Alfa Romeo’s new subcompact crossover was revealed last week; the Milano will be called Junior when sales begin later this year.
Alfa Romeo announced the new call on Monday and quoted an Italian as banning the use of the so-called Milano.
An Italian law prohibits the use of an Italian city’s name for products made in some other country, in this case Poland. Instead of questioning the law, Alfa Romeo said it had to replace the naming with “the spirit of selling mutual understanding. “”
The original Milano name evokes Alfa Romeo’s Milanese roots, but is also reminiscent of the Milano sedan sold in the United States in the 1980s. It was selected as the most popular choice for the new crossover, not by Alfa Romeo employees but by the automaker’s enthusiasts. Through a survey, Junior was another popular appellation among enthusiasts, Alfa Romeo said.
2025 Alfa Romeo Junior
Like Milano, the so-called Junior appears in Alfa Romeo’s past. It was first used in Alfa Romeo’s GT 1300 Junior introduced in 1966.
Whatever the name, there are no plans to introduce the crossover to the U. S. market. Elsewhere, it will serve as a new gateway for Alfa Romeo now that the Giulietta and Mito sedans are gone.
Alfa Romeo retains all the core functions until its launch in the European market this summer, but buyers, depending on the market, will be able to choose between mild hybrid and all-electric powertrains, making the crossover Alfa Romeo’s first electric vehicle. Two electric propulsion systems are supplied. It will be offered with a single front-mounted engine. Maximum power will deliver 240 hp.
Alfa Romeo intends to offer an electric option in each and every vehicle it launches this decade. The next style in the works is a redesigned Stelvio expected in 2025. It will be followed by a redesigned Giulia in 2026. Although it has not yet been announced. Confirmed, a midsize SUV is expected to debut in 2027 as the latest addition to Alfa Romeo’s baseline.