda6e
The Mazda6e will sit alongside the firm’s MX-30 EV. (Mazda)
The second EV in Mazda’s line-up and the return of the ‘6’ name to the firm. The Mazda6e will be available to buy in the UK from early 2026 along with a choice of two different battery packs and two trim levels to choose from.
Its design features frameless doors and integrated door handles, while at the back there is brand-specific lettering and a full-width lightbar.
Mazda claims that the 68.8kWh battery can do up to 300 miles on a single charge, whereas the larger 80kWh unit can do up to 345 miles.
Suzuki e Vitara
The e Vitara is Suzuki’s first EV. (Suzuki)
Better late than never to jump on the EV bandwagon, but Suzuki has finally now got an electric model in its vehicle line-up with the e Vitara.
This new model is built in conjunction with Toyota, and will utilise the same ‘Heartect-e’ platform, battery, chassis and interior as the new Toyota Urban Cruiser.
The e Vitara will go on sale here in the UK in the summer and will be offered with a choice of two battery packs being a 49kWh unit or a larger 61kWh that Suzuki claims can travel up to 250 miles between trips to the plug.
DS No 8
The DS No8 will have a class-leading EV range. (DS)
DS is showcasing its latest and most luxurious model yet with the No 8. This will be the first model in the firm to use the new naming strategy and will be available only as an EV.
The car features a 16-inch infotainment touchscreen as well as an x-shaped steering wheel design.
Underneath its skin, you’ll find the same underpinning as in Peugeot’s E-3008, meaning the car comes with a 73kWh or a 97kWh battery pack, which the latter has a claimed electric driving range of up to 466 miles.
Skoda Enyaq
The Skoda Enyaq is one of the best electric SUVs on sale. (Skoda)
One of the best electric SUVs, the Skoda Enyaq, has just been given an extensive makeover.
This big Skoda now utilises the firm’s latest design language it calls ‘Modern Solid’ which includes brand-specific lettering on the bonnet as well as an illuminated front end.
Equipment levels have been improved with all cars now featuring heated front seats and steering wheel, tri zone climate control and adaptive cruise control.
The new Enyaq will be made available with the same two battery packs with a choice of three power configurations. The 59kWh unit can do a claimed 268 miles from its electric motor and produces 201bhp. The larger 77kWh battery pack with electric motor can return a claimed 365 miles and produces 282bhp.
BYD Atto 2
The Atto 2 will be rivalling the Vauxhall Frontera. (BYD)
BYD’s rapidly expanding vehicle line-up now includes the new Atto 2, which will be rivaling cars like the new Vauxhall Frontera.
Although prices are yet to be revealed, they should be competitive. Under the bonnet, from launch, there will be a 45.1kWh battery pack and electric motor that BYD claims can run up to 194 miles on a single charge. Later down the line there will be the option of a larger battery pack with increased range.
The Atto 2 will sit beneath the bigger Atto 3 and above the smaller Dolphin in the firm’s line-up with the car expected to go on sale in February this year.
With a choice of two battery powertrains, the 6e will go on sale in the UK from 2026, featuring a five-door hatchback bodystyle.
Mazda has used this year’s Brussels motor show to unveil its next electric car – introducing the 6e.
The Mazda6e will be the firm’s second EV, sitting alongside the MX-30 in the brand’s model line-up.
Available as a five-door hatchback, the car will be offered with a choice of two battery packs. The former is a 68.8kWh unit with an electric motor that delivers 254bhp and 320Nm of torque while 0-60mph is dealt with in 7.4 seconds. Mazda claims this offering will take the car up to 300 miles on a single charge and is compatible with 200kW DC rapid charging, taking the vehicle from a 10 to 80 per cent top up in 22 minutes. The latter is a larger 80kWh unit with an electric motor that develops 240bhp and has the same torque figures as the former, while 0-60mph takes 7.6 seconds. It has a claimed range of up to 345 miles and a DC rapid charge takes 45 minutes to get the car from a 10 to 80 per cent.
The car’s design utilises frameless doors, integrated door handles and 19-inch alloy wheel designs. At the back, there is a horizontal tail light bar as well as brand-specific lettering which replaces the old Mazda logo on the bootlid. Finally, there is an extendable rear spoiler which Mazda claims enhances stability at speed.
It features a floating centre console. (Mazda)
Inside, there is a panoramic glass roof and a floating centre console and instrument panel. In terms of technology, the 6e comes with a 14.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, while a head-up display also comes fitted, too.
Mazda’s 6e will offer up to 330 litres of rear boot space, supplemented by an additional 70 litre front boot – ideal for stowing charging cables. Also, Mazda will offer the car in two different flavours, consisting of Takumi and Takumi Plus – more details on these specifications will be revealed in due course.
Two battery packs are on offer. (Mazda)
Jeremy Thomson, managing director at Mazda Motors UK, said: “The Mazda6e is the car our dealers have been waiting for, with a nod to the popularity of the Mazda6 it’s a real statement of intent for the future and illustrates how Mazda can bring great design, technology and style to battery electric vehicles. And with the suspension, power steering and braking carefully calibrated by the team at Mazda research Europe in Frankfurt to match European and UK preferences, I’m sure the Mazda6e will be an electric car that delivers that engaging driver experience you’d expect from a Mazda.”
Prices, full specifications and order book openings are yet to be revealed but the car is expected to go on sale in the UK in the first half of 2026.
Skoda’s flagship SUV has been given the vRS makeover as well as the SE L and Sportline models receiving a new engine.
Skoda has revealed prices and specifications for the performance-focused Kodiaq vRS – along with a new engine for the SE L and Sportline models.
The vRS will sit at the top of the Kodiaq line-up and will feature equipment such as LED matrix headlights, keyless entry and an electric tailgate with a virtual wave pedal that allows you to open the boot simply by waving your foot under the rear bumper.
The exterior is also enhanced by a gloss black finish for the radiator grille, D-pillar and window surrounds. The vRS also comes with redesigned front bumpers with a horizontal light strip in the front grille, stainless steel exhaust tips, body-coloured side sills and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The vRS features sports seats and a three-spoke sports steering wheel. (Skoda)
On the inside, there are sports seats which are electrically adjustable with integrated headrests, a black headlining and a three-spoke sports steering wheel.
The vRS is powered by an improved 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that develops 261bhp – 20bhp more than the outgoing model – and 400Nm of torque. It takes the car from 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and the car runs onto a top speed of 142mph.
Skoda has also introduced a new engine for the SE L and Sportline seven-seater versions in the Kodiaq range. The new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces a total of 201bhp and 320Nm of torque and sits alongside existing plug-in hybrid and diesel options.
Prices for the new Kodiaq vRS start at £52,595 with orders opening on January 16. Prices for the newly powered SE L and Sportline models, meanwhile, start at £45,255 and rise to £47,755.
The French electric city car will cost under £17,000 when it goes on sale in 2026 as a rival to Dacia’s Spring.
Renault has unveiled the interior of its upcoming Twingo electric city car – which will arrive in 2026.
New images show a seven-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen. There are three physical dials for the air-conditioning, which sit next to the hazard warning light switch that Renault refers to as a ‘translucent bubble’ and harks back to the original Twingo launched back in the early 1990s.
Renault has aimed to maximise the usable space inside this compact city car, with storage underneath the dashboard and between the front seats to stow bags and other items. Meanwhile, the cylindrical design cue that runs the width of the dashboard can also hold items such as a book, phone or sunglasses within easy reach of the passenger.
The Twingo will go on sale next year with prices to cost the equivalent of £17,000. (Renault)
The floor of the car is made from cork, a material that is resistant and durable – ideal for hard city life. Plus, the upholstery in the car reflects that used in the original with the seats matching the exterior colour of the vehicle and subtle touches on the door cards and dashboard.
The rear seat features a 50:50 split folding function to increase the boot space – although Renault has not revealed its capacity at this stage.
There is a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. (Renault)
Other interior features include the fixed headrests that incorporate a magnetic area, allowing for rear passengers to attach their mobile phones. There is also an elastic strap that doubles up as a pocket to store water bottles. The seatback knob is inspired by a skateboard wheel to reflect the youthful character and urban environment the Twingo will be dealing with.
The Twingo is said to cost the equivalent of under £17,000 when it goes on sale in 2026 to rival the likes of the Dacia Spring.
The Atto 2 will sit below the Atto 3 in the range and will utilise a choice of two battery packs, with sales starting in February.
BYD has revealed its latest addition to its expanding electric vehicle portfolio with the Atto 2.
From launch, the standard-range edition will come with a 45.1kWh battery pack and electric motor. It produces a total of 174bhp, and the firm claims that this powertrain will take the car 194 miles on a single charge. Later down the line, the Atto 2 will be offered with a larger battery pack – although its size and electric range are yet to be revealed at this stage.
The car will also be the first in the firm’s range to use a cell-to-body construction and sits on a new e-Platform 3.0. This means that the vehicle’s battery is built into the chassis.
The new Atto 2 uses similar design cues to other BYD models in the range with LED headlights, lower plastic body cladding and a floating roofline. At the back, a roof spoiler and full-width light bar join up to what BYD refers to as the ‘Chinese knot’ tail lights that look like the number eight.
The interior features a large infotainment screen and physical shortcut buttons. (BYD)
On the inside, the car features a centre console with cupholders and an armrest, which doubles up to reveal an extended storage area. Plus, there are physical shortcut buttons for things like the front and rear demister alongside a large infotainment screen.
Boot space stands at 400 litres, extendable to 1,340 litres when the rear bench is folded down which is not too far off its larger stablemate, the Atto 3.
From launch the car will feature a 45.1kWh battery pack. (BYD)
Stella Li, BYD executive vice president, said: “We’re excited to start 2025 with another important model for our plans in Europe. The B-segment SUV class is incredibly popular here, and with the Atto 2, we have an agile and versatile offering that will appeal to that large potential customer base.
“It takes all of BYD’s strengths in batteries, electric motors and cell-to-body construction and combines them in a compact package that brings new intelligent technologies to the urban SUV class.”
The Atto 2 will go on sale in February with prices yet to be revealed. However, the car will make its first appearance at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show from January 10 to January 19.
The Czech firm’s largest EV has just been given a refresh, but what has the competition got to offer?
The Enyaq was one of Skoda’s first entries into the battery-electric market when it went on sale back in 2021.
Now for 2025, the car has been given a new makeover to improve its looks and onboard technology to make this electric SUV even more popular.
With two battery options and even more standard equipment, the Enyaq certainly is a tough act to follow.
Although the Enyaq is a very worthy car, there is a lot of competition in the medium electric SUV class, with manufacturers all fighting for the spotlight in this overcrowded market.
We’ve compiled a list of the Enyaq’s rivals to see what this updated electric SUV is going up against.
Peugeot E-3008
The E-3008 has one of the best electric driving ranges in its class. (Peugeot)
The latest Peugeot E-3008 features a rather striking design with lots of angular and bold creases making it really stand out on the road. Inside, the wild and wacky theme continues with the car utilising the firm’s famously small steering wheel, alongside touch-sensitive i-toggle switches and Peugeot’s i-cockpit dashboard.
To drive, the numb steering and heavy weight of the vehicle make it rather bland and cumbersome to drive. But, where the Peugeot shines is with its battery electric range. The standard 73kWh battery pack and electric motor give a claimed 327 miles of range. There is also a larger 97kWh unit that Peugeot says can do up to 435 miles between trips to plug which makes this SUV best-in-class for its driving range.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling car in the UK in December. (Tesla)
As Britain’s best-selling car in December, the Tesla Model Y has plenty of positives to make this a worthy contender to the Skoda.
For starters, Tesla’s excellent supercharging network means you have a great array of chargers to pick from, reducing dreaded range anxiety. The Model Y has a decent claimed range of up to 283 miles for the 60kWh battery pack or 331 miles for the larger 78kWh unit. Plus, it’s very practical with lots of interior space and a rather impressive 854-litre boot space with an additional 117-litre front boot, too. Its interior layout with no physical buttons won’t be to everyone’s taste and to drive, the car is rather anonymous, but there’s no getting away from the fact that this car is a rather worthy contender.
Kia EV6
The EV6 comes with a seven-year warranty. (Kia)
Kia’s EV6 is good to drive, comes with lots of standard equipment and looks great with its flush door handles and swooping body design.
Powering the car is an 84kWh battery pack with a single electric motor or a dual motor setup to make all-wheel-drive. This powertrain allows the car to do a claimed 361 miles for the former and 329 miles for the latter.
Inside, the interior is of high quality with lots of soft-touch materials and there is sufficient space for all occupants. The EV6 is also great out on the road with nicely weighted steering, brisk performance and a rather smooth ride, making this EV a great all-rounder. Not to mention the added peace of mind of Kia’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty.
Audi Q4 e-tron
The Q4 e-tron sits on the same MEB platform as the Enyaq. (Audi)
Based on the same platform as the Enyaq, Audi’s Q4 e-tron offers a sportier driving experience with a premium badge.
Audi has recently updated the Q4 e-tron with subtle exterior and interior enhancements to make this electric SUV better than it was before. The interior quality is excellent and there is good space on offer for items.
However, even though the Audi is more premium than the Skoda, it still isn’t as well thought out as its Czech Republic stablemate with annoying touch-sensitive buttons and its 77kWh battery pack with either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive can only do a maximum of 329 miles with the former model.
Nissan Ariya
The Ariya comes with a choice of two battery packs. (Nissan)
From Japan, we have the Nissan Ariya with a choice of either a 63kWh battery pack or a larger 87kWh unit.
The former can travel a claimed 250 miles, while the latter can do up to 329 miles. The Ariya also has a smart-looking interior design, comes with a heat pump as standard and features lots of interior space – making it very practical for a family.
Its boot capacity may not be the largest and its slower charging speeds of 130kW may not be as good as the Skoda’s 175kW, but the Ariya is still an electric SUV that is worth taking note of.
Cupra Tavascan
The Tavascan is the sportier alternative to the Enyaq. (Cupra)
Just launched and also sitting on the same MEB platform as the Skoda is Cupra’s sportier alternative – the Tavascan.
The Tavascan has an upmarket interior layout, and a coupe-esque design that offers lots of space for passengers. It still suffers the same issues as with the Audi Q4 e-tron with fiddly touch-sensitive controls and the ride is a bit firm due to the larger alloy wheels.
But there are also several powertrain options to choose from, as well as a 77kWh battery pack which unlocks a range of up to 353 miles. The Tavascan is the sportier alternative in this list that looks good and should be a popular choice for those wanting an electric SUV with a more dynamic nature.
The Junior is Alfa’s first mass-produced electric vehicle, but is it any good? Jack Evans finds out.
What is it?
Alfa Romeo is going through a period of transition
Alfa Romeo, like so many other brands, is on a path towards electrification. It’s part of the wider Stellantis group, which means that it – alongside brands such as Vauxhall and Peugeot – is committed to producing more battery-powered vehicles than before.
But for Alfa Romeo, that poses an even greater problem. The Italian firm has been behind some of the most iconic petrol-powered cars ever made, so how do you go about transferring that passion and flair into a battery-powered vehicle? It all starts with the Junior – the car that we’re looking at here.
What’s new?
Extra brake performance would improve the experience
You may remember that the Junior had a slightly difficult start to life. Alfa launched its new EV as ‘Milano’ before a backlash from the Italian government – the Junior isn’t made in Italy, after all, but in Poland – forced it to rethink the name. Now, we have the Junior.
New name in place, the Junior sits on a platform which is shared with all manner of Stellantis-made EVs, such as the Peugeot e-2008, Fiat 600e and Jeep Avenger. Differentiating it is tricky, therefore, but it’s what is needed to help the Junior to stand out.
What’s under the bonnet?
Alfa’s trademark grille is present and correct with the Junior
As standard, the Junior comes equipped with a single electric motor which produces 154bhp and 260Nm of torque. This equates to a 0-60mph time of 8.8 seconds and flat-out the Junior will manage a top speed of 150mph. Range-wise, Alfa claims that you should get 250 miles between top-ups, while 100kW charging capacity could see a 20 to 80 per cent charge finished in around half an hour.
You can also get the Junior with a more powerful electric setup in the range-topping Veloce model. Here, you get 278bhp and a revised suspension system though this car’s range does drop back to 215 miles.
What’s it like to drive?
The rear of the Junior is dominated by a large gloss black section
There’s a typical Alfa alertness to the steering that you get from the Junior; it’s a car which does feel lighter than you may expect while simultaneously handling corners in a composed and assured manner. As with many EVs the Junior struggles at the low-speed experience, with potholes and road imperfections sending spikes and shudders through the car. At greater speeds, it’s nicely settled, however. The performance that you get from the electric motor is decent enough too, though heavy presses of the accelerator can sometimes lead the front wheels to go ‘light’ as they scrabble for grip.
The brakes do let the side down. Whereas the steering has some pleasant sharpness to it, the brakes offer little in the way of feel and – at times – don’t seem to be bringing the car to a stop as effectively as you’d like. Some extra bite from the brakes would be much appreciated, that’s for sure.
How does it look?
The Junior’s headlights are sharp in design
There’s no mistaking the Junior as a car from any other brand but Alfa Romeo. The Italian firm has done a great job of infusing this model with plenty of its design hallmarks, with the large ‘shield’ grille making an instant impression.
It feels as though the design is less successful at the rear, mind you, but that’s down to personal preference. Finished in ‘Brera Red’ our test car certainly looked the part and gave a good indication that Alfa will be able to transfer its historically good-looking designs onto its new EVs.
What’s it like inside?
The interior’s design is quite subdued
There’s a mixed bag of approaches inside the cabin of the Junior. For starters, the seating position is reasonably high, but you do have a decent view out of the front of the car. Material-wise the Junior does have some harsher feeling plastics here and there, and the dark interior of the car can feel a little oppressive at times – particularly due to the wide use of black materials and accents.
Rear-seat space isn’t too bad but it’s not as roomy as cars like the Kia EV3, mainly due to the Junior’s large central tunnel hump at the back. In terms of boot space, the Junior offers up 400 litres – and though that’s more than you’ll get from a Volvo EX30, is less than you’ll find in the mechanically-similar Peugeot e-3008 which has 434 litres of boot space.
What’s the spec like?
The intricate wheels look good
Prices for the Alfa Romeo Junior start from £33,895, with base cars coming well equipped. In fact, all models get diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a main instrument cluster of the same size. You also get an efficiency-booting heat pump as standard – something which is left out of the included equipment on many EVs at this price point.
Step up to Speciale trim like our test car and you’ll find the price rise to £35,695 while adding premium six-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, and a greater suite of driver assistance systems such as lane centring assistance and an upgraded automatic emergency braking setup. In truth, the basic specification fits the bill – it’s still got all of the features that most drivers would need.
Verdict
The Alfa Romeo Junior is a great start for this Italian brand in the EV world. It’s got looking and has enough dynamic poise to differentiate itself from the other cars within the Stellantis group with which it shares a platform.
It’d be nice if the interior shared some of the flair of the exterior – and we’d appreciate some extra bite from the brake pedal – but keep to lower specifications and the Junior could prove to be an enticing option. It’s certainly one of the best from the current crop of Stellantis EVs.
Facts at a glance
Model as tested: Alfa Romeo Junior Eletrica Speciale
